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DIY With WI

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Gator Base

DIY with WI

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How should you install Gator Base underneath your pavers?

Gator Base is a high-density, interlocking large foam panel used as a substitute for traditional gravel base material in paver projects. Instead of excavating four to six inches in your project area, when using Gator Base you only need to excavate for a little bit of bedding and ¾ of an inch for Gator Base, cutting down on excavation by around 50% for most projects. Gator Base also provides insulation as an additional benefit.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to installing this durable material as your hardscape base.

Step #1: Design and Layout

When it comes to designing and laying out an area that will use Gator Base, it is essentially the same process as any other project. Simply mark out your chosen area using white marking paint, adding in an extra several inches on the side to allow for your edge restraint.

Once you have settled on your area and marked the dimensions of your project, you are ready to grade and excavate.

Step #2: Grade and Excavate

The finished grade of a patio or other hardscape varies depending on the circumstances. Once you have settled on what grade you prefer for your project, mark it out with string lines to use as a guide.

After the grading is complete, excavate the area to accommodate the height of your pavers, ¾ inches of Gator Base, and one inch for bedding material. This step saves you a lot of time and effort as it requires much less excavation than if you were using a gravel base.

Step #3: Lay Bedding Material

Now that your area is graded and excavated, you can move on to laying weed barrier fabric and paver bedding. If you are laying your pavers on top of sand or sandy soil, you should first compact that sand so the pavers do not shift.

We recommend that you use a non-woven geotextile fabric, and then a ¼ inch rock to use as bedding material, and spread it out over the fabric.

Step #4: Lay Gator Base

Gator Base panels are typically 18” by 36”, so you can usually cover your area quickly. Lay your panels around halfway offset from each other. The panels have many locking tabs on each one, making it easy to lay them however you wish. Creating an offset pattern helps with the stability of the paver base.

Lay the Gator Base panels on top of the chipstone, and you are ready to lay your pavers.

Step #5: Install Pavers and Complete Project

Now that your Gator Base is installed, you are ready to install your pavers and finalize your project. You should use edge restraint along the edges as it comes with specialized anchors that will go through the Gator Base.

Finally, sweep in your joint sand and your Gator Base installation and the entire hardscape is complete. 

Explore Additional Resources

If you are ready to get started and choose what pavers will go best with your dream hardscape design 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.

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  • Hi, I'm
  • and I need
  • for my
  • . I'm interested in
  • and I want to
  • . I live in
  • ,
  • and you can reach me at
  • or
  • .
  • If you’re located outside of our service areas (CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, UT), please call 503-623-9084 to get recommendations on where to purchase your pavers.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
contractors, are you ready?
Place an order or build your own quote
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