Paver Base vs Class 5 Base: 2026 Comparison
Side by side on size, drainage, compaction, look, and cost. No fluff, just the numbers and the trade-offs.
Quick take
Paver Base is a construction & base material in the 0 – 1/4″ range, most often spec’d for patio gravel. Class 5 Base sits in the same category, and it shows up more on driveway gravel work.
How the two differ in practice
Size is the first split: 0 – 1/4″ for Paver Base versus varies for Class 5 Base. Density is 2800 lb/yd³ next to 2900 lb/yd³, which moves the cost-per-ton math by a small margin. Delivered cost is $35-$60/ton for Paver Base and $28-$48/ton for Class 5 Base.
When Paver Base is the right call
Pick Paver Base when the job is patio gravel and walkway gravel. The dense gray, blends with concrete grade and the way it locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor make it a fit for that application. On a full-truck order the per-ton cost falls roughly 15 to 20 percent under partial-load pricing, which is the cleanest way to land in the $35-$60/ton band.
When Class 5 Base is the better fit
Switch to Class 5 Base if the project leans toward driveway gravel and base course gravel. The dense gray, blends with concrete grade matches that job better. Plan for $28-$48/ton delivered, same full-load break point as Paver Base.
Side by side comparison
| Attribute | Paver Base | Class 5 Base |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Construction & Base | Construction & Base |
| Particle size | 0 - 1/4" | varies" |
| Color & look | Dense gray, blends with concrete | Dense gray, blends with concrete |
| Density | 2800 lb/yd³ | 2900 lb/yd³ |
| Sold by | Ton | Ton |
| Price range | $35-$60/ton | $28-$48/ton |
| Drainage | Slow (compacted) | Slow (compacted) |
| Compaction | Locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor | Locks tight under load, 95%+ Proctor |
| Maintenance | Buried base, no upkeep | Buried base, no upkeep |
| Best for | patio gravel, walkway gravel, and pool deck gravel | driveway gravel, base course gravel, and parking lot gravel |
Verdict
If your project is patio gravel, go with Paver Base. If it leans toward driveway gravel, Class 5 Base is the cleaner pick. Cost-wise the gap is small, so the deciding factor is the surface and traffic, not the price.
Bottom line: Project-dependent
Browse product hubs
Top cities for these materials
Plan with a calculator
Related guides
GUIDEHow Deep Should a Gravel Driveway Be? Layer GuidePractical, field-tested guide: how deep should gravel driveway be. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEWhat Is #57 Stone? Uses, Size, and Cost ExplainedPractical, field-tested guide: what is 57 stone. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEHow Much Gravel Do I Need? Quick Sizing GuidePractical, field-tested guide: how much gravel do i need. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEDoes Gravel Stop Weeds? Honest Answer + What WorksPractical, field-tested guide: does gravel stop weeds. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paver Base or Class 5 Base cheaper?
Per-ton pricing is usually within $10. The main cost driver is freight from the nearest quarry, not the material itself.
Which one drains better?
Larger, more angular stones drain faster. Compare the two products' size grades to pick by drainage need.
Can I mix Paver Base and Class 5 Base?
Yes - many installers use the coarser grade as base and the finer as a top dressing. Layer base first, then top.
How long does each last?
Both materials last 10+ years with periodic top-up. UV breaks down nothing because they're rock.
Which has more aesthetic appeal?
Subjective. Pull a sample from your supplier before ordering 10 tons.
Are both available delivered?
Yes - both ship via tandem dump truck (4-25 tons) or bag drop (1-3 tons). Same lead times in most metros.