Bulk materials
Paver Base
Compactable base material that keeps patios, walkways and driveways level and stable.
What it is
A properly prepared and compacted base helps pavers stay level, carry loads and resist movement. The material and depth needed depend on soil conditions, how the area will be used, and local installation standards. Driveways need a heavier base than walkways and patios.
Common uses
- Paver patios and walkways
- Paver driveways
- Pool-deck base
- Pads for sheds and equipment
In plain English
Paver Base, explained without the jargon
Written for anyone who has never ordered bulk material before. If your project sounds different to what you read here, tell us about it and we will talk it through.
What it looks like
Grey crushed limestone with a deliberate mix of sizes, from small stone down to powder.
How big the pieces are
Mixed: small stone with a lot of fine dust filling the spaces between.
What it is like to walk or drive on
Once it is compacted damp, it feels close to a hard road surface.
What it is normally used for here
The compacted layer under pavers, slabs and walkways, which carries the load and keeps the surface level.
How it handles water
It is designed to lock up tight, so it is much less free-draining than clean stone. Surfaces built on it rely on slope to shed water.
When not to use it
Not a finished surface, not a planting soil, and not a substitute for clean stone in a French drain.
What it gets confused with
Clean stone such as #57 or #89, which has no fines, and paver sand, which is the thin bedding layer above the base.
How it changes over time
Sets hard when it is compacted damp in layers. Left loose or laid too deep in one go, it ruts and washes instead.
Sizes are approximate. Crushed stone and shell are screened rather than cut to size, so every load holds a range of pieces and some dust.
Planning your order
How much paver base do you need?
Excavate to the right depth, plan for drainage and compact the base in lifts before adding bedding sand and pavers. Include enough material for compaction.
As a general rule, one cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Coverage changes with depth and material, so use the calculator for your numbers and we will confirm before delivery.
Before you order: a quick checklist
- Measure the length, width and planned depth. The calculator turns them into cubic yards.
- Consider depth. It changes the quantity more than most people expect. We can advise on depth for the job.
- Pick the drop spot: a firm, reachable place close to where you will use the material.
- Check access: gates, soft ground, low wires or branches and tight turns. Delivery checklist.
- Check community rules on bulk deliveries and materials if you have an HOA.
- Deliveries have a 3 cubic yard minimum, and the delivery fee is set by ZIP code.
Real projects
See this material in a real project
Delivery
Delivered to your driveway or job site.
We deliver to accessible driveways and job sites across Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. Let us know about gates, soft ground, low wires or HOA rules when you request a quote.
- 3 cubic yard minimumDelivered by the yard to your driveway or job site.
- Typically 3–5 daysNext-day is often available, depending on material and routing.
- Fee set by ZIP codeQuoted up front, before your order is confirmed.
- Fort Myers basedDelivering across Lee County and Southwest Florida.
Guides
Before you order
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Need Paver Base delivered?
Send the address, measurements and how you will use it. We will confirm the yardage, price and delivery fee.