Why a Solid Base Is the Key to a Long-Lasting Uni-Stone Installation (Especially in Canada)

When it comes to landscaping and hardscaping projects, one of the most common mistakes we see is cutting corners on the foundation. Whether it's a beautiful patio, walkway, or driveway made from uni-stone (pavé uni), the long-term success of the installation depends heavily on what lies underneath.

In this guide, we’ll break down why a proper base is essential, especially given the challenging Canadian climate, where soil movement due to freezing and thawing can wreak havoc on poorly installed surfaces.

What Is a "Base" in Uni-Stone Installation?

The base is the foundation layer beneath your pavers. It typically consists of:

• Excavation to proper depth

• Crushed stone (granular A or equivalent) compacted in layers

• Bedding sand (stone dust or concrete sand) for leveling

Done right, this base acts as a strong, stable, and draining support system for the stones above.

An excavation performed by the Lave Uni team.

Why the Base Matters More Than You Think

• Without a well-compacted base, pavers can sink or shift over time. You may start noticing puddles, uneven steps, or tripping hazards. Most of the time, this happens not because of the stones themselves—but because the base underneath failed.

  
  

•  Protects Against Frost Heave (Critical in Canada)

  In Canada, our soil experiences extreme freeze-thaw cycles. When moisture in the ground freezes, it expands. Then, it contracts as it melts—this movement can lift and shift the stones if the base isn’t deep enough or properly compacted.

  A good base is deep enough to go below the frost line, uses the right granular material for drainage, and prevents water from getting trapped. This reduces the impact of frost heave and keeps your project looking great for years.

• Improves Drainage

  The base allows water to flow through and away from your patio or driveway. Without proper grading and base material, water can sit under the stones, leading to erosion, moss growth, or freezing damage.

Increases Longevity and Reduces Repairs

Think of your hardscape as an investment. Spending a bit more time and money to build a proper base can add decades to the life of your project and reduce the need for costly repairs down the line.

The base allows water to flow through and away from your patio or driveway. Without proper grading and base material, water can sit under the stones, leading to erosion, moss growth, or freezing damage.

The Right Base: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how professionals like Lavé-uni Montréal Inc ensure a flawless, durable installation:

✅ Step 1: Excavation

• Depth: Typically 10 to 16 inches depending on the use (driveway vs patio)

• Goal: Remove topsoil and organic material to reach a stable subgrade

✅ Step 2: Geotextile Fabric (optional but recommended)

• Prevents mixing between native soil and crushed stone

• Increases stability in clay or silty soils (common in Quebec)

✅ Step 3: Crushed Stone Base

• Material: 0–3/4" crushed stone (granular A)

• Depth: 4–12 inches depending on traffic

• Compaction: In layers of 2–4 inches using a plate compactor

  

  Crushed Stone Base, Preparing for compaction

  
  

✅ Step 4: Leveling Layer

• Material: Stone dust or concrete sand

• Thickness: 1 inch max

• 

  Leveled stone dust for lave uni

• Purpose: Fine-tuning the final level before laying stones

✅ Step 5: Edge Restraints

• Keeps pavers locked in place and prevents lateral movement

✅ Step 6: Paver Installation and Joint Sand

• Stones are installed, compacted, and swept with polymeric sand to lock them in

  

  Applying polymeric sand to natural stone paving by Lave Uni Montreal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping compaction

• Using soft or unwashed gravel

• Not accounting for proper slope (for drainage)

• Installing directly on topsoil

• Underestimating frost impact

Why Hire a Professional Like Lavé-uni Montréal?

At Lavé-uni Montréal Inc, we understand local soil conditions and climate challenges. Our team ensures every installation is built on a solid base -engineered to handle Canadian winters and Montreal’s freeze, thaw cycles.

We don’t just make your project look great on day one, we build it to last through every season.

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space?

Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll assess your site and explain how we ensure the base is done right for a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting result.

📞 1855laveuni 👉 click here for a free consultation