1. What is a Paving Bedding Mortar Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps landscapers and DIYers determine how many bags of mortar are 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, converted to feet)
• \( R \) — Mortar ratio (unitless factor)
• \( Y \) — Yield per bag (cubic feet per bag)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by depth (converted to feet) and mortar 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, prevents material shortages or excess, and helps with project budgeting.

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 0.6 ft³/bag). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Q3: How do I find the yield per bag?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications on the mortar bag - standard mortar yields about 0.6 ft³ per 80lb bag.

Q4: Does this include joint sand?
A: No, this calculates only the bedding mortar. Joint sand must be calculated separately.

Q5: Should I add extra for waste?
A: Yes, consider adding 5-10% to the calculated amount for spillage and adjustments during installation.