1. Start with the correct driveway size and load
Measure the full driveway footprint first, including parking clearance and turn-in space. Then decide what will drive on it. Passenger cars, pickup trucks, and RVs do not need the same base depth. Use the driveway paver calculator before you order any material.
2. Excavate to full structural depth
A driveway needs more than surface pavers. Plan for paver thickness, 1 inch of bedding sand, and a compacted gravel base that matches the load. Many standard passenger-car driveways start around 9 to 10 inches of total excavation, while heavier vehicles may need 12 to 14 inches.
3. Build and compact the gravel base in lifts
Spread the crushed stone in compacted layers rather than dumping the full depth at once. Proper compaction is what turns loose aggregate into a structural driveway base. In freeze-thaw climates, add extra base depth rather than trying to solve frost problems later.
4. Screed bedding sand and install pavers tightly
Once the base is flat and compacted, screed a 1 inch bedding layer and lay pavers in the chosen pattern. Herringbone is one of the most common driveway patterns because it interlocks well under traffic. If you need bedding volume, use the paver sand calculator.
5. Edge restraints, compaction, and sealing still matter
A driveway should include edge restraints, joint sand, and final compaction so the field acts like a system rather than loose units. Once the driveway settles and dries, you can evaluate sealing and long-term maintenance.