How Permeable Pavers Work
Have you ever wondered what makes permeable pavers … permeable? How do they work? A common misconception in the hardscaping world is that a permeable paver allows water directly through […]
In this article, we will look at Hybrid Base Construction—what it is, and the benefits and drawbacks of using it for your project.
A standard paver base consists of compacted gravel in the base layer and concrete sand in the bedding layer.
On the other hand, a permeable paver base uses a deeper porous drainage stone and installation methods for the bottom and ¼-10” as the bedding layer.
A hybrid base, which we’re discussing in this article, uses the standard base construction in conjunction with permeable base bedding. In short, Hybrid Base Construction combines traditional and permeable base.
What are the benefits of installing a hybrid base for your pavers instead of the traditional base?
The way the hybrid base is structured makes it incredibly smooth for walking. The high compaction of the material makes it easier to walk on during installation. Not to mention less likely that the pavers shift around at any point.
If you live in an area (such as the PNW) with a wide variety of weather types, a hybrid base can be a good choice for your paver base. It will hold up in all sorts of weather, including heat, rain, and snow.
Ease of installation can be one of the most significant factors in deciding what base you want to use for your project. A hybrid base is effortless to level since it uses smaller stones as bedding for the pavers. A less back-breaking job is always a win.
Are there any downsides to installing a hybrid paver base? Let’s consider a few points before you decide to go with a hybrid base.
Concrete edge is a little more challenging to install but certainly not impossible. Because of the more versatile nature of a hybrid paver base, you have to go with a concrete edge restraint to keep everything in place. Perma Paver Edging is your best choice if you want a concrete edge.
One downside to installing a hybrid base is that it may take longer to find the necessary supplies. It is usually easier to find regular concrete bedding sand than the ¼-10” sand required for a hybrid base.
Along with ¼-10” being hard to find comes some extra expense. Rock is more expensive than sand, and the concrete edge restraint can also incur more costs than the supplies for a standard paver base.
If you’re ready to start your paver project, this is the right place for you. Download our 19-page Project Planning Guide to get a breakdown of everything you need to know about your coming paver installation.
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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