The Role of Compaction in Hardscape Longevity

Why What’s Beneath Your Pavers Matters More Than You Think

The beauty of pavers or synthetic turf means nothing without a solid base. Without proper compaction and preparation, even the most stunning hardscape installation can shift, crack, or sink — costing you time, money, and client satisfaction. In this post, we break down the importance of compaction, the right materials, and what can go wrong when corners are cut.

What Is Compaction — and Why Does It Matter?

Compaction is the process of increasing the density of a soil or base material by removing air pockets. This creates a firm foundation that resists movement and supports the loads placed on top — whether it’s foot traffic, furniture, vehicles, or turf.

When done correctly, compaction:

• Reduces the risk of settling or movement
• Prevents water pooling and erosion
• Supports structural integrity and surface smoothness
• Extends the life of your project

Step 1: Start With the Right Subgrade

The subgrade is the natural soil beneath your project area. Before adding any base materials, the subgrade should be cleared of organic matter, compacted, and in some cases, amended to ensure stability.

Neglecting this step leads to one of the most common hardscape failures: uneven settling.

Clay-heavy or sandy soils? You’ll want to consider geo-fabrics or soil stabilisers to help reinforce the foundation and prevent base migration.

Step 2: Choose the Right Base Material

For most paver or turf installations, crushed rock or road base is the go-to choice. These materials are designed to compact tightly and drain well — two non-negotiables for hardscape success.

• For pedestrian areas: 75–100mm of compacted base is often sufficient
• For driveways or load-bearing areas: 150–200mm may be required
• Always compact in layers (lifts) of 50mm or less for best results

Step 3: Compact Like a Pro

Compacting with a plate compactor or roller in even, overlapping passes ensures uniform density. Skipping this step, or compacting only once, often results in “soft spots” — which turn into dips or cracks over time.

Pro Tip: Always test for compaction using a penetrometer or by conducting a “bounce test” — if the ground feels spongy, it needs another pass.

What Happens Without Proper Compaction?

Poorly compacted bases can cause:

• Pavers to shift, sink, or crack
• Synthetic turf to develop uneven spots or drainage issues
• Costly rework and unhappy clients
• Voided warranties from suppliers or installers

It’s the stuff hardscape nightmares are made of — and completely avoidable.

All Your Base Materials in One Place

At Nepean Landscape Supplies, we stock premium road base, DGB20, crushed fines, aggregates, stabilising products, and the gear to help you get it right the first time.

Need advice on depths, materials, or equipment? Our team of experts is always here to help ensure your base is as strong as your finished surface.

Strong projects start below the surface.
Invest in proper compaction — and protect your work for years to come.

Visit Nepean Landscape Supplies or call us today to place an order.