What to Use As a Base for Clay Paver Patios

Crushed Rock

• Crushed rock makes a firm surface that still has some resilience. Usually installers use a layer between 4 and 6 inches thick as the bottom of their base. Since the ground does have some movement over time, you will not have any cracks with crushed rock as you might with solid concrete. The use of a tampering pole or machine solidifies the rock for a professional installation.

Sand

• Sand is the cushion for the pavers. It holds the bricks in place with a tighter fit than the crushed rock. If you lay 2 or 3 inches of sand over the crushed rock, the pavers have enough space for slight adjustments. Since every layer needs to be flat and level, you can use a straight section of wood or a thin pipe to drag over the surface. Tampering again, solidifies the base even more.

Landscape Cloth

• Landscaping cloth keeps your sand from washing away after countless rain storms or melting snow. By placing it over the crushed stone, you create a barrier for the sand, holding it in place for your pavers. This cloth needs to be water permeable so that moisture does drain away from the pavers.

Framework

• Although you might not see very much of the frame, it is the wood that keeps your installation straight and square. Installers use weatherproof lumber to create a square edge to hold the crushed rock, sand and pavers in place. Since most of the frame is underground, once it is place, there is almost no movement so the patio stays solid and even.