How deep does a paver walkway base need to be?

About 4 inches of compacted crushed stone for a foot-traffic path on firm soil, or 6 inches on soft or clay ground. That's less than a patio and far less than a driveway, because there's no vehicle load.

How wide should a paver path be?

Around 3 feet for one person comfortably, and 4–5 feet if two people walk side by side or you push a wheelbarrow. The calculator defaults to a 3-foot width - change it to your path.

How much bedding sand for a walkway?

A 1-inch layer of bedding sand over the compacted base, screeded flat before laying. The tool estimates the tonnage from your path's area and that depth.

Paver Walkway Calculator

100% in your browser - no upload, no sign-up.

Laying a paver walkway or garden path? This presets the calculator for a narrow pedestrian path with a light base, and counts the pavers, sub-base and bedding sand for your length and width.

Pick a paver, pattern and colour below - the patio updates instantly.

Pavers to buy (incl. extra)

Sub-base gravel

Bedding sand

💡 Sub-base & sand are estimates - confirm depths with your supplier.

Patio area: - · Edge restraint: - · Pavers to cut (estimate): -

See what this patio costs to install →

💡 Extra for cuts is included - buy one batch and keep spares.

⚠️ Compact the base in thin layers - a loose base sinks and turns wavy.

Base & sub-base

A walkway only carries foot traffic, so a 4-inch compacted crushed-stone base over most soils is plenty (go to 6 inches on soft or poorly draining ground). The calculator is preset to a narrow 3-foot-wide path, 4-inch base and 1-inch bedding sand.

Choosing pavers

Standard 45–60 mm pavers are fine underfoot. Brick-sized units suit a running-bond or herringbone path; larger format pavers or stepping-stone slabs give a more modern look with fewer joints to weed.

Edges, drainage & load

Edge restraint still matters on a path - it keeps the outer courses from creeping into the lawn or beds. Set the walkway slightly proud of the surrounding grade and give it a slight crown or cross-slope so water sheds rather than pools.

Best for

Front-door and side-yard paths
Garden and stepping-stone walkways
Connecting a patio, drive and gate

Frequently asked questions

How deep does a paver walkway base need to be?: About 4 inches of compacted crushed stone for a foot-traffic path on firm soil, or 6 inches on soft or clay ground. That's less than a patio and far less than a driveway, because there's no vehicle load.
How wide should a paver path be?: Around 3 feet for one person comfortably, and 4–5 feet if two people walk side by side or you push a wheelbarrow. The calculator defaults to a 3-foot width - change it to your path.
How much bedding sand for a walkway?: A 1-inch layer of bedding sand over the compacted base, screeded flat before laying. The tool estimates the tonnage from your path's area and that depth.