How Deep Should Your Base Be? It Depends on the Project
How Deep Should Your Base Be? It Depends on the Project
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The Most Important Part You’ll Never See
Ask any experienced contractor and they’ll tell you: the success of a landscaping project depends on the base. Whether you're installing pavers, turf, walls, or gravel driveways — the depth and compaction of the base layer determine how long the surface will last. Here’s how we determine the right base depth for every kind of job.
Base Depth Guidelines by Project Type
Base Depth Guidelines by Project Type
1. Paver Patios and Walkways
1. Paver Patios and Walkways
Typical Base Depth: 4–6 inches of compacted Class 6 road base
Why: Supports load, prevents shifting, and handles Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles
Finish: Add 1 inch of bedding sand or screenings for leveling
Note: In poor soil or high-traffic areas, base depth increases to 6–8 inches with possible geo-fabric
2. Retaining Walls
2. Retaining Walls
Typical Base Depth: 6–12 inches of compacted gravel beneath the first course
Why: Evenly distributes weight and soil pressure
For walls over 3 feet: Base depth increases and geo-grid reinforcement is added
Critical: Base must be perfectly level and compacted to avoid future issues
3. Artificial Turf Installation
3. Artificial Turf Installation
Typical Base Depth: 3–4 inches of compacted Class 4 or decomposed granite
Why: Provides stable, well-drained, smooth surface that resists heaving
For pets or heavy use: Increase to 5–6 inches and add crushed rock layer for odor control
4. Gravel Areas (Paths, Parking Pads, RV Zones)
4. Gravel Areas (Paths, Parking Pads, RV Zones)
Light Use: 3–4 inches of well-compacted gravel
Heavy Use (vehicles): 6–8 inches of compacted Class 6 road base topped with decorative gravel
Why: Prevents rutting, spreading, and erosion over time
5. Sod & Natural Lawn Areas
5. Sod & Natural Lawn Areas
Typical Prep: 1–2 inches of compost tilled in (no gravel base)
Why: Sod requires root-friendly soil, loosened and leveled, not structural base
Additional Steps: Regrade for drainage, roll after installation, avoid laying directly on clay
Why Base Depth Varies
Why Base Depth Varies
Soil type (clay, sand, fill)
Usage intensity (foot traffic vs. vehicles)
Freeze-thaw exposure
Drainage requirements
Equipment access and compaction capability
Every project is customized based on actual field conditions — not just a fixed template.
Related Services:
Related Services:
Want Your Project to Last 10+ Years? It Starts Below the Surface.
Want Your Project to Last 10+ Years? It Starts Below the Surface.
We’ll dig, test, and build a base that keeps your investment solid for the long haul.
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