The use of synthetic base has become a popular option for paver installations across North America. In today’s post, we’re going to share five things you should know about using synthetic base and some key benefits it lends on a job.

1. Synthetic base can speed up your installation.

We wanted to see just how much faster using Gator Base was in comparison to installing pavers the traditional way. To perform our analysis, we constructed two test pads and performed side-by-side installations. The Gator Base project, as it turned out, was installed 57% faster than the traditional project.

By the time the Gator Base project was finished, the following items were still yet to be completed in the traditional project:

Installation of bedding sand
Installation of pavers
Installation of edging
Compaction of pavers
First sweeping of polymeric sand
Re-compaction of pavers
Second installation of polymeric sand
Removal of excess sand
Watering

2. Synthetic base is perfect for tricky access.

Gator Base can be used in a number of application settings that would be tricky to tackle without it. Let’s take a look at some scenarios.

Limited access

Gator Base is a perfect option for a job site that is tucked behind a fence, masonry wall, or gate that can’t be taken down. It's also perfect for a site that’s up or down a steep hill or requires access through a neighbor’s property.

Limited storage

On some job sites, there just isn’t a spot to store the excavation spoils and/or the stone base that’s needed for a traditional job. Gator Base eliminates the need for deep excavation and saves 6 in. of compacted crushed stone!

Root zones

Roots will often be an issue on a job site with mature trees. With Gator Base, you’ll only have to dig about 4 in. down, so you won’t have to worry about entering the root zone of the trees.

Underground utilities

Have a job site where underground utilities might compete with your excavation? Gator Base is the answer.

Gator Base is 57% faster than a traditional paver installation.

3. Synthetic base offers significant savings.

While the cost of Gator Base is more than the cost of the 6 in. of crushed stone it will replace, the real savings is realized in time and labor. Here’s some food for thought:

How much does the excavation in a traditional job cost you? Or, better yet, how much is over excavating costing you? Remember, with Gator Base, you’re replacing 6 in. of crushed stone, that will also need to be compacted!
How much is the double handling of the excavated material costing you?
What does your stone base cost?
What does the installation of the stone base cost? Think about the labor it takes to lay it out in lifts, compact it, and then repeat the process.

All of this labor is saved on a Gator Base project. Not only will you save on excavation and base prep, but you will also be able to install your pavers faster!

4. Synthetic base is NOT for every job.

While there are many suitable applications for Gator Base, there are some cases in which it won’t make the best fit.

Vehicular applications (Gator Base is only approved for pedestrian traffic)
Designs that feature circular or serpentine shapes, which would result in excessive waste
Projects that involve raised patios or significant grade changes

Check out this blog post:

Why Gator Base Is Not For Every Job

5. Synthetic base requires excavation.

One of the key benefits of Gator Base is that it saves you from having to excavate the extra 6 in. you would normally fill with crushed stone. However, if you fail to excavate properly and evenly, your project can be prone to settling in the future.

To calculate the optimal amount of excavation needed, add together the depths of the following four elements:

Geotextile fabric
Final height of the compacted bedding sand (½”)
Gator Base (¾”)
Height of the pavers

The total excavation width should be 6 in. wider on each side than the final paved area, have the same slope as the finished paver surface, and be within ⅜ in. of desired grade.

RECAP

The five most important things to remember about working with synthetic base are:

It can speed up the installation process.
It’s a perfect solution for job sites with tight or tricky access.
It offers a significant time and labor savings.
It’s suitable for many job types, but not all.
It still requires proper excavation.

Download a free copy of our Gator Base Performance Report to learn how a Gator Base test site, which was built in a freeze/thaw climate, has held up since 2015.

5 Things To Know About Synthetic Base Paver Installations