If you’re planning to install a patio, walkway, or driveway with paver stones, you might wonder if you can skip the extra steps and lay them directly on dirt. After all, wouldn’t that save time and effort?
The short answer: No—and here’s why.
At first, laying pavers on dirt might seem like an easy shortcut. But over time, shifting soil, moisture buildup, and lack of support will cause pavers to sink, separate, and become uneven. Without a stable foundation, your hardscape won’t function as intended and will require constant adjustments and repairs.
Instead of cutting corners, investing in proper base preparation will ensure your paver project stays strong and stable for years to come. In this article, we’ll explain why dirt is a poor base, what happens if you skip the base, and how to do it the right way.
A strong foundation is essential for a long-lasting, level paver installation. While laying pavers on dirt may seem convenient, soil naturally shifts over time, making it a poor base material.
One of the biggest challenges with dirt is its constant movement. Soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels. When it rains, dirt absorbs water and becomes soft. When it dries out, it shrinks and hardens. This ongoing cycle creates an unstable surface that leads to tripping hazards, gaps between stones, and an unpolished look.
Beyond movement, dirt also lacks the strength needed to support the weight of a hardscape. Unlike a compacted gravel base, which distributes weight evenly, soil is soft and inconsistent. Over time, pavers laid on dirt will begin to sink, especially in high-use areas. This means that patios with furniture, walkways with frequent foot traffic, or driveways that bear the weight of vehicles will experience uneven settling. As a result, you’ll constantly need to adjust or reset pavers to keep the surface level.
Another major issue with dirt as a base is its tendency to retain moisture. Since soil absorbs and holds water, it creates drainage problems that weaken the entire installation. Pooled water beneath pavers can erode the ground, forming soft spots and accelerating instability. In colder climates, trapped moisture expands when it freezes, pushing pavers out of place, making the surface even more uneven and requiring costly repairs.
Skipping the base might seem like an easy way to start your project, but it’s never worth the hassle. A compacted gravel base provides the support and drainage needed to keep pavers level and secure. A well-prepared foundation prevents settling, manages drainage, and ensures a professional-looking hardscape that stays level and secure for years to come.
A proper base consists of a layer of compacted aggregate material beneath a smooth bedding layer, ensuring your pavers remain stable. If you’re unsure how to get started, check out these expert resources:
Once your base is properly prepared, the way you lay each paver is just as important. The Click and Drop Method is a simple yet effective technique that ensures pavers sit level, maintain uniform spacing, and stay in place over time. By carefully positioning each paver and lowering it into place rather than forcing or dropping it, you can achieve a cleaner, more consistent installation.
This method works for both standard pavers and larger slabs, such as Lastra or other heavy-format stones. If you’re working with larger pavers, make sure you can handle them safely before installation.
To see the full step-by-step process of the Click and Drop Method, check out: How to Place Pavers with the Click and Drop Method.
A successful paver installation starts with a solid plan. Before breaking ground, it’s important to consider key factors like paver selection, project scope, and whether you’ll be installing it yourself or hiring a contractor. Thoughtful planning ensures a smoother installation process and helps you avoid unexpected challenges along the way.
Western Interlock’s Project Planning Guide provides everything you need to prepare. It walks you through choosing the right materials, estimating costs, and understanding the correct base depth for different applications. The guide also includes checklists, supplier and contractor comparison charts, and expert installation best practices to help you build a durable, beautiful hardscape.
Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or an experienced hardscaper, this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge to complete your project.
Download the Project Planning Guide
Laying pavers on dirt might seem like an easy shortcut, but it leads to long-term problems like sinking, shifting, and drainage issues. A proper base is the key to a durable, low-maintenance, and professional-looking hardscape that will stand the test of time.
Instead of skipping the base, start your project the right way with expert guidance from Western Interlock. Whether you’re installing a patio, walkway, or driveway, our resources will help you achieve a long-lasting, beautiful result.
Explore our paver selection to get started today.
Choosing a paver can sure feel overwhelming. You have to consider size, style, thickness, color, and more. That’s why we made a short and simple quiz that asks a few questions about what you’re looking for and, at the end, provides a recommendation, or two, you can start with.
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