How deep should a paver patio base be in New Brunswick's climate?

A paver patio base in New Brunswick needs to be 12 to 16 inches deep, significantly more than what you'd see recommended in milder climates. This extra depth is critical because NB's frost line extends 1.2 to 1.5 metres below grade, and without a proper granular base, freeze-thaw cycles will heave your pavers out of alignment within the first winter or two.

The base structure should follow a specific layering approach. Start with 6 to 10 inches of compacted granular A gravel (3/4-inch crushed stone with fines), applied and compacted in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor. On top of that, spread 1 inch of bedding sand (concrete sand or stone dust) screeded to a perfectly level surface. The pavers themselves sit on this sand layer. In areas with heavy clay soil — common around Fredericton and the Saint John River valley — you may want to go closer to 16 inches of base, while sandy coastal soils near Moncton or Shediac can sometimes get by with 12 inches.

Drainage is equally important in New Brunswick's climate. With annual rainfall of 1,100 to 1,200mm and spring snowmelt adding significant water, your base must shed water efficiently. Ensure the patio has a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot away from any structures. For patios adjacent to a house foundation, consider installing a drainage pipe along the inside edge to prevent water from pooling against the foundation wall.

One commonly overlooked detail in NB is the choice of polymeric sand for joints. Standard joint sand will wash out quickly with Maritime rainfall and allow weeds to establish. Polymeric sand hardens when wet, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth and ant infiltration. Budget approximately $25–30 per bag, and you'll need 1 bag per 30–40 square feet depending on joint width.

The sub-base preparation deserves special attention. Before adding gravel, excavate down to undisturbed soil and compact it with a plate compactor. If you hit clay, consider adding a layer of geotextile fabric between the native soil and the gravel base — this prevents clay from migrating up into the gravel and compromising drainage. In NB's river valley areas where clay soil is prevalent, this fabric layer can add years to your patio's life.

Professional patio installation in New Brunswick runs $18 to $30 per square foot for standard interlocking pavers, with the base preparation accounting for roughly 40–50% of the total cost. While DIY is possible for smaller patios, improper base preparation is the number one cause of patio failure in NB's climate — if you're investing $3,000 to $6,000 in a patio, hiring an experienced local installer is often worth the investment for the base work alone.

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