Paver base for a 12×12 ft patio
A 12 × 12 ft patio at 4 in deep needs 1.78 cubic yards of paver base, roughly 2.52 tons and $85.33 of material. Fine-tune below.
Full breakdown
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume before waste | 48.0 ft³ |
| Volume with 10% waste | 52.8 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 1.96 |
| Cubic metres | 1.50 |
| Cubic feet | 52.8 |
| Weight | 2.77 tons (5,544 lb) |
| Full dump-truck loads | 1 × 10 yd³ truck |
| Sq ft covered at 1 in deep | 634 |
| Sq ft covered at 3 in deep | 211 |
- 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.
12 × 12 ft is 144 square feet. Spread 4 in deep, that is 48.0 cubic feet, or 1.78 cubic yards, of paver base. Expect to order around 2.52 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 12×12 ft patio?
About 1.78 cubic yards at 4 in deep, which is 48.0 cubic feet or 2.52 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 1.78 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.