Sand And Gravel Patio Calculator

Calculation Formulas:

\[ \text{Sand (kg)} = \text{Area (m²)} \times \text{Depth (m)} \times 1600 \] \[ \text{Gravel (kg)} = \text{Area (m²)} \times \text{Depth (m)} \times 1700 \]

Sand Required:

Gravel Required:

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1. What is This Calculator For?

This calculator helps estimate the amount of sand and gravel needed to create a stable base for a patio or similar outdoor surface. Proper base preparation is essential for patio longevity and stability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Sand} = \text{Area} \times \text{Sand Depth} \times 1600 \text{ kg/m³} \] \[ \text{Gravel} = \text{Area} \times \text{Gravel Depth} \times 1700 \text{ kg/m³} \]

Where:

Area — The surface area of your patio in square meters
Sand Depth — Typically 0.03 meters (3 cm)
Gravel Depth — Typically 0.1-0.15 meters (10-15 cm)
1600 kg/m³ — Standard density of patio sand
1700 kg/m³ — Standard density of compacted gravel

3. Typical Depth Recommendations

For gravel base: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) is standard for most patios. More may be needed for soft ground or heavy use areas.

For sand layer: 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) is typical for leveling beneath pavers or slabs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your patio area accurately. Standard depths are pre-filled but can be adjusted. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why do I need both sand and gravel?
A: Gravel provides drainage and stability, while sand creates a smooth, level surface for pavers.

Q2: Can I use just sand or just gravel?
A: Not recommended. Gravel alone is too uneven, sand alone will shift and settle over time.

Q3: How do I convert the result to bags?
A: Divide the total kg by bag size (typically 20kg or 25kg bags). Always round up.

Q4: What if my area isn't rectangular?
A: Break irregular shapes into rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the results.

Q5: Should I order extra material?
A: Yes, add 10-15% to account for compaction, spillage, and irregularities.