The importance of a proper base

When it comes to interlocking stone patios, walkways and driveways, the most important part of the project is what is underneath the surface. A properly built base is what keeps hardscape projects strong, level, and long-lasting—especially in Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate.

Why base matters

A poor base can lead to sinking, shifting, water pooling and uneven surfaces overtime. A properly installed base prevents these issues and ensures your hardscape holds up for years to come with minimal maintenance.

The type of base we use

Proper excavation

We excavate to the correct depth, removing organic soil reaching a stable subgrade. Depth is adjusted based on two factors, one being the type of project being completed and the second factor is how good the subgrade is.

Base material

We use high quality 3/4 crushed stone aggregate for pour walkways and patios. The reason we use this materials is to give the water a place to drain and in turn ensuring it does not wash away our material. We use A-gravel for higher traffic areas such as driveways because it allows you to tightly pack the base for higher weight ratings.

Mechanical compaction

Each layer is carefully compacted using a professional-grade plate compactor to achieve proper compaction standards—a critical step that’s often rushed or skipped.