Why a Crushed Rock Base is Important When Installing Pavers
A crushed rock base is key to a long-lasting paver driveway. APEX Pavers & Pools explains why proper installation prevents sinking and settling.
By Apex Pavers & Pools
Posted on June 06, 2019
Why a Crushed Rock Base Is Essential for Paver Driveways
At APEX Pavers & Pools, we build paver driveways that are not only beautiful but also built to last. The secret to long-term durability lies in proper installation — and that begins with the right base.
The Problem with Weak Bases
Most brick paver driveways that develop sinking or settling issues have one thing in common: a poor or inadequate sub-base. Without a solid foundation, vehicle weight quickly creates ruts, dips, and uneven surfaces.
The Crushed Rock Advantage
To prevent these issues, we install a crushed rock sub-base, also known as DOT Road Rock — the same material used under highways and city streets. This ensures your driveway can handle heavy loads without shifting.
Depth: For residential driveways, the crushed rock base should be 4–6 inches deep depending on soil conditions.
Why not sand alone? A “concrete sand” base by itself is not sufficient for long-term stability, yet many municipalities don’t require rock installation.
The Apex Standard
At APEX Pavers & Pools, we install a crushed rock base as a standard practice, not an upgrade. This commitment allows us to guarantee that your driveway will remain strong, stable, and free from settling.
