EZ Base | Installing Pavers with Techniseal's Hardscape Base System

EZ Base makes paver installation faster & easier than ever before.
In this video, Rick Beaulieu, the founder of Techniseal's popular Technical Training Program goes through a full patio paver installation, using the innovative EZ Base paver system.
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EZ Base has been replaced by NEXTBASE™. Take a look at the new and improved NEXTBASE™ base panel system here 👉 bit.ly/432qrJA.

[@aquascapeponds]

I have installed pavers for over 20 years if I would’ve kept good records in my previous company I could tell you how many sqf. I see all this people commenting and being so closed minded to new techniques and ideas, try it do a small area in your shop, home, relative, test it on your own then bash it or post the results, there is lots of tough and engineering that went developing this product. 15 years ago or so I met a guy that claimed he didn’t use sand as the final layer instead 1/4” stone most if not all around him laughed or didn’t believe it, I was the only one willing to try it started with a small area and used on 99% of my projects and cas attest is much better than just sand, last seminar I attended unilock was encouraging and recommending this .

[@jamesmickle8234]

I just recently switched to the 1/4" stone. Wow! it is so much better.

[@zoezzzarko1117]

Pea gravel?

[@SuperBardley]

@The Music Ministry Coach.com Materials are cheap, labor is expensive, excavation and off haul of spoils is even more expensive. These products reduce the excavation, the off haul, the Lifts of backfill with multiple courses of vibration/compaction. The point of the product is to save labor.

[@kingdavid3194]

I saw another comment that said that the bricks shift and wobble when you use the rubber base, is that true?

[@dennisthemenance5433]

A VERY NICEA! ( My Italian is lacking after being in the USA too long.. Only time will tell in a few Yrs.. We used Concret dust in the cracks and sprayed and then compacted that and boy did it do the job..Like doing tuk pointing that a ( Free) Mason does! a Fellow Brother for 45 yrs now..;-) 66' Veteran

[@NoWayJoseNJ]

I like this one it answers everything visually Thank you guys

[@Kathern-lv9nv]

A great installation made to last!!

[@juliahelland6488]

Thanks for sharing this! 💯

[@bassphantom4613]

Great video. Nice work. Thanks

[@Techniseal]

Glad you appreciate it!

[@untcutomz4040]

I love Bruce Pritchard in this video he is very informative

[@Techniseal]

😂

[@videoguyinfinity]

Who would have guessed that in 2021 the most expensive thing in the video would be the 2x4 he's using to level the sand!

[@jimjohnson7681]

Wrong. The paver base panels are pretty expensive. I buy them often for projects.

[@edwardsalazar920]

@@jimjohnson7681 I’m here from the Future to let you know the most expensive thing now is the paver! Haha 😂

[@GODMODEPLUS]

Wrong it's always been the people (good or bad) installing the pavers.

[@markmilan01]

😂😂😂

[@SuperMaxibaby]

we cant get anything like this in uk, well if there is i cant find them ,great job D

[@dominicmoraca71]

I like this. Good work. Just placing the pavers on the boards instead of sand or dust cuts the job in half.

[@bxchocolate987]

Are you referring to paver base panels or actual wood boards?

[@joeyrojas2994]

@@bxchocolate987 pretty sure he means panels. Faster but more expensive.

[@lucymarion2945]

How did you cover the edges? When you were finished, it still looked exposed.

[@housemachine509]

Why does the sand get compacted after a feeding? Does that not screw up the flatness?

[@joeyrojas2994]

I was thinking the same thing. I don’t think you’re supposed to compact sand.

[@irishdarbykd]

How much sand does it take? I'm making an 11ft×16ft. How much polymeric sand would that require? I would love to not over or under purchase if possible. Thanks.

[@leelatejaswib2527]

Great job and perfect explanation. I have a question. We are planning to install porcelain pavers and strips of artificial turf in between. Do these EZ base panels work? if they work, how to keep the pavers not moving?

[@Techniseal]

Thank you, Leela; for this type of question, please contact our technical support experts at service(at)techniseal(dot)com or call 1 800 465 7325. They will answer any questions you may have regarding our products. Thanks again for the kind words.

[@michaelasandoval]

have installed porcelain pavers, what type of bedding sand used and is it the same process and what location (City, State) was this video taken.

[@jasonbishop6934]

Where can I find info on that roller?? Brand?

[@drmariopepper4354]

I need to find a video on how those lines are suppose to be used.

[@beenieman79]

It's to keep ends/lines and everything straight. Just a guide of sorts.

[@leif29]

How thick was the sand?

[@Wvillegas816]

Can you share more information I. Where to get the edger system you used and the boards? Jobs looks great. Wonder is snow or freezing temperatures will impact the boards. Thanks.

[@Techniseal]

For the edgings, please consult 👉 bit.ly/2VqQSoJ 👈

[@Techniseal]

To find our products in your region, please refer to our Dealer Locator module at 👉 bit.ly/2JH94Vh 👈

[@salmonteiro6681]

Lowes sellers that stuff

[@jeffdillenbeck1278]

Can't find a roller compactor anywhere. Local or online.

[@brandinemorgan6625]

We've retired to Albuquerque and have an acre of land. Weve rocked a lot of it nicely done but in the backyard weve got massive issues with squirrels and moles, gophers etc. Two holes are under new pool equipment, any ideas what's best?

[@Christian_Entertainment]

Amazing video. Please let me know about the "solid edging" the frame that you use with your nail. Do you have a brand, maybe a link? thanks

[@Techniseal]

Sure Thing! This is our solid paver edging --> bit.ly/3uabR3i ; we also manufacture 10 inch nails to set them down.

[@robertgrlic6505]

How come no slope? essentially, this patio is level but it should be slopping for the water to run off?

[@moseslmps6261]

What spacing you used

[@sierramade]

We need more on why what are you doing

[@HsingSun]

It looks a very nice job! Questions: 1) Can I build a shed or patio on the top of it? 2) How much cost it to do this size?

[@Techniseal]

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, we do not recommend building a shed or patio on an installation carried out with the EZ base panel system. The weight charge would be too important. However, you can place chairs, tables, and typical patio furniture on the surface without any problem. When in doubt, please don't hesitate to consult this product's Technical Data Sheet at bit.ly/3dN96fP . You can also contact our technical support: 📬 [e-mail] ☎️ 1 800 465 7325

[@cm16533]

When complete do you cover the edges in dirt and plant grass? I have exposed EZ base around my edges.. not sure what to do with them

[@coreycripps5221]

You should have an edge restraint around the pavers at the edge on top of the ez base. Then you cut the ez base just past the restraint. Put dirt or gravel up to the edge and your good to go.

[@Treys_Waterboy]

Those panels are $13.00 each at Home Depot. $13.00! Each! 🤩

[@nberanek9768]

Similar to the cost of gravel but easier to use.

[@TheFenwayman1912]

I have used the string idea to make sure it's square and even . But how do u know it's exactly Strait when u bring it to the other end and tie it off. ??

[@jorgejaimes3754]

When you make a corner use the 345 method,, you can use it in inches or feet and it establishes a straight line creating a true corner 90• ,, measure 3 feet on one side from the corner and from same corner measure 4 feet the opposite direction. Mark the 3 and 4 foot marks, now measure from your 3’ mark to your 4’mark and it should be exactly 5 feet ,, research the 3 4 5 method so you can have a visual… best of luck👊

[@dueler57time]

1) What type of sand are you using under the panels? Step 1 paver base sand or step 2 paver leveling sand? 2) What do you do to cover the edging when you are done so it doesnt have a border? Dirt and grass planted over it? 3) Did you leave the bars in there when you leveled the sand or after you leveled it did you take the bars out and smooth it over? 4) If you are putting the pavers up against existing cement on one side, can you skip the edging and stakes on that side and make sure its tight on the opposite side? Thanks in advance

[@geovanniaguilar2588]

What’s the size?

[@armyman1134]

You should of shown how you finished the edges.

[@Techniseal]

We appreciate the comment, we'll definitely keep that in mind for a future video. 👍

[@robira1313]

I used these panels and do not like them. When I walk on my 12-inch square pavers, I can hear them moving. Without the panels, I can pound them into the sand to snug them up, but pounding them into the foam rubber panels is pointless. My pavers rub up against adjoining pavers and I can hear them. It's annoying when I walk on them. I'd rather use a paver base aggregate.

[@brandonbruce9816]

You gotta use poly sand to lock them togethee

[@BWWGL9]

Lose weight! Lol

[@Kutless1223]

Sounds like bad sub soil or bad compaction

[@KODmasta07]

@@BWWGL9 lmao

[@bad1173]

I never had the problem making patios without the foam base. I am about to use this at a building and wanted to make sure Ik whats going on with it. I might just do the normal way lol

[@davidseverance5431]

Can this system be used for a deck with Belgard porcelain pavers on top? build a box for the sand? or just put the Techniseal on top of plywood?

[@Techniseal]

Hi David, Unfortunately, you can't lay EZ Base on a wood surface and install pavers on top. With time, the humidity will build up and accumulate under the pavers, and the wood base would then slowly rot. The bottom line is: EZ Base can only be used to carry out installations directly on the ground. To learn more about EZ Base, please feel free to take a look at this product's Technical Data Sheet at 👉. bit.ly/37PUW98

[@dimplezdimples8451]

@@Techniseal that link doesn't open.

[@Techniseal]

@@dimplezdimples8451 ; yes the product changed url a few months ago. Here is the updated address --> bit.ly/3w1WBa6

[@thegrizzable]

Would these work for a shed base with 2'x2' pavers?

[@Deke1]

yup

[@gilbertoni8632]

Looks good but you could've staggered them instead of having long joints.

[@TanyaOwens]

The roller plate you are using, which company makes it. I'm trying to see if I can rent one. Most of the ones I see at lowes and Home depot have the plate that you should use with a rubber mat, but it is too heavy for me to lift into and out of my car

[@Techniseal]

Good Afternoon, Upon verification, the plate compactor that was used for this particular job is a Weber CF1 Forward Plate. This is an older model however, the design and/or specs might be different in newer models.

[@jameshihihin1320]

Could I use cardboard and a hand tamp to vibrate the poly sand deep into the joints?

[@Techniseal]

Hi, thanks for your question, We really recommend using a roller compactor or vibrating plate. To enable you and ensure uniform, optimal results.

[@eternalbatteringram5916]

Just what the world needs, more plastic buried in the ground.

[@HsingSun]

Plastic would not work under the ground in Florida because it is too hot in summer.

[@D.Stephenson]

I hope this is his great grandmas back yard and not a customer

[@vchowdry1]

where does the water go in heavy rain with the rubber base?

[@Techniseal]

Thank you for your question. EZ Base panels are built with irrigation channels that allow rainwater to flow through the soil easily. Incidentally, the EZ BASE system does not affect the natural irrigation process. When in doubt, please don't hesitate to consult this product's Technical Data Sheet at 👉 bit.ly/3dN96fP . You can also contact our technical support by phone or email.

[@drmariopepper4354]

And how can it be level but sloped for drainage. I’m confused

[@fun11ful]

Level across but sloped the other way

[@ptessier73]

How did you fastened the gazebo?

[@Techniseal]

That's a good question, unfortunately, I'm afraid we do not have the answer 🙁

[@_DixonCider]

I'll stick to crushed stone base.

[@andydaddy2009]

Jeepers the cost of the underlayment product is huge..I just get 2 x 2 concrete and drop them on the grass ..spray first with roundup..and after my gills swell up fill the cracks ...viola. no digging..i do the edges with blacktop patch by hand so i can weedwhack no problem.. 4 sq ft costs 4 bucks

[@kingdavid3194]

Do you have a video one this? Or can you point me to a source where I can get some instructions to read on it?

[@MadristaSisam]

Haha, it's shift over time and will never be level

[@heidimueller1039]

Roundup? Hope you’re not breathing it!

[@markmilan01]

How long does something like that take to do as professionals?

[@Techniseal]

Usually less than a few hours for the EZ Base installation and from there, it's essentially a regular paver job. Some guys can really turn in projects like these at an amazing rate 😎

[@mml1224]

great job guys!!! very nice...hey , is it necessary to use the black tarp thingy under the sand? did that replace the crushed gravel instead? also, for a cleaner look, i didn't see u cut the black tarp leftover after u nailed the black plastic borders, y is that?

[@christianb6046]

I believe the black tattoo is the weed barrier. It prevents weed from growing between the pavers.

[@bassphantom4613]

@@christianb6046 I think it’s that and a paver base(rocks and sand) alternative

[@markvasiloff2217]

Can you use sand instead?

[@Techniseal]

You can use regular play sand but EZ Base allows you to save time, money, and effort. In the end, it all depends on your preferences and what you're comfortable working with.

[@drmariopepper4354]

Thought you weren’t supposed to use a plate compactor with the poly boards? Maybe that’s just for the pavers.

[@chuckkindstrand]

I was under the impression that the ground beneath the fabric was compacted. What is the point of compacting the leveled sand?

[@amandairwin5279]

What kind of go textile did you use?

[@Techniseal]

Hi! You may use the geotextile fabric, of your choice, but strong enough.

[@kenroberts786]

What is the cost for materials and labor to do this project?

[@Techniseal]

Hi Ken, We can’t give you an estimate because there are too many variables for the cost of labour and material. Each distributor of ours sets up their selling price. The contractor has their own $/hr rate.

[@edilvenorozco9531]

Alos gueros los traen para los videos pero los paisa son los que sacan el jale puro mexican power

[@mattamick1163]

Any concerns with drainage ?

[@Techniseal]

Hi Matt, EZ Base panel are built with drainage holes and canals for proper soil irrigation. To learn more, feel free to consult this product's Technical Data Sheet at 👉 bit.ly/32yPXtu

[@mattamick1163]

@@Techniseal thank you

[@edwardperez4266]

how do i activate my laborers

[@Techniseal]

Hi Edward, a couple Red Bulls should do the trick

[@LukasLwM]

No gravel?

[@Techniseal]

No sir!

[@housemachine509]

I don’t know but I see lippage

[@p.santos6644]

This old timers done a good job, looks good but don't think its a good method with those plastic covers

[@Techniseal]

Thanks for the comment, the dark cover stuff is geotextile and serves as a physical barrier between the natural soil and the foam panels. As for that Old Timer - We're lucky to have him, Rick has been one of our most valued ambassador for more than a decade, he'll surely appreciate the shout out 👍

[@p.santos6644]

@@Techniseal 👍up for the old timer 😂😂😂

[@jonnyjumperr2790]

That helps for the future so Wild WeedS and Grass to grow in between the cracks of the Pavers or up lift between the Joints🤓

[@brettlight4849]

The base grids are an alternative to digging down another 8" for your gravel base, hauling off the dirt and dump fees.

[@iamsunflower-fu3lk]

@Patrick SS lowes has something similar

[@celso422]

Good job but looks like you take 3 days for this small job 15x15

[@Techniseal]

Good Morning Celso, this job was completed within a day ( 1 afternoon and 1 morning)

[@celso422]

Techniseal great time

[@jivanyshyn]

Electric roller compactor brand Please ?

[@Techniseal]

Hi! Please follow paver manufacturer for compactor guidelines. Here is a list of brand names that we propose: Plate compactor such as Multiquip's Mikasa MVB series, Wacker Neuson's VP and WP series, Toro's FP series are examples of models that can ensure proper mechanical compaction. Using a Teflon-coated plate or paving pad is important to help protect the surface. Plate compactor - Ideally, the plate compactor should have a maximum centrifugal force of 25 kN (5,000 lbf) and a frequency between 80 and 100 Hz. The weight of the plate compactor should not exceed 100 kg (220 lb). A smaller machine can be used for repair work and joint replacement. Paver rollers such as Weber MT's VPR 450 & VPR 700, EZG's EVPC120, ESI's EVPC120H are examples of models that can ensure proper mechanical compaction. Rubber-coated or nylon rollers are important to help protect the surface.

[@joegarciatucson]

I just threw them on the ground and butted them up to one another and my kids walked over them and there it was finished and we only bought the pavers and did not buy anything else.

[@narunjankumar6603]

How does it look now ?

[@jonathanruiz380]

Do you ever remove the plastic edging

[@Robertlillyblad94]

No. Gets buried as you'll fill the edges with black dirt level to the pavers.

[@berg8970]

I guess the Romans got it wrong when they built their roads 2500 years ago for not using Techniseal...LOL

[@Dillzilla1]

Roman's didn't care about weeds idiot. And had slave labor to fix anything they needed

[@berg8970]

@@Dillzilla1 Wow! that was a bit harsh. I guess sarcasm is too complicated for you, who"s the idiot? BTW my low IQ friend Roman roads are still in existence and used to this very day. Being nasty is easy, try being nice next time.

[@jeffthompson8406]

This could have been thought out much better in presentation and explanation - - there are no natural gaps for the polymeric sand - - paver's have bumps on the edges

[@kyesniper]

As someone who owns and operates a couple of landscape companies, I can't seem to understand this product for use by anyone other than a DIY homeowner. Yes, there is less excavation and material going back into the project, but that also removes the buffer that a 3/4" clear stone would provide between the ground and the bedding sand which would make these stones more susceptible to movement over time, no? Plus compacting the sand after doing the finish grade and then laying the stone would most definitely cause more harm than good, opening up imperfections caused by walking over the sand etc during compaction, it's very clearly shown in the video that there are several inconsistencies and air pockets beneath the mats, how would that be better than simply compacting the stone after it's been laid? I've considered moving to a system like this several times, but I can never see it being beneficial in the long term.

[@Freygunnr]

I live on very sandy land (sugar fine). The brick patio is now all over the place: raised, sunken, shifted, etc. I'm thinking this would be act similar to snowshoes and prevent that kind of mess?

[@soberman4678]

kyesniper I do it the old way and give a 3 year warranty on every patio I’m sure it won’t move for at least 5 years . Tbh I don’t like those mats either

[@terrythomas790]

I cant see how this magic plastic wont heave during frost and thaws! Ive seen giant driveway slabs of concrete do just that! As the say, "Its all in the base" !!

[@SuperBardley]

@@Freygunnr good analogy.

[@robertgagnon2947]

People. Do not compact the bedding sand and stagger the joints on the base panels.

[@robira1313]

What does the "activation" do? I neglected to wet my pavers down after I was done. It's been 3 days now. Is it too late for me to activate? What does that do?

[@tonypham1738]

activation is a chemical reaction of the glue in the sand and water result resulting in a binding agent that hold the sand particle together. Think of it like mixing cement, sand, and water. So, after three days with no rain, you can still do it.

[@calsgone6653]

Ez base 😂heard it all. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[@daryllidab354]

Just so you know its 47 seconds for the activation part lol.

[@fun11ful]

No crusher run? What the hell is technoseal itll be ruined in a year

[@LDSKIPPER1911]

Not needed for paver base pads. That’s the whole point of this method. Neighbor used this method five years ago and it still looks great

[@2011mendo]

Only thing that would have been nice,,,, give a general idea of how much money you spent..

[@Techniseal]

Thank you for your comment. We would have liked to give you an estimate of the overall project. Unfortunately, upon verification, we don't have this information.

[@silveriocastillo9551]

No baserock. In five years you will repair this job

[@xoltri]

No, actually. I used this method for my back patio exactly 5 years ago, and even with our Canadian winters I have not had a single stone shift. These really work and save a lot of labor, but they are expensive.

[@danielminor819]

He doesn't mention this but saw that he used it in the video which is edging.. with the edging and sand these things aren't going anywhere

[@trudoug]

Too much work. I lay them down. Done.

[@GregK9]

LOL!

[@childz22]

Is this really produced by techniseal... this is terrible.

[@Techniseal]

Well thank you for the constructive comment @childz22 😘 Any way we could take advice from you for future videos?

[@childz22]

I’d be more than willing to do an installation video the next paver install I do. Your products are top notch... but the video was rushed and missed some good information the weekend warrior would require. I understood your process but I also have 20 years in the industry.

[@lucymarion2945]

@@childz22 I would love to see a better video with more information. This video is helpful, but I agree...it was done in a hurry. I'm also interested and see if he could explain how he covered the edges, because it looked like it ended with the edges still exposed.

[@Techniseal]

@@childz22 We might just take you up on that offer, would you mind sending us your company info at [e-mail] ? Thanks for the feedback guys, we'll gladly take any advice to get better at this in the future :)

[@j-young-d]

Completely unnecessary to use this product. Doesnt really add anything. Also just want to point out that you couldnt use this system if your pavers were slightly different thicknesses as you cant adjust the depth of each paver if necessary. All in all this product would cause more trouble than good.

[@LDSKIPPER1911]

TotsAndTattors I completely disagree. I just did a 20x20 section in my backyard the traditional way (excavation, paver base, compaction, sand, pavers) and my back was screaming for two weeks! This product cuts out the need of using paver base and compacting it. It’s expensive but for the average DIYer, it might be worth it.

[@jimychoojimychoo]

I am a paver and that is the worst job I have ever seen not level and looks terrible amateurs lol

[@terrythomas790]

It looked like there wasnt enough sand in some joints when he watered it down. Plus, nothing as per installation, but the gray pads arent a favorite of mine.

[@jimychoojimychoo]

It's when he said keep everything square and level haha , I think they all had white sticks man even for amateurs it's bad, are they blind

[@sweetlines123]

4 inch my arse.🤪

[@5elevendesignz511]

Looks like more work than conventional methods. And I wouldn't take advice from a guy using a plastic level.

[@CowboyBillUSA]

Total gimmick.

[@dennisthemenance5433]

And these guys Don't wear Gloves( to Protect their Hands) even Cheap Surgical type Gloves? Geech, their Wives must really like that.. NOT!

[@jerodjohnson7240]

you've never messed with any kind of blocks in your life ever lol. Wearing gloves is a no no, When wearing gloves the blocks will snag them, especially rubber.

[@bzu4113]

jerod johnson many gloves won’t snag with concrete blocks. It’s just to rough to bare hands.

[@salmonteiro6681]

Real man don't wear gloves.

[@wallyj2000]

Those things are a total waste of time and money there is no point of that is put the pavers right on top of the sand just an extra gimmick

[@TheDude613]

Well if you live anywhere where you get a thaw/frost cycle that simply won’t be adequate enough dude.

[@RGV250FORSALE]

I'm sorry - but to me this is the dumbest thing I've seen in a long time. All they've done is excavate earth - no hardcore, just sheeting over bare earth, then sand - which will 100% compress and move over time, before putting plastic tiles on top, and then just laying flags directly on top. Ok - the flags will grip to the plastic tiles - but the plastic tiles themselves will still sink and move over time. I've yet to see any substitute for a properly prepared and compacted hardcore base when laying blocks or flags.

[@hughg.rection9161]

The times these are a changing. These are the real deal

[@trevorwesterdahl6245]

Sorry, looks way slower and more expensive than traditional method: Compacted gravel base (2-4 inches), 1 inch of sand, pavers, then binder for pavers. With this your wasting time cutting plastic that I doubt is better. No thanks.

[@mickeybinas]

Terrible installation you should not be doing videos you didn't even interlock one course to the next

[@wurlitzer78]

how thick does the sand under the paver panels have to be? Thanks

[@Techniseal]

Hi wurlitzer78, the thickness specification needed for the installation of Nextbase & EZbase is : Compact beddind sand 1.25 CM (1/2"). Please let us know if you need more information ! Thanks for using Techniseal product range 🙂