Should You Pour Gravel Into a Concrete Block Foundation?

Dig out the foundation for the pavement site with a shovel. Unearth 8 inches of dirt for a patio or walkway, and 12 inches for a driveway. Go over the area with a compactor or tamper tool to compact loose dirt at the bottom.

Pour 3/4 inch gravel into the foundation in 3-inch layers. Spread the gravel evenly with a rake and tamp until the rocks resist force. Continue pouring in more gravel and tamping it until you have a 5-inch base for a walkway or patio and an 8-inch base for a driveway.

Fit edge restraints against the interior edges. Use metal, wood or another strong material and fasten them down with lawn spikes and a hammer.

Rake a 1- to 1 1/2-inch layer of grit sand over the gravel. The sand smooths the top and creates friction beneath the blocks.

Place the concrete blocks over the grit sand according to your planned arrangement. Use a traditional basket weave or half-basket weave pattern if you're working with rectangular blocks, or fit different sized pieces together like a puzzle. Adjust the amount of sand as necessary, to make adjacent blocks level.

Spread masonry sand over the block surface with a stiff brush to fill in the narrow crevices between each block.

Seal the pavement with penetrating acrylic sealant and a roller brush to repel water from the joints and surface, while allowing moisture to escape.