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If you’re planning to build a paver walkway, one of the most important steps is preparing the right base. Many homeowners ask, “What is the best base for a paver walkway?” The answer is simple: a solid, compacted crushed stone base. This is what keeps your walkway flat, strong, and long-lasting.
At Lakota Design Group, we’ve been building walkways and outdoor spaces for years. Whether it’s a front yard path or a garden walkway, the right base is the key to a successful project. In this guide, we’ll explain the best base materials, how to build it step by step, and why it matters—especially if you’re planning a Bay Area Paver Installation.
The base is the bottom layer underneath the pavers. It supports the entire structure. If the base is weak or uneven, the pavers can sink, move, or crack over time. That’s why we take base preparation seriously at Lakota Design Group.
If you want to know How To Install Paver Walkway correctly, it all starts with a good base.
Here are the materials professionals use to build a strong paver walkway base:
The best base for most paver walkways is crushed stone. It’s also known as Class II base rock. This material is made of small rocks mixed with stone dust. When compacted, it becomes solid and drains water well.
Crushed stone is perfect for walkways, especially for Bay Area Paver Installation where soil and weather conditions require a stable and drainable base.
On top of the crushed stone, you’ll need a thin layer of sand—usually about 1 inch thick. This sand helps level the pavers and keeps them in place.
Make sure to use concrete sand or washed sand, not play sand. It’s stronger and doesn’t shift as easily.
If your soil is soft or clay-heavy, adding a layer of landscape fabric under the base rock can help. This fabric keeps the base rock from sinking into the soil and helps with drainage.
In many bay area landscape design projects, we recommend this extra step to protect against shifting or erosion.
Edge restraints are installed along the sides of the walkway. They hold everything in place and stop the pavers from spreading out over time.
The base should be thick enough to support foot traffic and weather conditions. Here's a quick guide:
For walkways: Use 4–6 inches of crushed stone
Add 1 inch of sand
Plus the thickness of your pavers (usually 2–3 inches)
So, you’ll need to dig down about 7–10 inches total to build your walkway.
Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to help you understand how professionals like Lakota Design Group build a solid paver walkway:
Mark out where you want the walkway using spray paint or stakes. Then dig down to a depth of about 7–10 inches, depending on the materials you’ll be using.
After digging, level the soil and compact it using a hand tamper or a plate compactor. This step helps prevent future settling.
Lay fabric over the soil if needed, especially in soft soil areas. This keeps the base material from mixing with the soil.
Pour in the crushed stone base layer, about 4 to 6 inches deep. Spread it evenly and compact it in layers. This is the most important part of the base.
Use a plate compactor to press it down. A solid base should feel like concrete when you walk on it.
Once the base rock is solid, add 1 inch of concrete sand on top. Use a long board to level it out smoothly.
Don’t compact the sand—just screed it to an even height.
Now that your base is ready, you can start placing your pavers on top of the sand. Use spacers if needed and gently tap each paver into place with a rubber mallet.
Add edge restraints along both sides of the walkway to hold the pavers in place.
Once all the pavers are down, sweep polymeric sand into the joints. Then run the compactor over the walkway again to settle everything in.
Finally, mist the walkway with water to activate the joint sand.
Even small mistakes in the base can cause problems later. Here are a few things to avoid:
Using soft sand instead of crushed stone
Not compacting the base rock in layers
Skipping the edge restraints
Using play sand instead of concrete sand
Not digging deep enough for all layers
At Lakota Design Group, we follow each step carefully to make sure our walkways last for years.
A strong base protects your walkway from shifting, cracking, or sinking. When the base is done right, you won’t have to worry about repairs every year.
Our Bay Area Paver Installation team knows how local soil and weather affect outdoor projects. That’s why we tailor each base to the exact needs of the property.
Some homeowners install pavers themselves. But base work can be tough without the right tools or experience. A small mistake—like poor compaction—can ruin the whole walkway over time.
That’s why many homeowners in the Bay Area choose Lakota Design Group. We handle the full project, from base prep to final touches, so you get a walkway that looks great and lasts.
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With over 49 years of experience, Lakota Design Group knows what it takes to build a durable, beautiful walkway. We focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Whether it’s a garden path, a front entryway, or a full outdoor project, we bring expert knowledge to every bay area landscape design and paver installation.
Our team uses the best materials, proven methods, and local experience to make sure your paver walkway stands the test of time.
Still wondering “What is the best base for a paver walkway?” It’s crushed stone, compacted in layers, topped with sand, and supported by edge restraints.
If you want a professional touch for your Bay Area Paver Installation, we’re here to help. At Lakota Design Group, we take care of everything—from digging to design to installation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Visit Lakota Design Group and let’s bring your walkway vision to life with a solid, lasting foundation.
