The traditional base for a cobblestone patio is 4 to 6 of compacted gravel above the ground. If you're going to install a roadway or road intended for vehicle traffic, you'll need to double the thickness of the gravel layer. A cobblestone base set with sand is the traditional way to install pavers. This method uses a layer of sand as a bed between the base and the pavers.
After installing the sand, the pavers are placed on top and pressed into place. As detailed above, the best cobblestone base is a crushed stone subbase processed in a quarry and a washed concrete sand base. The stability of crushed stone, together with the spreading capacity of sand, form a manageable and durable base duo. Coarsely crushed stone is a good base for pavers that will be used more regularly.
A 4- to 6-inch base of well-compacted stone pieces provides a solid, stable base for almost any type of paver installation, notes Concrete Construction, an industry website. Look for crushed stone that is specifically designed for use as a base material. Cover the stone with a layer of sand for a smooth, level layer to support the pavers. The thickness of the subbase will depend on the type of subfloor floor you are covering and the way in which the pavers will be used.
Read on for important information on how to dig for paving stones and how to properly prepare pavement for a successful patio project. In addition, since rain is not a problem with the installation of this material, this will accelerate efficiency, since you can take advantage of rainy days that you couldn't with a traditional base. The correct depth of the pavement will result in a solid base that secures the pavers and makes them durable. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends washed concrete sand as the best base sand for pavers.
These cobblestone base panels are typically five or six square foot panels made of high-density polypropylene. To protect pavers from unevenness, double the thickness of the subbase in areas that could freeze during the winter. Be sure to make plans for water-efficient landscaping and adequate drainage so that pavers don't hold water beneath them. The base layer is the next level of support for the paving stone and acts as a cushion between the paver and the subbase.
Dirt is not a suitable cobblestone base because it doesn't drain well and can move, sink and swell easily depending on weather conditions. This is accompanied by a separation fabric, either a woven or non-woven geotextile, to separate the base material from the subgrade (also recommended in a traditional base). Choosing the wrong base can cause faults, cracks, unwanted movements and trip hazards, so it's important to use the right base material for your application. The base of a crushed stone cobblestone is made of small pieces of stone that have been broken and sieved to ensure uniformity.
Open-grade cobblestone bases are generally used for large cobblestone projects, such as entrances and parking lots in commercial properties.
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