Paver Base Explained: The Best Base Materials, Sands & Installation Guide

Types of Bases and Sand for Pavers

There are a variety of base materials and sands used in the process of paver installation. Different stages of installs call for different products. Here we will outline the recommended materials at each stage of the project.

Subsoil will be the lowest layer underneath pavers and flagstone. This layer is typically composed of a clay or sandy soil. Once the area that the pavers are going on top of has been excavated, it’s time to set your base layer–typically made of crushed stone or gravel–over the subsoil.

Proper Paver Base Materials

A sturdy paver base is needed to act as a cushion between the earth and to form a strong foundation that will evenly distribute the weight of the pavers and not allow them to shift over time. An ideal paver base material will consist of crushed stone/gravel, not to exceed ¾” stones, along with crushed fines that will interlock for compactibility while still allowing for good drainage.

Types of Sand for Pavers

While a properly laid base is essential for supporting pavers - sand is a key component for leveling the pavers and locking them in place. It is important to know what types of sand to use and where it is best suited.

What is Concrete Sand?

For sand going underneath pavers, you need a coarse sand that will interlock while still allowing for drainage. Concrete sand is a coarse sand containing larger grains and is made of crushed rock and sand, usually granite or limestone, often used in the production of concrete, mortar, and cement. It is an ideal choice for paver bedding sand that will compact and prevent shifting of the pavers. For joint filling between pavers, you will need a different type of sand.

What is Mason Sand?

Mason sand, sometimes called ‘mortar’ or ‘brick’ sand, is a fine, washed, and screened sand typically made from rock like granite, gneiss, limestone, or trap rock. It is often used for mortar mixes, plastering, stucco, and is sometimes suitable for volleyball courts, sandboxes, and beneath swimming pools. When it comes to pavers, mason sand is recommended to use for filling in paver joints to keep them in place. Mason sand can also be used for levelling low areas on the paver sand base and for giving the pavers a nice finish over the top on the surface.

What are Screenings?

Screenings, sometimes called ‘stone dust’, ‘quarry dust’ or ‘grit’, are a pulverized byproduct of the stone-crushing process at quarries and rock yards, typically ⅜” crushed stone down to fines. Screenings are highly compactible and can be used as a final 1-inch bedding layer directly underneath pavers and/or between pavers for stability. Paver screenings can however be too compactible–sometimes trapping water and not allowing for proper drainage. For this reason, screenings are not recommended for cold, icy climates where snowmelt can become trapped and cause pavers to shift. You can read more about screenings and its applications on our screenings blog (link).

Conclusion

A successful paver installation starts with choosing the right materials for each layer—from a well-compacted crushed stone base to the appropriate bedding and joint sand. Using the correct products will improve drainage, prevent shifting, and help your patio, walkway, or driveway stand the test of time. By understanding the purpose of each base material and sand type, you can confidently build a durable, professional-looking paver project that will provide years of lasting performance.

How to Install Pavers (The Right Way)

Basic How-to Guide for Paver Installation

Now that we know and understand the essential construction materials needed for your next paver installation project, let’s get down and dirty with this how-to guide for installing pavers.

This section is a general walk-through guide for installing pavers settled to last.

A great paver patio or driveway isn’t about the pavers — it’s about the base.
Do the groundwork properly, and your surface will stay level, drain well, and last for years.
Here’s the step-by-step process from excavation to final sand finish.

Step 1: Mark and Excavate the Area

Mark your layout with stakes and string lines.

Then excavate:

• 7–9 inches deep for patios and walkways
• 10–12 inches deep for driveways

Remove all grass, roots, and organic soil.

Slope the area slightly (about 1/4" per foot) away from structures for drainage.

Step 2: Install Geotextile Fabric (Recommended)

Lay a permeable landscape fabric over the soil.

This:

• Prevents the base from mixing with soil
• Reduces weed growth
• Improves long-term stability

Not mandatory — but strongly recommended.

Step 3: Install and Compact the Base (Crushed Stone)

Add a crushed stone base (road base or ¾" crushed stone).

• Install in 2–4 inch layers
• Compact each layer thoroughly with a plate compactor

Total base depth:

• 4–6 inches for patios
• 6–8+ inches for driveways

This is the structural foundation.

If this step is rushed, the pavers will settle and shift.

Step 4: Choose and Install Your Bedding Layer

This is where sand or stone dust comes in.

You have three main options:

Option A: Concrete Sand (Most Common Choice)

Concrete sand is coarse and drains well.

It’s the most widely recommended bedding layer for pavers.

• Spread about 1 inch
• Screed it smooth and level
• Do NOT compact before laying pavers

Why use it?

• Excellent drainage
• Resists shifting
• Strong under load

Best all-around choice.

Option B: Mason Sand (Finer, Smoother Finish)

Mason sand is finer and smoother than concrete sand.

• Spread about 1 inch
• Screed level
• Do not compact before laying pavers

Pros:

• Easier to level
• Smoother surface

Cons:

• Holds slightly more moisture
• Not ideal in heavy drainage areas

Best for patios and decorative applications.

Option C: Paver Screenings (Stone Dust)

Paver screenings (also called stone dust) are finely crushed stone.

Some installers use it as a bedding layer instead of sand.

Pros:

• Compacts very tightly
• Creates firm support

Cons:

• Can retain water
• May wash out if not properly installed

If using screenings:

• Install a thin layer (about 1 inch)
• Lightly compact and screed smooth

Best in dry climates with proper drainage.

Step 5: Lay the Pavers

Start from a straight edge or corner.

• Place pavers tightly together
• Follow your chosen pattern
• Check alignment frequently

Use a rubber mallet to gently tap pavers into place.

Step 6: Install Edge Restraints

Secure the perimeter with:

• Plastic paver edging
• Metal edging
• Concrete borders

This prevents spreading and shifting over time.

Step 7: Add Joint Sand (Finishing Layer)

Once pavers are installed:

• Sweep sand over the surface.
• Let it fill all joints.
• Run a plate compactor over the pavers.
• Sweep more sand into joints as needed.

You can use:

• Mason sand (basic option)
• Polymeric sand (hardens when wet for better weed control)

Mason sand works well for standard applications and gives a clean, finished look.

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Pavers

• Never skip base compaction
• Maintain proper slope for drainage
• Keep bedding layer at 1 inch
• Install strong edge restraints

If the base is solid, the pavers will perform.
If the base fails, everything fails.
Build the foundation right — and the surface will take care of itself.