Why Use Base Panels for Pavers and Retaining Walls

Today we talk about Synthetic Base or Paver Base Panels and where we use them on specific projects. These specific panels are for pedestrian use only. So we will only use these for backyard patios that are built on the existing grade and side walkways. Most other applications we will use an Open Graded Base instead.

Learn about Dense Graded Base Applications:

Learn about Open Graded Base Applications:

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[sleepygrumpy]

Great video -- probably the most detailed on the subject on YT -- can you use paver base panels under brick or just pavers?

[dayinthelifeofdolly]

I used the hard plastic interlocking ones under my jacuzi area and they are super super easy.

[harrykougias]

Great Video!... What is the brand of the level you are using?

[HowdyDo]

What alternatives are there to Brock's paver base? You were talking about some grid type but didn't say what they were.

[SalivanSa-wnrs]

Thank you very for creating all these informative videos. I am planning to lay a walkway using these synthetic base panels this spring, however, I cannot fond them in any of local big box stores. I live in the Niagara region (Ontario side) and have not been able to fond Gator panels. It seems Rona carries Brock pavers. Are these two brands different?

[pufgvvy]

I’m new here, wish there were someone in Chicago like you! Can we lay pavers directly on top of the base panels, on top our existing concrete patio?

[Esreverniem]

So glad I came across this video! I currently have a patio and walkway of pavers against my foundation, there is some sloping towards the foundation and water pooling. There is limestone base and 2" of sand under the pavers. Could I install base panels on top of the sand to help raise and grade away, or should I remove the sand and add more limestone (1/4 or 3/4 down, 1/4 or 3/4 clean ?) and sand instead? Zone 3a btw.

[randylang]

Thanks for the great insights. I'm considering using Gator panels following with the steps you've detailed for a 12' x 12' paver area. My neighbor who has done hardscaping for years using traditional methods seems skeptial this approach will hold up through long term freeze and thaw cycles in northern Indiana. Do you have examples of longevity and the ability of this approach to perform over the long term? Thanks.

[tomyazu]

Hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to make all these informative videos.

Question on using the paver base and laying down pavers next to a sitting wall that is installed on a traditional base. According to Gator Base, the paver base panel needs to extend 6 inches from the end of the pavers. However, if the pavers (on the Gator Base) will butt up next to the sitting wall (on a traditional base) this of course violates the “6 inch rule” for the pavers on the Gator Base.

What has been your experience in these situations? Is the “6 inch rule” for pavers on the Gator Base only needed to accommodate edging support (which the sitting wall should provide). Or is that additional 6” space on the Gator Base needed for some other reason?

Thanks again for all the videos!

[MrAndyTodd]

Thanks for this video! If I need a 6 inch retaining wall under one edge of my patio, do I lay paverbase on top of the wall or do i butt paverbase up against the back of the wall?

[manjeetgill]

Does anyone know if this base is available in the UK

[mjmolano]

Great video. I’m about to start my DIY patio. I have a small concrete slab, and I’m planning on using synthetic paver base. What do you recommend me to do with the slab? I already have 1 inch and also half inch pavers.

[mudassartai]

Hi i bought these brocks panel from Home depot along with step 2 sand. I saw videos where they put sand first then the Brock paver panels and some videos put sand on top of the Brock panels . I'm confused what goes first. Please help.
I'm trying the make a small walk way with 16x16 step stones from home depot.

[phamthanh]

Hi Michael. Congrats on your great channel. I am out in Southern California and am currently tackling my own DIY SAND SET paver project. I am using synthetic base panels AND my porcelain paver is of course 3/4". I don't use any crush base. After the weed barrier cloth and 1/2" of lightly hand-compacted sand, the base goes on top of that. When I placed the paver, I found that it is still have some gives, hence it does not fill like a solid paver surface. Please tell me what I missed. Also, your clip on HFB material for screeding. What is the equivalent out here in So Cal because nobody knows HFB. :) Peter

[timfischer]

We have clay soils that can get very sloppy. I read the Brock instructions and it tells me to tamp the soil by hand and then add the 1/2" of and and then the Brock panels. Knowing how "squishy" our clay soil can get, this just seems like not enough. Thoughts, from your professional experience?

[jameshihihin]

Would you recommend using this over existing concrete that’s in good shape? No videos on YouTube about laying pavers over existing concrete mention these.

[Dadof]

Would you use these for pool paver decking?

[bchebbo]

Glad to find this video, looking forward to lay 12x14 paver patio on flat terrain here in Montreal area.
Aiming to use synthetic base, HPB as base and nonwoven fabric.
Is digging only 2in to remove the grass would be enough? Is HPB better than sand?
Any errors/mistakes to avoid??
Thanks in advance

[JosephDorsey-gw]

What is the product name and manufacturer of this new type of paver base for driveways that you mention in the video?

[michaelboyenko]

Can you butt up a base panel install to a portion of pavers that will be installed using open graded base? Pavers installed on open graded base will compact 1/8" to 1/4", will pavers installed on base panels compact less than that or the same?