What is a hybrid base construction?
A standard paver base consists of compacted gravel in the base layer and concrete sand in the bedding layer.
On the other hand, a permeable paver base uses a deeper porous drainage stone and installation methods for the bottom and ¼-10” as the bedding layer.
A hybrid base, which we’re discussing in this article, uses the standard base construction in conjunction with permeable base bedding. In short, Hybrid Base Construction combines traditional and permeable base.
Benefits of a hybrid base
What are the benefits of installing a hybrid base for your pavers instead of the traditional base?
- Easy to walk on
The way the hybrid base is structured makes it incredibly smooth for walking. The high compaction of the material makes it easier to walk on during installation. Not to mention less likely that the pavers shift around at any point.
- Withstands the elements
If you live in an area (such as the PNW) with a wide variety of weather types, a hybrid base can be a good choice for your paver base. It will hold up in all sorts of weather, including heat, rain, and snow.
- Easy to level
Ease of installation can be one of the most significant factors in deciding what base you want to use for your project. A hybrid base is effortless to level since it uses smaller stones as bedding for the pavers. A less back-breaking job is always a win.
Drawbacks of a hybrid base
Are there any downsides to installing a hybrid paver base? Let’s consider a few points before you decide to go with a hybrid base.
- Concrete edge restraint is required
Concrete edge is a little more challenging to install but certainly not impossible. Because of the more versatile nature of a hybrid paver base, you have to go with a concrete edge restraint to keep everything in place.
- Sourcing availability
One downside to installing a hybrid base is that it may take longer to find the necessary supplies. It is usually easier to find regular concrete bedding sand than the ¼-10” sand required for a hybrid base.
- Expense
Along with ¼-10” being hard to find comes some extra expense. Rock is more expensive than sand, and the concrete edge restraint can also incur more costs than the supplies for a standard paver base.
