Can You Lay Pavers Without Concrete? A Homeowner’s Guide

When planning a new patio, walkway, or driveway, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: “Do I need to pour concrete under my pavers?” The answer is no—in fact, most paver installations in residential settings are designed without concrete.

Instead, contractors use a proven “dry-laid” system that relies on a compacted gravel base and sand bedding to provide stability, flexibility, and proper drainage.

Why Lay Pavers Without Concrete?

1. Flexibility and Durability

Concrete slabs can crack over time due to soil movement or freeze-thaw cycles. A dry-laid paver system allows slight movement without damage, keeping your surface even and strong.

2. Better Drainage

Pavers laid over gravel and sand let water naturally drain through the joints, reducing pooling and protecting your landscape.

3. Easy Repairs

If a section of your paver patio or driveway shifts, you can lift and re-lay the affected area without replacing the entire surface. With concrete, repairs usually mean cutting and patching.

4. Cost-Effective

Skipping the concrete base means less material and labor. You still get a long-lasting result, but at a lower overall cost.

The Standard Dry-Laid Paver Installation Process

1. Excavation – Digging down 7–12 inches depending on traffic load.
2. Gravel Base – Compacting 4–8 inches of crushed stone for drainage and stability.
3. Sand Bedding – Adding a 1-inch layer of coarse sand to create a level surface.
4. Laying Pavers – Installing pavers in the chosen design pattern.
5. Edge Restraints – Securing borders with plastic, metal, or concrete edging.
6. Joint Sand – Sweeping in polymeric sand to lock the pavers in place.

This method ensures a strong, lasting installation that’s designed to withstand Seattle’s weather conditions.

When Concrete May Still Be Needed

• Commercial driveways or heavy-traffic areas
• Poor soil conditions that require extra stability
• Decorative borders or inlays where concrete helps lock pieces in place

Final Thoughts

For most homeowners in Seattle and surrounding areas, you do not need concrete under your pavers. A properly prepared gravel base with sand bedding will give you a patio, walkway, or driveway that’s both durable and easy to maintain.