Can this replace a structural design review?

No. It is a planning helper. Confirm load, drainage, soil suitability, and local code requirements with a qualified installer before finalizing materials and quantities.

Does this include labor and contractor costs?

No. Labor, permits, base prep details, compaction testing, and contractor labor are out of scope. You can still enter optional local unit prices for a simple material-only estimate.

Why is there a difference between planning and your local bid?

Bids depend on local soil, delivery, lift methods, and site access. This tool uses only the values you enter and common planning assumptions.

Project planner

Paver Base Project Planner

Enter dimensions and layer depths to estimate excavation volume, base and bedding quantities, edge restraint, a bag-vs-bulk check, paver guidance, and a printable project report.

Open paver base calculator Open paver calculator Open gravel calculator Open calculator directory

Planning inputs

Project configuration

Project type Base material Confirm the local name and gradation with your supplier. Project length (ft) Project width (ft) Paver thickness (in) Use the nominal installed paver thickness. Paver length (in) Paver width (in) Paver waste factor (%) Compacted base depth (in) Bedding sand depth (in) Overdig per side (in) Adds length and width by this amount on each side. Compaction / waste factor (%) Material density (tons / cu yd) Optional bag yield (cu ft/bag) Optional: for bag count and planning. Bag price (optional, each) Bulk price (optional, per cu yd) Delivery fee (optional) Joint width (in) Joint fill depth (in) Polymeric sand yield (cu ft/bag) Use the bag label when available.

Enter only project assumptions and optional prices. No live pricing, no external supplier data, and no contractor quote integration are used.

Project planner output

Update inputs to recalculate excavation volumes, material quantity, cost checks, and a printable report.

Enter valid project dimensions to generate a planning estimate.

Material selector and alias guidance

The base material dropdown uses common local names for compactable paver bases:

crusher run
quarry process / QP
road base
3/4 minus
dense grade aggregate

Ask for screening and exact grade with your supplier and confirm compatibility with your chosen paver and drainage setup. Use supplier instructions and manufacturer guidance where relevant.

Common mistakes

Pea gravel usually does not compact as a base for pavers.
Decorative river rock is not a structural base layer.
Skipping compaction can cause settlement and loose movement.
Overdig changes excavation footprint and should be included in volume planning.
Ignoring edge restraint can lead to edge lift and slab drift over time.
Comparing bag vs bulk without delivery minimum and fee can produce a misleading winner.

Related planning tools

Paver calculator Paver base calculator Bedding sand estimate Gravel calculator Mulch calculator Calculator directory Patio and pathway planners Deck and tile planning references