Alliance Designer Products ยท Sold by Polymeric Sand Store
Gator Base Panels Revolutionary Paver Base System
Replace 6 inches of compacted crushed stone with a lightweight interlocking panel. One 1.32 lb Gator Base panel replaces 288 lb of aggregate. Engineered drainage. Freeze-thaw protection. Pedestrian applications only. Same day shipping.
Replaces 6 Inches of Crushed Stone1 Panel = 288 lb of AggregateBuilt-In Drainage Channels
5.79 / 57.9 ftยฒPer panel / per 10-panel bundle
288 lbAggregate replaced per panel
Saves 6 inchesOf excavation depth
What Is Alliance Gator Base? The Paver Base Panel That Replaces Crushed Stone.
Important: Alliance Gator Base is for pedestrian applications only. It is not rated for vehicular traffic. Gator Base must extend at least 6 inches beyond the paved perimeter for patios and walkways, and 12 inches beyond for seating walls and fire pits. Order 10 to 15 percent extra to account for perimeter extension and layout cuts. All organic matter must be removed from beneath the Gator Base before installation.
Alliance Gator Base is a revolutionary interlocking paver base panel system that replaces the traditional 6 inch layer of compacted crushed stone required under concrete pavers, natural stone, and porcelain tile. A single Alliance Gator Base panel weighing just 1.32 lb replaces 288 lb of compacted aggregate and eliminates a minimum of 6 inches of excavation depth from every hardscape project. Ten Gator Base panels cover 57.9 sq ft and weigh just 13.2 lb combined. compared to over 1,400 lb of crushed stone needed to cover the same area to the same depth.
Alliance Gator Base panels are made from high density polypropylene and use a tongue and groove interlocking system that connects panels quickly and precisely without tools or adhesive. The panels are engineered with 5 drainage holes per 16 sq in plus built-in evacuation channels on a 1 degree slope that direct water away from the base, providing the same drainage performance as a traditional granular base. An independent bench test by the engineering institute at the Universite du Quebec (ETS) confirmed that Alliance Gator Base performs equal to or better than a standard 6 inch granular base through freeze and thaw cycles.
Alliance Gator Base is 100 percent recyclable, does not degrade in the soil when buried, and retains its shape through the polypropylene memory characteristics of the material. It is suitable for patios, pool decks, walkways, seating walls up to 18 inches, fire pits, and heated paving systems. Available as a single panel (5.79 sq ft) or a 10-panel bundle (57.9 sq ft). Ships same day when ordered before 2 PM Eastern time.
Not sure how many bundles you need or whether Alliance Gator Base is right for your project? Call or text us 24/7 at (856) 418-4895 and we will help you calculate quantities and confirm suitability before you order.
Single Panel
Covers 5.79 sq ft. Replaces 288 lb of crushed stone.
10-Panel Bundle
Covers 57.9 sq ft. Replaces approx. 1,440 lb of crushed stone.
When Should You Use Alliance Gator Base Instead of Traditional Crushed Stone?
Pedestrian applications only. Not rated for vehicular traffic. Alliance Gator Base is engineered for patios, walkways, pool decks, seating walls, and fire pits. Do not use under driveways, parking areas, or any surface subject to vehicular loads.
Projects where minimizing excavation depth saves significant labor and cost The single most powerful benefit of Alliance Gator Base is the elimination of 6 inches of excavation depth. On a 400 sq ft patio, that is the difference between excavating and hauling away 7 to 8 cubic yards of soil and doing the same for only 2 to 3 cubic yards. For projects where deep excavation is expensive, difficult, or impractical. near tree roots, utility lines, concrete slabs, or in tight access areas. Alliance Gator Base changes the math entirely.
DIY homeowners installing patios, walkways, or pool decks without heavy equipment Traditional crushed stone base installation requires renting or hiring heavy equipment, ordering bulk aggregate deliveries, and hours of compaction work. Alliance Gator Base panels arrive on a pallet, connect by hand with no tools, and cover 57.9 sq ft per 10-panel bundle in a fraction of the time. A homeowner can install Alliance Gator Base in an afternoon that would otherwise require an entire crew and a plate compactor.
Seating walls and fire pits up to 18 inches high Alliance Gator Base is engineered to support seating wall and fire pit construction up to 18 inches in height. The base must extend 12 inches beyond the outside edge of the wall blocks on all sides. Gator Edge must be secured with Gator Base Screws at every second hole to prevent lateral movement.
Cold climate installations requiring superior freeze and thaw protection Alliance Gator Base provides thermal insulation equivalent to 15.7 inches of compacted dry stone. This means better freeze and thaw protection than a standard granular base, reducing the risk of frost heave and paver movement in northern climates where traditional aggregate bases can shift over winter.
Not for driveways, parking areas, or vehicular applications Alliance Gator Base is rated for pedestrian loads only. The dynamic load limit is 8 PSI (1,152 lb on a 12 by 12 inch area) and the static load limit is 2 PSI (288 lb per cubic foot). These ratings are sufficient for all pedestrian traffic but are not suitable for vehicle loads. For driveways and vehicular applications, use a traditional compacted granular base per ICPI Tech Spec 2.
What Makes Alliance Gator Base Better Than Traditional Crushed Stone?
One 1.32 lb panel replaces 288 lb of compacted aggregate The weight and material savings of Alliance Gator Base are extraordinary. A 10-panel bundle covering 57.9 sq ft weighs 13.2 lb total. The equivalent crushed stone base at 6 inches deep for the same area weighs approximately 1,440 lb. That is over 100 times lighter for the same coverage and structural performance.
Saves a minimum of 6 inches of excavation on every project Every inch of excavation saved is money and time back in the installer's pocket. Alliance Gator Base eliminates 6 inches of excavation depth compared to a traditional granular base. On larger projects this can represent significant cost savings on excavation equipment, labor hours, and soil disposal fees.
Engineered drainage channels and 5 drainage holes per 16 sq in Alliance Gator Base is not just a structural base. it is a drainage system. Each panel features 5 drainage holes per 16 sq in plus built-in water evacuation channels oriented along a 1 degree slope. This engineered drainage performs equal to or better than a traditional granular base in managing subsurface water and preventing frost heave.
Superior thermal insulation for freeze and thaw protection A single layer of Alliance Gator Base provides the thermal insulation equivalent of 15.7 inches of compacted dry stone. This means the base layer beneath the paver is better insulated from ground frost than a standard granular base, resulting in better freeze and thaw performance and reduced risk of paver movement in cold climates.
Tongue and groove interlocking system. installs without tools or adhesive Alliance Gator Base panels connect to each other using a precision tongue and groove system that locks panels together without any tools, screws, or adhesive. Panels can be cut with a utility knife or saw for perimeter fitting. The panel layout is fast, intuitive, and requires no specialized skills or equipment.
University tested and validated Alliance Gator Base performance has been independently validated in a bench test study conducted by the Universite du Quebec engineering institute (ETS) in their Pavements and Bituminous Materials department. The study compared Gator Base panels to a traditional 6 inch granular base and confirmed equal or better structural and drainage performance.
100 percent recyclable and does not degrade in soil Alliance Gator Base is made from high density polypropylene that retains its shape and structural properties indefinitely when buried. It does not rot, compress, or degrade over time the way organic base materials can. Alliance Gator Base is fully recyclable at the end of its service life.
How to Install Alliance Gator Base Panels for Pavers, Natural Stone, and Porcelain Tile
Always refer to the latest Alliance Gator Base Technical Data Sheet (TDS) before installation. The TDS contains full diagrams for all base configurations including pavers, seating walls, fire pits, and porcelain tile.
Critical installation requirements: All organic matter must be completely removed from beneath the Alliance Gator Base installation area. Gator Base must extend at least 6 inches beyond the paved perimeter for patios and walkways, and 12 inches for seating walls and fire pits. Order 10 to 15 percent extra to account for this perimeter extension and layout cuts. Pedestrian use only. not for vehicular traffic. Ensure a minimum 2 percent slope on the finished surface for water runoff.
1
Excavate and remove all organic matter
Excavate the installation area to the required depth. The total excavation depth is calculated by adding: Gator Fabric GF4.4 thickness plus 3/4 inch of compacted ASTM No. 9 stone or sand bedding layer plus 3/4 inch for the Gator Base panel height plus the paver or stone thickness. Remove all organic matter, topsoil, grass, and roots from the excavated area. All organic matter must be completely removed before installing Alliance Gator Base.
2
Install Gator Fabric GF4.4 and compact the bedding layer
Line the bottom and sides of the excavated area with Gator Fabric GF4.4 geotextile. Fill with 3/4 inch of compacted ASTM No. 9 stone or C-33 sand as the bedding layer. Compact thoroughly. This bedding layer provides the stable, level foundation that Alliance Gator Base panels rest on.
3
Lay Alliance Gator Base panels using the tongue and groove system
Starting from one corner, lay Alliance Gator Base panels across the installation area using the tongue and groove interlocking system to connect each panel to the next. No tools, screws, or adhesive are needed for panel-to-panel connections. Cut perimeter panels with a utility knife or circular saw to fit. Remember to extend the Gator Base at least 6 inches beyond the finished paved perimeter (12 inches for seating walls).
4
Install Gator Edge and secure with Gator Base Screws
Install Gator Edge restraints along the perimeter of the paved area. Secure Gator Edge to the sides of the pavers or wall blocks using Gator Base Screws at every second hole to prevent lateral movement. At each edge junction, use a screw on both sides of the junction point.
5
Install pavers, stone, or tile directly on the Gator Base panels
Install your concrete pavers, natural stone, or porcelain tile directly on the Alliance Gator Base panel surface. Follow standard ICPI installation guidelines for the paver type. Ensure the finished paved surface maintains a minimum 2 percent slope away from structures for water runoff.
6
Fill joints with Gator Maxx G2 or Gator Nitro X jointing material
Once pavers or stone are installed, fill the joints with the appropriate Alliance jointing material. Gator Maxx G2 polymeric sand is recommended for standard concrete paver joints. Gator Nitro X is recommended for porcelain tile and fine joints. Follow the full installation instructions for the chosen jointing product.
Key reminders for Alliance Gator Base installation
Remove all organic matter before installing. no exceptions
Drainage5 drainage holes per 16 sq in plus 1 degree slope evacuation channels
Thermal insulation equivalent15.7 in (40 cm) of compacted dry stone
Connection systemTongue and groove. No tools or adhesive required.
MaterialHigh density polypropylene (HDPE). 100% recyclable.
Degradation in soilDoes not degrade when buried
Seating wall height supportedUp to 18 in (45 cm)
Perimeter extension required6 in for patios/walkways. 12 in for seating walls/fire pits.
Available packagingSingle panel (5.79 sq ft) or 10-panel bundle (57.9 sq ft)
ManufacturerAlliance Designer Products Inc.
All specifications sourced from the official Alliance Gator Base Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and university bench test study. Always verify the latest TDS at AllianceGator.com before installation. Specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer.
Why Buy Alliance Gator Base from Polymeric Sand Store?
Alliance makes excellent products and we carry them because we believe in them. Here is what you get when you order Alliance Gator Base from Polymeric Sand Store.
Same day shipping on every order Order Alliance Gator Base before 2 PM Eastern time and your order ships today. We ship to the continental United States every day.
Real expert advice available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call or text (856) 418-4895 any time. Not sure how many bundles you need, or whether Alliance Gator Base works for your specific project layout? We will help you calculate quantities and confirm suitability before you order.
Order everything for your project in one shipment We carry the complete Alliance line. Order Alliance Gator Base together with Gator Fabric GF4.4, Gator Edge, Gator Base Screws, and your polymeric sand or jointing material in one order and save on shipping.
30 day satisfaction guarantee If something is wrong with your order, contact us within 30 days and we will make it right. We accept returns on items that are unopened, unused, and in their original packaging. You can return the product for a full refund, or contact us for a pre-paid return label which will be deducted from your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alliance Gator Base Interlocking Paver Base Panels
Yes. Alliance Gator Base was specifically designed to eliminate the 6 inch compacted granular base layer required by traditional paver installation methods. An independent bench test conducted by the Universite du Quebec engineering institute (ETS) confirmed that Alliance Gator Base panels perform equal to or better than a standard 6 inch granular base in both structural load transfer and drainage. The study results are available on AllianceGator.com under the University Report tab on the Gator Base product page.
No. Alliance Gator Base is rated for pedestrian applications only. It is not engineered for vehicular loads. The dynamic load rating of 8 PSI is appropriate for foot traffic and light pedestrian furniture but is not sufficient for vehicles. For driveways, parking areas, or any surface that will experience vehicular traffic, use a traditional compacted granular base system per ICPI Tech Spec 2.
A single panel covers 5.79 sq ft. A 10-panel bundle covers 57.9 sq ft of installed surface area. To calculate how many bundles you need, divide your total project area (in sq ft) by 57.9, then add 10 to 15 percent for perimeter extension and layout cuts. For example, a 400 sq ft patio would require approximately 400 divided by 57.9 equals 6.9 bundles, plus 10 to 15 percent overage, so plan for 8 bundles. Call us at (856) 418-4895 and we will calculate the exact quantity for your project dimensions.
Yes. Alliance Gator Base actually provides superior freeze and thaw protection compared to a traditional granular base. A single layer of Alliance Gator Base panels provides thermal insulation equivalent to 15.7 inches of compacted dry stone. more than twice the insulation of a standard 6 inch granular base. This higher thermal resistance means the ground beneath the Gator Base is better protected from freezing temperatures, reducing the risk of frost heave and paver movement in cold climate installations.
Alliance recommends Gator Maxx G2 polymeric sand for standard concrete paver joints installed over Alliance Gator Base. For porcelain tile or fine joints of 1/8 to 1/4 inch, use Gator Nitro X jointing material. Both products are stocked at Polymeric Sand Store and can be ordered in the same shipment as your Alliance Gator Base panels. Call us at (856) 418-4895 if you need help choosing the right jointing product for your specific installation.
Orders placed before 2 PM Eastern time ship the same day. We keep Alliance Gator Base in stock and ship to homeowners and contractors across the continental United States. For questions about your order or project quantities, call or text us at (856) 418-4895.
Questions About Alliance Gator Base Paver Base Panels?
Call or text us 24/7 at (856) 418-4895. Not sure how many bundles you need or whether Gator Base is right for your project? We will help you calculate quantities before you order. Orders placed before 2 PM Eastern time ship the same day.
Product exactly as advertised. Delivered promptly.
R
Ron Johnson
Good product, good service.
This is the right product for my purposes to help me create a solid flat plane surface of my patio with no heaving pavers and no ponding. I emailed some questions which were answered quickly and shipping 5 large boxes was seemless.