Paver Calculator Project Checklist

Introduction

A paver project fails in the planning, not the laying. This checklist puts every verification step — from permits to final compaction — in project order, so nothing gets missed between the Paver Calculator‘s quantity list and a finished patio. Print it, work it top to bottom, and check each item off.

Phase 1: Planning and Compliance

• ☐ Sketch the plan with dimensions; divide irregular shapes into measurable sections (see the estimating guide).
• ☐ Confirm permit requirements with the local building authority — patios, driveways, and drainage changes differ (see the code compliance guide).
• ☐ Check HOA/covenant approvals for material, color, and placement.
• ☐ Verify setbacks from property lines and easements.
• ☐ Request utility locates (call-before-you-dig) several working days before excavation.
• ☐ Confirm drainage: where does water go now, and where will the 1–2% patio slope send it?

Phase 2: Estimating and Ordering

• ☐ Measure the finished paved area — outside edge of pavers, not the excavation.
• ☐ Measure a real paver from your batch; use actual, not nominal, dimensions.
• ☐ Run dimensions through the Paver Calculator with the right waste % for your pattern (5% straight, 10–15% diagonal/curved).
• ☐ Verify base depth for your load: 100 mm patio, 150–200 mm driveway (material guide).
• ☐ Confirm the 1.3 compaction factor is included in the base aggregate order.
• ☐ Order all pavers from one batch in a single purchase; round up to whole pallets.
• ☐ Order edge restraint for the full outer perimeter, plus spikes.
• ☐ Combine aggregate and sand into as few deliveries as possible; confirm site access for the truck.
• ☐ Price the full list with 2–3 suppliers before committing (cost guide).

Phase 3: Site Preparation

• ☐ Mark the layout with stakes and string lines; double-check squareness (equal diagonals).
• ☐ Excavate to finished grade minus full buildup (paver + 25 mm bed + base depth).
• ☐ Compact the exposed subgrade before placing any aggregate.
• ☐ Lay geotextile on soft or clay soils.
• ☐ Set screed rails and string lines for the 1–2% drainage slope away from structures.
• ☐ Confirm tool rentals: plate compactor, wet saw, and hand tools on site before base day.

Phase 4: Base and Bedding

• ☐ Place base aggregate in 75–100 mm lifts; compact each lift fully.
• ☐ Verify final base grade and slope with a level before screeding.
• ☐ Screed the 25 mm bedding sand to a true plane — do not compact it.
• ☐ Keep stockpiled sand tarped and dry; never screed wet sand.
• ☐ Do not walk on the screeded bed. Lay pavers working forward off the laid surface.

Phase 5: Laying and Finishing

• ☐ Lay the field pattern first, keeping joint gaps uniform at 2–5 mm.
• ☐ Mark and cut edge pavers with a wet saw; dry-fit before final placement.
• ☐ Install edge restraints (spiked edging or concrete haunch) before final compaction.
• ☐ Weather gate: confirm dry conditions before opening polymeric sand — no rain in the forecast for 24 hours.
• ☐ Sweep joint sand into dry joints; compact with a rubber-padded plate; top up joints.
• ☐ Mist polymeric sand lightly per manufacturer instructions to activate the binder.
• ☐ Keep foot traffic off for 24 hours (and vehicles off driveways per manufacturer guidance).
• ☐ Store 5–10 spare pavers from the same batch for future repairs.

Phase 6: Final Review

• ☐ Walk the finished surface: check for lippage (uneven paver edges), consistent joints, and ponding after rain.
• ☐ Confirm edge restraints are tight and fully spiked/haunched.
• ☐ Verify drainage slope performs — water should sheet off, not pool.
• ☐ Photograph the finished work and file supplier receipts and batch info with your spare pavers.

The techniques behind each step are detailed in the pro tips guide; the errors this checklist prevents are catalogued in the common mistakes guide.

Related Guides

• Complete Guide — the estimating walkthrough behind the quantities.
• Pro Tips — the techniques for each checklist phase.
• Code Compliance — the Phase 1 approvals in detail.
• Estimating Guide — measuring and waste allowances.
• DIY vs Pro — deciding who executes the plan.
• Paver Calculator FAQ — quick answers to the most asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing to check before a paver project?

Permits and underground utilities. Confirm with your local building authority whether the project needs approval, and request utility locates before any excavation — both are covered in the code compliance guide.

How deep should I excavate for a paver patio?

Finished grade minus the full buildup: paver thickness + 25 mm bedding + compacted base depth (typically 100 mm for patios). For 60 mm pavers that’s 185 mm below finished height.

When should I order materials?

After the plan is measured, the calculator quantities are verified, and 2–3 suppliers are priced — but schedule delivery close to installation day so stockpiles don’t sit exposed. Keep sand tarped regardless.

What is the weather gate for polymeric sand?

Dry joints, dry pavers, and no rain forecast for 24 hours. Polymeric sand applied in wet conditions loses its binder before it sets. If rain threatens, wait.

How long before I can use the new patio?

Foot traffic: typically 24 hours after polymeric sand activation. Vehicles on driveways: follow the paver manufacturer’s guidance, usually several days. Confirm with your product data sheet.

Get Your Number

Phase 2 starts with quantities: run your measured plan through the Paver Calculator, verify the result against the formula guide, then work this checklist top to bottom. Don’t skip phases out of order — compliance checks come before ordering, and the weather gate comes before the joint sand, no matter how tempting it is to push ahead. A project that passes every checkbox is a project that finishes on time, on budget, and level.

Disclaimer: Calculator results are planning estimates based on the dimensions you enter. This checklist is general guidance, not a substitute for professional advice — site conditions vary. Verify quantities with your supplier and consult a licensed professional or your local building authority for structural, drainage, or code-related decisions.