How to Prepare Earth for Paving

Without proper preparation, your paving efforts may result in an uneven final surface that doesn't drain properly and my sink in areas saturated with water. Surface preparation requires three layers of material to include a sub-grade, base and bedding. These layers are to be prepared with water, compaction and screeding (leveling) to ensure the paving surface has a solid base.

Hose with sprayer attachment
Compacter
Aggregate base
Sand bedding
Screed

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape and adjust the topsoil until it's level and sloping away from structures at 1/4 inch per every three feet, using your screed (level or leveling stick). Compact the soil with your compactor, lightly spraying the surface if needed to help the soil bind to itself.
- 2
  Pour 4-6 inches of "road base" aggregate over the soil -- 4 inches for foot-traffic sections and 6 inches for paved areas that will experience heavier loads. In the same fashion you screeded your soil, ensure the base is level and matches the slope of the sub-grade using your screed.
- 3
  Spray the base with water until it's damp. Compact the road base with your compactor, spraying water as necessary to ensure the road base binds to itself.
- 4
  Pour 1.5 inches of sand over the compacted road base. This will serve as the bedding for your paving and should remain dry. Check the level and slope during the paving process to ensure the proper drainage is maintained through the final surface.

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