Are you preparing to begin a DIY paver project? If so, you may feel overwhelmed with the variety of options available for pavers and other materials that go into laying hardscape.
Base material is one of the most important materials in a paver project. The base is one of the most significant parts of the project, as it will affect the performance and longevity of your hardscape.
In this blog post, we compare three different base materials so you can make the best decision for your project.
The most common base materials we recommend for paver installations are gravel, sand, and Gator base. Each has some benefits and some less-than-ideal aspects.
Gravel is one of the most common materials used for paver projects. It is a great choice if you are looking for something versatile, easy to work with, and provides excellent stability and drainage for various climates and weather conditions.
If you opt to use gravel for your paver project, you should be aware that it is not as ideal for high-traffic areas where it will be unevenly compacted regularly. Gravel also can allow weeds to sprout through and come up in between your pavers. However, you can use gravel and still discourage weed growth by laying some geotextile fabric underneath the gravel layer.
One of the biggest benefits of using sand for your paver base is that it provides excellent drainage. If you install pavers in an area that will receive a large amount of rainfall, a sand base will help prevent pooling and water accumulation. Sand also will provide a stable base and discourage the pavers from shifting over time.
One slight downside of using sand for your paver base is that it sometimes will erode over long periods of time. It also does occasionally allow weeds to sprout up through, although, as with gravel, weeds can be prevented with a quality geotextile fabric.
The final option for paver base is a product known as Gator Base, a manufactured product made of polypropylene. Gator Base interlocks together and requires much less excavation, saving you time on your project. It is one of our top recommendations for paver base, as it will save you time and money in the long run and is very simple to install.
It is true that Gator Base can be more costly upfront, but its almost certain longevity easily makes the investment worth the extra cost. You should be aware, however, that Gator Base is only recommended for areas that will receive pedestrian traffic.
As you choose what base to use for your DIY paver project, consider the specifications of the area you are turning into a driveway, patio, or walkway. Each project will be different, and the paver base that is best for each will also likely differ. For example, if you know that your area will receive only pedestrian traffic, you can confidently choose Gator Base, while if you are installing something larger like a driveway, Gator Base is not recommended, and you should consider using a sand base instead.
If you are ready to get started and choose what materials to use for your hardscape project, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Also, check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for any step of your hardscape project, from your project base to the finishing touches.
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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