Why Use Open Graded Base for Pavers and Retaining Walls

Today we talk about Open Graded Base or Hybrid Base in the installation of Pavers and Retaining Walls. We get into where and why you would use Open Graded Base, as well as where and why you would NOT use Open Graded Base.

Personally, I love using Open Graded Base wherever applicable especially in Raised Patios. I will also use it on patios that are being installed on the existing grade, but would likely opt for a Synthetic Base in those situations.

Learn about Dense Graded Base Applications:

Learn about Synthetic Base Applications:

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[Fraishe]

Top level production video in the hardscaping niche on youtube, truly amazing

[tspfull]

This video has answered so many planning questions I have had about what is best for my particular DIY backyard project. Thank you for providing all the logic behind the decision making.

[DW-sgcc]

I am a professional geotechnical engineer with 30+ years experience and I like to do my own hardscaping so I probably look at these how-to videos a bit different. I must say, very nice presentation with clear concise explanation of WHY you are doing it the way you are proposing. Lots of so called experts have no idea how to do pavers. Prep is everything. Especially in cold climates. Nice work.

[haydeneverett]

This video is value added and has guru level vibes.

[RobHTech]

great vid. I like that tool he's using to move the stones around.

[Ashipan]

Hi thank you for a great informative video. I have a tree right next to the area where I would like to build a patio. I want to maintain water drainage for the tree so open graded base sounds like the way to go. What do you think about using geo grid to hold the base material and the paver stones on top. Can I skip screeding assuming the geo grid is flat?

[Al-xkwl]

Your videos are very well detailed and explained! I have an interlock walkway around my home that is on lime screenings and clay soil. It’s sinking and heaving. Should I dig up all the lime screenings and relay with three-quarter inch stone and HPB? Thanks!

[joelklopstein]

Great video! I am making a patio now using this method and have a question: do you think I can use 2 inches instead of 1 inch of the 3/8 screed layer? I need a little extra height but I’m not sure if that would cause instability or not

[josephjwilbur]

Would you use pea stone directly under pavers? I was told by a hardscape business that pea stone is what I should use.

[javierechaniz]

Planning to install pavers around a shell pool. The area is a clay/sand mix. Plan to install drainage channels on two sides of the pool that are closest to the home. The pavers have minimal joint space. What type of base and joint would you recommend in my case?!

[apilkey]

So if I have retaining wall 20” away from my house foundation and about 18” high that I’m using for both a sitting bench as well as Planters against the house what sort of Base Material should I use?

Also for a Patio Base what’s the difference between ASTM 57 and #5 and which one would you recommend as a Base Layer prior to putting down 1” of HPB for my Bedding Material?

[rorycompton]

Do you feel polysand will hold up better over time than a permeable jointing compound? Techniseal specifically states the permeability over time will degrade as material moves into the pores.

[MDB-]

Great video! Looking to redo the pavers around our pool which were layed on top of concrete. Is the open graded base recommended for my situation where we would be putting it on top of concrete?

[neverrestboxinggym]

I love using this base, but lately it’s been tough on a lot of my patios finding an area to day light the pipe

[michaelboyenko]

I have watched a lot of your videos, they offer top notch info and are extremely valuable, so thank you! I am located in Sask an I am planning on installing 4' sidewalk next to my house foundation. Its is already excavated so synthetic base is not really an option. You recommend using dense grade next to foundations, but I would really like to use an open base for all of the reasons one would. If the sub base is sloped 2% away and woven geotextile is used and wraps up both sides of the base, could open base be used in this case? Thanks!

[nappyjim]

New DIYer here looking to do a retaining wall. Middle of minnesota, sandy soil. Can you explain why i would ever NOT want an open graded base? Wouldent i always to move the water away from the blocks as quick as possible?

[dvillanueva]

Hello! I live in the Southwest (Albuquerque, NM) and I am having an impossible time finding "clear" stone for either a 3/4 open graded base or a 3/8 screed/bedding layer. Is there any reason that all landscape rock providers here would not offer these sort of aggregates? I thought it may be due to the desert lack of water, but am unsure. Should I continue to seek a clear base and bedding layer, or go with what is offered? The NMDOT approved base course is incredibly dusty, and the crusher fines are all colored and mostly fines.

[ricks]

I wish. Just can’t get this stuff in southern AZ.

[adamarriaga]

So if i do front yard pavers for waliking area do i use dense graded base for a slope going to the street

[deespag]

I have no where to go with water what can I do?can just drain through open grade base?