Key takeaways
- A good patio has five layers: soil, geotextile, base stone, bedding sand and pavers.
- Compaction, not thickness alone, keeps the base stable.
- Edge restraint stops the surface from creeping.
- Skipping a layer is how patios fail.
The layers, bottom to top
The bottom layer is the native soil, dug out to firm ground and compacted. Where soil is soft or clay-heavy, a geotextile fabric separates it from the base stone so they do not mix over time.
Next comes the compacted base: crushed stone placed in lifts, typically four to six inches for walks and patios and eight to twelve for driveways. On top goes about an inch of bedding sand, screeded perfectly flat, then the pavers, edge restraint and joint sand.
Why compaction matters
Each lift of base stone is compacted with a plate compactor before the next goes on. Uncompacted base settles under the first rainy season and shows up as dips in the surface.
A level and a string line tell you what the eye cannot. We check the surface in several directions before and after setting.
What shortcuts look like
A thin base, no fabric, sand used where stone should be and no edge restraint all produce a patio that looks fine on day one and starts to dip, shift and grow weeds within a few years.
Ask any contractor to explain their base in inches and materials. A confident answer is a good sign.
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Quick answers
How deep should the base be?
Four to six inches of compacted stone is common for patios and walks, and eight to twelve for driveways, adjusted for soil and use.
Is sand under pavers enough?
No. Sand is only a thin leveling bed. The strength comes from the compacted stone base beneath it.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.