Having any kind of concrete paver installation at your home is a beneficial addition provided the work is carried out by professionals, but it’s important that the right base materials are selected.
Paver bases are comprised of three different layers of material, each of which have a variety of support functions:
- Subgrade – this is the level that’s the deepest, and is made up of soil that has been compacted beneath the site of the installation
- Subbase – this is the middle level of support, and is placed onto the subgrade soil
- Base – this is the uppermost layer that the pavers will be installed on
It’s important to choose the right base materials when paving, and below are some of the main qualities of base materials that are suitable for paving projects:
- Allow water to drain properly
- Able to provide durable support for the weight and impact of the pavers
- Are the right thickness for the chosen subgrade material
Whether you’re an inexperienced masonry contractor or keen DIYer, here are some things you should know about the bases most commonly used for pavers:
Sand
A popular option thanks to the relative ease at which it can be accessed, and spread, sand is however, not a great base when used on its own. Sand shifts over time, and if used alone, will go on to cause the foundation to become uneven. And even amateur masons know that an uneven foundation will look terrible when the pavers are installed.
As such, washed concrete sand is often used alongside crushed stone to make a suitable paver base.
Crushed stone
Made up of small pieces of stone that have broken but checked for uniformity, crushed stone is a highly solid base for pavers thanks to its ability to drain water and its ease of use. Coming in a number of varieties, the most effective paver base aggregate is crushed stone that has been quarry processed to a dense grade. Binding well and exceptionally durable, this particular mixture is the ideal choice in terms of strength and cohesivity.
Recycled concrete aggregate
Otherwise known as RCA, this alternative to crushed stone has a number of environmental benefits, with the process to make it having a lower carbon output and using less energy than other processes. That said, while it may be the more sustainable choice, it is unpredictable in comparison to crushed stone, as it’s difficult to know exactly what combination of rocks are in the mixture.
Stone dust
This powdered mix is made up of stones that have been finely ground down to create a texture similar to sand. While it can be used successfully as a base ingredient combined with other materials, masonry contractors advise that it shouldn’t be used alone as a base due to its ability to trap large amounts of water, and cause the pavers to shift around on the surface.
Compacted soil
Usually serving underneath pavers as the subgrade level, compacted soil can cause a number of issues when pavers are laid straight on top of them, such as:
- Poor drainage
- Initial unevenness
- Weather warping
Pavers serve a number of aesthetic and practical functions, and when installed professionally, can enhance any home. If paving yourself, be sure to seek appropriate guidance before doing so, to ensure your efforts aren’t wasted.