1. Measure the patio footprint first
Start with the longest length and widest width. If the shape is irregular, split it into smaller rectangles or circles. Once you know the footprint, run it through the patio paver calculator before ordering anything.
2. Set the base depth
A paver patio usually needs compacted gravel plus a 1-inch bedding sand layer. The exact depth depends on drainage, freeze-thaw conditions, and soil stability.
3. Choose a pattern before ordering
Pattern affects waste. Running bond often works with 10% waste, while diagonal and herringbone layouts usually need 15%. Random layouts can go higher.
4. Lay, cut, and sweep in sand
Install the pavers over a level bedding layer, make edge cuts as needed, then sweep joint material across the finished surface. If you need bag counts, use the paver sand calculator.