How Deep Should I Dig to Install 16 Inch Square Pavers?

Thickness of the Stone

• The thickness of the 16-inch pavers is part of the overall installation, and is of primary importance because it dictates the finish layer of your pavers. The thickness of the pavers has to be added to the overall depth of the excavation. For example, while your base layer might be 6 inches and your cushion layer 3 inches, if your stones are 3 inches thick you will need at least 12 inches depth to flush out the pavers with the surface.

Base Layer

• The base layer of aggregate you use for your paver installation is as important as the thickness of the stones themselves. As a general rule walkways for pedestrians utilize a 4-inch to 6-inch thick layer of pea gravel or other rough aggregate to provide drainage as well as support for the cushion layer of sand or stone dust. This layer is in addition to the thickness of your cushion layer and the thickness of the stones themselves.

Cushion Layer

• Part of the overall thickness of the paver installation is the cushion layer of sand or stone dust that goes on top of the aggregate layer. For most walkways or patios this is a 2-inch to 4-inch thick layer of compacted sand that acts as a cushion for the pavers on top. More sand can be added as you are installing the pavers to make up for any inconsistencies in the size of the stones, and the pavers are tamped down into this compacted layer.

Settling

• An important aspect of paver installation is the concept of settling over time. As the layers of sand and aggregate beneath the pavers settle into the soil the height of the overall installation will sink over time. One way to help combat this issue is to allow yourself an inch or so of flexibility in your installation. For example, if your pavers are 3 inches thick and you need an overall 12 inches of depth, you can dig down 11 inches and compact everything in place with the expectation that the stones will eventually sink that extra inch over time.