Use this guide to plan sand for a paver base at a 1-inch bedding layer, over a compacted aggregate base. For a different paver area, use the Sand Calculator and the Paver Calculator as the tools for custom sizes.
Recommended paver base sand setup
Choose bedding sand for the 1-inch screeded layer that sits on a compacted aggregate base. Screed the sand level, lay the pavers on it, and compact the finished pavers — do not compact the loose sand layer itself before laying pavers.
How much sand for a paver base at 1 inch deep
Volume in cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × 1 ÷ 324. The “order” column adds a 10% allowance for screeding and edge losses.
| Paver area size | Area | Base volume | Order with 10% allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 0.44 cubic yards | 0.49 cubic yards |
| 14 × 18 ft | 252 sq ft | 0.78 cubic yards | 0.86 cubic yards |
| 18 × 20 ft | 360 sq ft | 1.11 cubic yards | 1.22 cubic yards |
Worked example: a 12 × 16 ft paver area
Area = 12 × 16 = 192 sq ft. Base volume = 192 × 1 ÷ 324 = 0.59 cubic yards. With a 10% allowance: 0.59 × 1.10 = 0.65 cubic yards. Order about 0.65 cubic yards of bedding sand for this paver area. This is the bedding layer only, not the aggregate base below it.
Method note
Measure the finished paver area, not the excavated area, and use the 1-inch bedding depth only. The compacted aggregate base below the sand is a separate layer with its own thickness and volume.
Paver base sand questions
Is bedding sand the same as the paver base?
No. The base is compacted aggregate, usually several inches thick. Bedding sand is the thin 1-inch layer that lets you level the pavers on top of that base.
Should I compact the sand before laying pavers?
No. Screed it level and lay pavers directly on it. Compacting the sand first would make it harder to level the pavers and can leave uneven spots.
What kind of sand should I use?
Use a bedding sand made for pavers, not fine beach sand. It should screed evenly and hold the pavers in place once they are compacted.
How do I work out the paver count as well?
Use the Paver Calculator for paver counts and layout, and this page for the bedding sand volume.
For custom paver sizes, use the Sand Calculator and the Paver Calculator.