How to Install a Paver Patio Base

A traditional base for an 11 x 13 paver or stone patio involves digging up and hauling out about six tons of dirt, and then bringing in the same amount of gravel. But, in some situations, you can save about half of that hassle by using plastic paver base panels for your patio.

What Is Paver Base Patio?

“A plastic paver base offers several benefits over gravel,” says Jay Sanders, contractor and owner of Castle Dream Construction. “Firstly, it’s lightweight and easier to handle, making the installation process quicker and less labor-intensive. Additionally, plastic bases provide excellent stability and drainage, ensuring the longevity of your paver project.”

Paver patio base panels are made from lightweight high-density polypropylene. The panels typically have tongue-and-groove or shiplap edges to keep the panel edges flush with one another. You may wonder how a thin plastic mat can effectively replace a 6-inch-deep layer of compacted gravel. The answer is that the panels spread out the load, so the weight of a person walking on the patio is distributed more widely. Distributing the load puts less pressure on the soil and prevents the paver bricks from becoming uneven.

Paver patio base panels also have built-in channels and holes to drain water to the sand layer below. Studies from independent engineers have concluded that the panels are equivalent to a compacted gravel base for load distribution and superior for thermal resistance.

Traditional Patio Base vs. Paver Base Patio Panels:

Family Handyman

[Keep existing diagram.]

Who Are Plastic Paver Patio Bases Best For?

Plastic paver patio bases are commonly used in areas that are hard to bring heavy equipment into. They should not be used in areas where vehicles might drive and in certain climates.

“Choosing the right base depends on your specific needs,” says Sanders. “If you’re looking for ease of installation and a clean, stable base, plastic might be the way to go. However, if cost is a major factor or you’re working in a very wet or very dry environment, gravel could be more suitable.”

When selecting a model of a paver panel, make sure to choose one with plenty of drainage capacity, says Jeremy Martin, CEO of Willow Gates Landscaping. “Some of the foam panels have little drainage and as a result, the joint material doesn’t always hold up well,” he says.

Benefits of a Plastic Paver Base Patio

• Requires less digging (usually about 40 to 50 percent less)
• Easier to handle
• Eliminates heavy gravel fill
• Saves time
• Reduces the cost of digging and hauling
• Prevents damage to the landscaping caused by excavating equipment
• Allows patio installations in fenced areas or areas with limited access

“Additionally, plastic bases provide excellent stability and drainage, ensuring the longevity of your paver project,” says Sanders.

Disadvantages of a Plastic Paver Base Patio

• Often more expensive than gravel
• Not readily available in all regions
• Not suitable for areas with extreme weather, temperatures beyond -20°F to 140°F
• Can make patio hotter or colder

“The structural foam base panels insulate the pavement from the ground,” says Martin. “While it may help limit frost heave in the winter, the downside is that the pavement is hotter in the summer, and this is especially a concern around a pool. They are also more likely to ice up in the winter; snow and ice will persist longer than pavements installed over a gravel base.”

Common Mistakes Installing Plastic Patio Pavers

“The importance of a uniformly compacted base cannot be overstated, as uneven compaction can lead to settling and shifting,” says Tim O’Shea, owner of The Build Pros. “Additionally, for DIYers, understanding the local climate and how it might affect the choice of base materials and drainage solutions could be valuable additions.”

Other pitfalls to watch out for include:

• Not digging deep enough. Depending on your climate and materials, you’ll probably need to go 4.5 inches deep for a plastic paver patio base (including bedding sand, etc.), according to Martin.
• Improper drainage planning. “Make sure to keep the slope bereft of obstructions to prevent water pooling,” says Sanders. “A slope of about 1 inch for every 4 feet does the trick.”
• Not using edge restraints. They keep pavers from spreading apart.
• Skimping on base materials, leading to instability.
• Using plastic under the patio, which can retain water and create uneven settling. Instead, opt for geotextile fabric.
• Rushing the leveling process, which can create an uneven surface.
• Not completing the subgrade. “The underlying soil must be compacted, or it will likely rut and create uneven pavement,” says Martin.

“Always make sure the base is strongly installed, as it extends the lifespan of your patio by 10 to 20 years easily,” says Sanders. “When the base is not solid, your pavers are prone to shifting, sinking, or even cracking.”

When to Call a Pro

“Consider professional help if the project is large, involves complex patterns or if you’re unsure about the ground’s stability,” says O’Shea. “Pros can also address potential drainage issues more effectively.”

It can also be wise to call a pro for paver base patios that are raised, permeable, poolside or that use epoxy joint sand. “These are more complicated projects that are more likely to result in frustration than in satisfaction,” says Martin. But, he adds, “if you just want to install a small 100 to 200 square foot patio, you can likely do it yourself and enjoy the process. Be willing to spend extra time to thoroughly educate yourself on the process, and realize that you may need to make repairs in the future if you don’t have the proper equipment.”

Now that you’ve got everything together, here are the steps for installing a plastic paver patio base.