Should I use crushed gravel or sand for the Vancouver patio base?

Use crushed gravel, not sand, for your patio base in Vancouver. Sand alone lacks the structural integrity and drainage capacity needed for Metro Vancouver's wet climate and will lead to settling, shifting, and water pooling issues.

Crushed gravel (3/4-inch minus or road base) is the correct base material for patio installations in Metro Vancouver. This angular, compactable aggregate creates a stable, load-bearing foundation that drains water efficiently — critical in a region that receives over 1,200mm of annual rainfall. The "minus" designation means it contains a blend of stone sizes from 3/4-inch down to fine particles, which compact together to form a dense, interlocked base when properly compacted with a plate compactor.

Sand serves a different purpose in interlock construction — it's used as a thin bedding layer (1-2 inches) on top of the compacted gravel base to create a smooth, level surface for laying pavers. This bedding sand allows for minor adjustments during paver installation and fills small voids beneath each paver. However, sand by itself cannot support structural loads or provide adequate drainage. Using sand as your primary base material will result in pavers that sink, shift, and create an uneven, potentially dangerous surface within 1-2 years.

For a typical Vancouver patio, your base should consist of 6-8 inches of compacted 3/4-inch minus crushed gravel. This depth accounts for Metro Vancouver's clay-heavy soils (common in Surrey, Richmond, Delta, and Langley) and persistent moisture conditions. The base must be installed in lifts of no more than 2 inches at a time, with each lift compacted to 95%+ density using a plate compactor. Install geotextile fabric between the excavated clay subgrade and the gravel base to prevent clay migration that would clog the base and destroy its drainage capacity.

Proper drainage design is essential with any base material. Establish a minimum 2% slope (1/4 inch per foot) away from your house and any structures. Install perforated drain pipe at low points if needed, and ensure water has a clear path to daylight or the municipal storm drain. In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, water that cannot drain away will saturate even the best gravel base and cause problems over time.

This is professional-grade work for patios larger than 100 square feet. Proper excavation, base installation, and compaction require experience with plate compactors, laser levels for establishing proper slope, and understanding of local soil conditions. A typical 400 square foot paver patio in Metro Vancouver runs $6,000-$12,000 installed, with the base preparation representing about 40% of the total project cost — but it's the most critical component for long-term performance.

Need help finding an interlock installer? Vancouver Interlock can match you with experienced contractors who understand proper base preparation for Metro Vancouver's challenging climate conditions.