How to build a paver patio (step by step)

Last reviewed 2026-06-06

A patio is only as good as the base under it. Here is the layered build the pros use, from dig to joint sand.

A paver patio that stays flat for decades is built in layers: a compacted gravel base, a thin sand bed, the pavers, and joint sand to lock it all together. Rush the base and the patio sinks and heaves within a season. Here is the sequence that works.

1. Plan and mark out

Decide the size and shape, and check the slope: a patio should fall about 1 inch every 4 feet away from the house for drainage. Mark the area with stakes and string, adding a few inches on each side for the edge.

2. Excavate

Dig down deep enough for the whole build-up: roughly 4 inches of gravel base + 1 inch of sand + the paver thickness for a patio (more for a driveway). Keep the base of the excavation following your drainage slope.

3. Lay and compact the gravel base

Add crushed stone in 2-inch layers, compacting each with a plate compactor before adding the next. A firm, compacted base is the single most important step. Crushed stone (angular) locks together far better than smooth pea gravel here.

4. Screed the bedding sand

Spread about 1 inch of coarse bedding sand and screed it flat with a straight board run over two pipe rails. Do not compact the sand yet — the pavers press into it.

5. Lay the pavers

Start from a straight edge or corner and work outwards, keeping consistent joints. Drop each paver straight down rather than sliding it, to keep the sand bed even. Cut edge pieces with a splitter or saw.

6. Edge, compact and sand the joints

Install edge restraints around the perimeter so the pavers cannot spread. Run the plate compactor over the pavers (with a mat) to set them into the sand. Then sweep polymeric joint sand into the gaps, compact again, and mist with water to harden it.

How much material will you need?

Use the paver calculator to get the number of pavers (with waste) plus the base gravel and bedding sand volumes for your area and chosen base depth. For the gravel itself, the gravel calculator gives the tons to order.

Calculators for this

• Paver Calculator — Pavers plus base gravel and bedding sand for a patio.
• Gravel Calculator — Cubic yards and tons of gravel, stone or sand.