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Name: chrisyd1021    City:

Question: The contractor we are hiring to install our paver patio, plans to use only sand as the base. In every how-to instruction I have read, you should be using gravel AND sand. Would there be a problem using just sand??

Name: cre8ive | Date: June 1, 2004, 6:49
Answer: You don't want to use gravel unless you are using a cement base, the gravel helps save in the cost of cement. Sand is much more compactable than gravel and will stay in place better than gravel.

Name: Definitely use both | Date: June 17, 2004, 12:49
Answer: The reason you have read in every how-to instruction to use both is because you need to use both. Absolutely. Positively. Sand is not enough of a base unless you want to replace your patio in 5 years.

Name: Deck1ng | Date: June 18, 2004, 0:20
Answer: I'm not going to argue, you had my answer which I stick by. But most DIY books are written with cost savings in mind. You make your own mind up. Or leave it to the contractor.

Name: NoYb | Date: July 5, 2004, 12:12
Answer: *I guess it may depend on how deep the sand will be. I have been told to dig 5 inches deeper than the bottom of the brick. totaling around 8 with the brick. Ours was placed directly on the dirt and has warped over the years. Gravel will not wash away with the rains or water flow, where sand might.

Name: Mudpie | Date: August 20, 2004, 12:33
Answer: "Just Sand" doesn't work. After ONE rainy season (SF-Bay Area), the bricks are warped and separating/migrating towards the low side. This is with only 2-3" of sand though.

Name: wezzleyman | Date: September 2, 2004, 17:42
Answer: To "gravel" or not to "gravel" depends almost entirely on the type of soil where you are doing your project. We did a paver sidewalk on Chelsea and Fairfield sand (the two soil types on our property) with no more than 1" of imported sand under the pavers. This type of soil is very porous and stable in winter so drainage and problems from "heaving" with frost are non-existent. However, be certain to remove all soil with organic materail in it so you are down to a substrate with proper drainage. Proper slope for surface drainage is also extremely important (1" in 48" is recommended). Bottom line is, know the substrate soils you are working with and add base (gravel or sand) as appropriate. For the DIYer gravel and more sand equates to more work and more money, both of which may be a waste.

Name: paver dr | Date: April 13, 2005, 8:50
Answer: gravel base is needed to have a long lasting paver patio, without it , it will only last for maybe a year or so