How Paver Materials are Calculated
The **Paver Calculator** estimates the materials needed for a hardscape project by breaking the process into two parts: counting the pavers and calculating the volume of the underlayers (base and sand).
Paver Quantity
The number of pavers is calculated by determining how many of your specified paver size fit into $\text{1 sq ft}$, and then multiplying that by the total project area. A **waste factor** is then added to account for cuts, trimming, and breakage.
$$\text{Pavers Needed} = \lceil \text{Project Area} \times \frac{144}{\text{Paver Length} \times \text{Paver Width}} \times (1 + \frac{\text{Waste} \%}{100}) \rceil$$
Base and Sand Volume
Base materials are calculated in cubic yards ($\text{cu yd}$). A cubic yard contains $\text{46,656}$ cubic inches ($\text{36}\times\text{36}\times\text{36}$).
$$\text{Volume (cu yd)} = \frac{\text{Area (sq ft)} \times 144 \times \text{Depth (in)}}{46,656} \times \text{Compaction Factor}$$ *Note: The calculator adds $\mathbf{10\%}$ for the gravel base and $\mathbf{5\%}$ for the sand to account for material settling after compaction.*
Sizing and Ordering Tips
- **Base Depth:** Use $\text{6}$ inches of compactable gravel base ($\text{Crushed Stone}/\text{AASHTO \#57}$) for patios and walkways, but increase to $\text{8}$-$\text{12}$ inches for driveways or high-traffic areas.
- **Bedding Sand:** Use only **coarse concrete sand** or **paver base sand**, not fine beach sand, which retains too much water. The $\text{1}$-inch depth should be compacted down to about $\text{3/4}$ inch.
- **Paver Waste:** A $\mathbf{5\%}$ waste factor is sufficient for square/rectangular areas, but use $\mathbf{10}\%$ or more for intricate designs, curved edges, or diagonal patterns.