What Are The Materials Used For Paver Installation?

April 20, 2023

What Are The Materials Used For Paver Installation?

If you want to build a paver patio, walkway, driveway or retaining wall, you’ll need to select the proper base material.

Sub-Base

When laying pavers, it’s vital to use the right materials. Often, this means using a sub-base material. The right sub-base can make a huge difference to how long your pavers will last, how smooth they’ll be and whether they’ll settle unevenly over time. It also helps prevent water drainage issues, which could lead to a poor-looking driveway or patio. A good sub-base material should be compacted well, and have a uniform surface texture that doesn’t have too many open voids. These can allow granular materials in the overlying layers to enter the sub-base, causing settlement in the pavement. Crushed stone is a common sub-base material for paving, and it is available in several different varieties. The best type for paver installation is dense grade crushed stone created by quarry processing, which combines 3/4-inch minus stone with small pieces of stone dust that bind together to create a strong, durable base.

Base Layer

The base layer is the most important part of your paver installation. It determines how strong and long-lasting your hardscape will be. The paver base material you choose depends on the application you’re laying your pavers for. It also reflects your overall aesthetic and budget priorities. Paver bases should be built with the proper materials to ensure they are durable and withstand long-term use. Choosing the right base can make all the difference between pavers that look beautiful and those that fall apart after just a few years. For permeable paver installations, a crushed aggregate base is an ideal choice. It drains water quickly and prevents hydrostatic pressure (the force of water pushing against the surface) from causing pavers to break or warp.

Sand

Sand is the most common type of base material used for paver installation as it provides the most stability and is a good choice for most paver patios and walkways. When using sand, it’s important to choose the correct form of sand for your project. A good option is a sand that is course enough to be compacted and compacted uniformly and allows for adequate water drainage. A sand that has angular edges is best, and it should have a particle size of about 1/8 inch in diameter. This is also the most durable sand for use under concrete pavers. Polymeric sand is also a popular choice among hardscape professionals for its durability and ease of application. It is a blend of sand and specific additive particles that bind together when exposed to water. This sand helps to reduce weed growth, resist rain washout and deter insects. It is more expensive and requires more attention to detail, but it will provide longer-lasting results for your customers.

Gravel

When it comes to the gravel base material used for paver installation, there are a few options to choose from. Crushed stone is a popular option for many home improvement projects. This type of base has a high density and is very durable. It is also an environmentally friendly option because it only requires a small amount of energy to break down existing concrete into gravel. Other types of gravel include naturally formed stone and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). RCA is made from broken down concrete, which is a more sustainable option than mining virgin aggregate. Each type of gravel has its own set of benefits and drawbacks so be sure to consult a professional if you have any questions.