1. What is a Paving Bed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of mortar needed for paving beds based on area, bedding depth, mortar ratio, and yield per bag.

Purpose: It helps construction professionals and landscapers determine how much mortar is required for paving projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Mortar volume (number of bags)
• \( A \) — Area to be paved (square feet)
• \( D \) — Bedding depth (inches)
• \( R \) — Mortar ratio (unitless)
• \( Y \) — Yield per bag (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by depth (converted to feet) and ratio, then divided by the yield per bag to get the number of bags needed.

3. Importance of Mortar Calculation

Details: Proper mortar estimation ensures stable paving installations, proper bedding support, and cost-effective material purchasing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet, bedding depth (default 1.5 inches), mortar ratio (default 1.1), and yield per bag (default 0.3 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical bedding depth?
A: Most paving projects use 1-2 inches of bedding depth, with 1.5 inches being common for standard applications.

Q2: What does the mortar ratio represent?
A: The ratio accounts for mortar composition and typically ranges from 1.1 to 1.3 depending on the mix.

Q3: How do I find the yield per bag?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications on the mortar bag, as yields can vary between products.

Q4: Does this include waste or overage?
A: No, consider adding 5-10% to the calculated volume for project contingencies.

Q5: Can this be used for different paving materials?
A: Yes, the calculator works for brick, stone, and concrete pavers, though bedding depth may need adjustment.