Choosing and sizing a surface
The big decision is the material: gravel is cheapest and easiest, asphalt and concrete are durable hard surfaces, and pavers cost the most but look the best and are repairable. Whatever you choose, a compacted base underneath is what makes it last — so size the base and bedding along with the surface. Asphalt driveways also need periodic sealing to stay flexible and waterproof.
Which calculator do I need?
- Paver calculator — how many pavers for a patio or walkway, by paver size.
- Paver base calculator — the crushed-stone base and bedding sand that go under the pavers.
- Paver sand calculator — just the sands: bedding sand under the pavers and polymeric sand for the joints, counted in bags.
- Asphalt calculator — tons of hot-mix asphalt for a blacktop driveway.
- Gravel calculator — tons and yards of gravel for a gravel drive, path, or base layer.
- Driveway sealer calculator — pails of sealcoat to protect an asphalt driveway.
The base is what lasts
Whatever the surface, a driveway or patio is only as good as the compacted base beneath it — most failures (sinking pavers, cracked asphalt, rutted gravel) are base failures, not surface problems. Plan 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone (more in clay or freeze-thaw climates, and far more for vehicles), slope everything about ¼ inch per foot for drainage, and add edge restraint to keep pavers or gravel from spreading. New asphalt should cure 6–12 months before its first sealcoat, then be resealed every few years.