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How to lay a base for pavers

A prepared outdoor area features a leveled and compacted paver sand base

Overview

A solid base is key to ensuring your pavers stay level and secure for years to come. Whether you're creating a new patio, pathway, or entertaining area, getting the paver foundation right will make all the difference. Follow this step-by-step guide to lay a strong and stable base for your pavers.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Prepare the area

Start by clearing the area where you will be working. Remove any grass, debris, or existing materials so you have a clean and level surface. This will help create a stable pavers foundation.
A Bunnings Team Member is preparing the area by clearing grass, small debris, and other materials while holding a few sticks.

2Work out your depth

To ensure your pavers sit flush with the surrounding ground, you need to calculate the correct depth to dig. Your base should include 50mm of road base, 20–30mm of bedding sand, and the thickness of your pavers.

For example, if your pavers are 30mm thick, you will need to dig to a depth of approximately 100–110mm.

A Bunnings Team Member is calculating the correct depth to dig, holding a bag of road base while next to a bag of landscaping paver sand.

3Measure the area

Once the space is cleared and dug out, use a tape measure to calculate the total square metre area. This will help you determine how much road base and paver sand you will need to complete the project. If you're unsure how to measure accurately, refer to this guide on measuring and marking.

A Bunnings Team Member is using a shovel to dig the area to calculate the required amount of road base and paver sand for the project.

4 Install a temporary border

If you do not have an existing edge to work to, install a timber frame to keep your base intact while you work. Measure your space and cut 90x35mm pine timber to length using a circular saw. Set up a stringline to ensure the timber frame is straight, then place your timber in position. Secure it with steel posts and hex head screws to keep it firmly in place.

A Bunnings Team Member is using a Ryobi power drill to secure a temporary border, aligning it with a red string line to keep your base intact while you work.

5Lay the road base

Before spreading the road base, it is helpful to mark height guides on your timber frame. If you are working on a larger area, insert a height peg in the centre of the space and hammer it into the ground at the correct level to help keep your base even. Once your guides are in place, spread a 50mm layer of road base evenly across the area.
A close up of a metal rake being used to spread the road base evenly across the area. ]

6Compact the area

Use a screed to level it out, then lightly wet the surface to help with compaction. For smaller areas, use a hand tamper to compact the base, while for larger spaces, a plate compactor will provide the best results. After compacting, check for any high or low spots and make adjustments as needed. If you add or remove road base, compact the area again to maintain stability.
A person in a red shirt and shorts is using a compactor to compact the road base within a framed area.

7Lay the bedding sand

To create a level surface for your pavers, spread a layer of paver bedding sand at a thickness of 20–30mm. To help maintain consistency, place 25mm or 30mm screed rails at either end of your base. If you are working on a larger area, you may want to add an extra rail in the centre. Start by spreading the sand slightly higher than the screed rails, then use a screed to smooth it out to an even height. Once the sand is levelled, remove the rails and backfill the gaps with sand. Use a trowel to smooth out any remaining uneven spots, ensuring the surface is uniform.

For more advice on working with paving sand, check out this guide on laying pavers.

8Next step: lay your pavers

Great start - you've got your base prepared, so now it's time to lay the pavers, here's how to do it.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.