Why Pavers Without a Base Will Fail

A client wants pavers installed directly on subgrade—no crushed stone, no sand—to save money.

Professional Answer: Don't Do It

"Anything worth doing is worth doing right." Without a compacted base, pavers will shift, settle, and fail the first time they're walked on when wet. The only marginally acceptable shortcut: meticulously compact and level the subgrade, but expect movement and callbacks.

Explain to the client that a proper base (4–6 inches compacted aggregate + 1 inch sand) is non-negotiable for a lasting installation.

— Sean J. Murphy