How to Select the Best Base Material for Paving, Pathways, and Outdoor Areas
Selecting the best base material depends on your project's load-bearing requirements, drainage needs, and surface type. Driveways need compacted aggregate like GAP-40, pedestrian paths work well with GAP-20, while lighter applications like artificial turf require finer materials such as GAP-7 for optimal stability and drainage. I learned this lesson the hard way fifteen years ago when I installed a beautiful paver patio in my backyard without properly understanding base materials. Within two years, sections had sunk, creating uneven surfaces and water pooling issues. That expensive mistake taught me that what's underneath matters just as much as what's visible on top. Whether you're planning a driveway, garden pathway, patio, or any outdoor hardscape project, the foundation literally makes or breaks your investment. A proper base prevents settling, manages water drainage, distributes weight evenly, and ensures your surface stays level for decades rather than months. Yet...