The Best Base for Installing Concrete Pavers
In speaking with a top executive at one of the world’s largest paver companies, he said that nearly 70% of all paver failures were related to improper bases. So, we got to work developing a solution to create the best concrete paver base possible and here is what it looked like.
The Project
The following project was completed using a commercially-available, interlocking, concrete paver system installed over Ultra Base panels. With no excavation or additional fill required to complete the job, this installation was completed in just two days.
Step 1 - Cleared and Prepped the Land
The existing mulch and organics in the area were stripped away and the entire site compacted and leveled. An 8 oz permeable woven geotextile fabric was installed on the prepared ground ready for panels.
Step 2 - Prepared the Base
Utilizing a homemade compass, the 14-foot diameter circle was drawn onto the assembled panels in the driveway and cut to shape using a jigsaw. It was much easier to pre-cut the panels in the driveway rather than the heavily-landscaped backyard. The panels were disassembled and moved to the backyard and reassembled over the geotextile fabric.
Step 3 - Add the Geotextile Fabric
A thin layer of permeable woven geo-fabric was installed on top of the panels. We used a polypropylene material that would prevent moisture from absorbing into the geo fabric which could result in mold in the sand joints. This thin layer of permeable material is there to prevent the sand filler used between the pavers from washing away. If the pavers had been uneven such as the inconsistencies found in flagstone, then a 1 inch layer of bedding sand would’ve been secreted on top of the geo-fabric and then the pavers installed. This is the same technique used on a compacted rock base but instead the bedding sand is installed on the geo covered panels.
Step 4 - Lay the Pavers
This pre-engineered paver kit made easy work of laying out the concentric rings of the patio. Aside from occasionally using a tape measure, no tools were required to lay the pavers. We simply added row after row of pavers until the ring finally reached the 14-foot diameter mark.
Step 5 - Trim the Fabric and Install Edging
The excess geo-fabric is cut away and commercially-available paver edging is secured in place. This edging prevents the pavers from moving outwards. Prior to the edging being installed, additional sand was packed under the cut panels to firm up the outer edge.
The existing synthetic turf was trimmed and wrapped into the gap that was left between the new Ultra Base panels and pavers and the existing panels on which the turf is installed.
Step 6 - Fill Joints & Seal
Course sand is swept into the joints and watered to lock the pavers in place.
Two coats of sealer are sprayed onto the pavers giving a nice low luster finish while helping stabilize the sand joints. The end result is a beautiful new patio capable of supporting the load of an automobile and was easily achieved by using this great base technology.
View the Transformation
We have added a few additional photographs of this yard to show the versatility of the Ultra Base panels and how the panel base technology transformed this yard into a showplace without the need of heavy equipment or trucks of fill material.
Get Started with Ultra Base Today
Talk to an Ultra Base team member today to discuss your project, application, and pricing options. Our experienced team will ensure you're choosing the right Ultra Base product for your application.
