Library
Paving, paver & stone guides
15 guides covering the specs, depths, cost drivers and failure modes behind the calculators — three pillar guides with supporting deep dives on the decisions that move the number most.
Asphalt & paving
Calculators →- Asphalt driveway cost, line by lineA real breakdown of an asphalt driveway quote — excavation, base, tonnage, labour, mobilisation and margin — and which lines are worth negotiating.6 min read
- How to spec asphalt thickness and base depthChoosing compacted asphalt thickness and aggregate base depth by soil type, climate and load — plus compaction lifts and how loose depth differs from compacted.6 min read
- When to pave: season, temperature and cure timeMinimum paving temperatures, why hot mix fails in the cold, regional season windows, cure times and when cold patch is the right call instead.5 min read
- Repair, resurface or replace: reading a failing drivewayHow to read cracks, alligatoring, potholes and edge failure to decide between crack fill, an overlay or full replacement — with cost ranges for each.6 min read
Pavers & hardscape
Calculators →- Paver base build-up, layer by layerExcavation depth, geotextile, dense-graded vs open-graded aggregate, compaction in lifts, and screeding bedding sand to a true 1 inch.6 min read
- What actually drives paver patio costWhy paver quotes vary so much — paver type, pattern and cut count, site access, excavation depth and regional labour rates — with 2026 cost ranges.5 min read
- Edge restraint and joint sand: the details that hold it togetherWhy paver edges spread, how to detail edge restraint properly, and how to install polymeric joint sand so it hardens instead of hazing or washing out.5 min read
- Segmental retaining wall basicsHow segmental retaining walls work: buried base course, levelling pad, drainage aggregate and pipe, geogrid reinforcement and when an engineer is required.6 min read
Stone & aggregate
Calculators →- Stone coverage and depth by applicationHow to work out stone coverage per ton, the right depth for beds, paths, driveways and drainage, and how much to add for compaction and spread loss.5 min read
- Choosing the right gravel for the jobPea gravel, #57 stone, crusher run, stone dust, river rock and decomposed granite compared — where each performs and where each fails.6 min read
- Stone weights and unit conversionsConvert between tons, cubic yards, cubic metres, kilograms and pounds for aggregate — plus the stone weight unit, and why US and metric tons differ.5 min read
- Drainage stone and how to build a French drainTrench sizing, slope, pipe choice, clean stone quantities and geotextile detailing for a French drain or drainage trench that keeps working.5 min read
Frequently asked questions
+How deep should the base be under asphalt, pavers or gravel?
Asphalt driveways take 6-8 inches of compacted aggregate, paver patios 4-6 inches (8-12 under a driveway), and gravel driveways 4-6 inches of coarse sub-base plus a 3-inch top course. Clay soils and freeze-thaw climates take the upper end of each range.
+Why do quantity estimates change after compaction?
Aggregate loses about 20-25% of its loose depth under a plate compactor and asphalt about 15-20%. Always specify compacted depth and order material for the loose depth.
+Are these guides US or metric?
The worked examples are imperial because US suppliers quote in tons, cubic yards and inches. Every conversion to kilograms, tonnes and cubic metres is covered in the stone weights guide.