BuildCalc

Paver base for a 10×10 ft patio

A 10 × 10 ft patio at 4 in deep needs 1.23 cubic yards of paver base, roughly 1.75 tons and $59.26 of material. Fine-tune below.

Paver base needed
1.36 cubic yards
36.7 ft³ · 1.04 m³, including 10% waste
Estimated weight
1.92 tons
3,850 lb at 105 lb per cubic foot
Estimated cost
$65.19
At $48.00 per cubic yard, material only

Full breakdown

ItemValue
Volume before waste33.3 ft³
Volume with 10% waste36.7 ft³
Cubic yards1.36
Cubic metres1.04
Cubic feet36.7
Weight1.92 tons (3,850 lb)
Full dump-truck loads1 × 10 yd³ truck
Sq ft covered at 1 in deep440
Sq ft covered at 3 in deep147
  • Formula: length × width × depth, with depth converted from inches to feet (÷ 12), then × (1 + waste%).
  • Paver Base: Paver base is crushed stone with fines — often sold as 3/4 inch minus or road base — that compacts into a stable, semi-locked layer under the bedding sand.
  • Base must be compacted in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor and watered as you go. Dumping 4 inches at once and running a compactor over the top leaves the bottom loose and the pavers sink.
  • Prices are national averages for planning, not quotes. Confirm with a local supplier — delivery, short-load fees and tax are extra.

10 × 10 ft is 100 square feet. Spread 4 in deep, that is 33.3 cubic feet, or 1.23 cubic yards, of paver base. Expect to order around 1.75 tons.

The calculator above is pre-filled with these dimensions — change any field to see the numbers update. Paver base is crushed stone with fines — often sold as 3/4 inch minus or road base — that compacts into a stable, semi-locked layer under the bedding sand.

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards of paver base for a 10×10 ft patio?

About 1.23 cubic yards at 4 in deep, which is 33.3 cubic feet or 1.75 tons. Add 10% waste if the ground is uneven.

How many bags is that?

Paver Base is normally sold in bulk by the cubic yard rather than by the bag, so order 1.23 yards. Bagged versions exist at garden centres but cost several times more per cubic foot.

What depth should a patio be?

4 in is the standard for paver base in this application. Base must be compacted in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor and watered as you go. Dumping 4 inches at once and running a compactor over the top leaves the bottom loose and the pavers sink.

Related