Laying patio slabs?

Question

Hi can anyone help ive already dug down in my garden and leveled it using a mix of sand and stone chippings can i lay my patio slabs straight on top of this? any hlp would be most appreciated thanks G

Answer 1

You should compact your gravel base with a vibratory plate compactor, which you can rent at your local rental store.

If you are only wanting the patio to be level for a year or so, you can use a hand plate tamper like the one in this picture: http://www.idealtruevalue.com/catalog/MH...

A trick of the trade: to get a very level patio, go to your local home improvement store and purchase (2) 10' x 1" aluminum electrical conduit (metal poles in simple terms), and (1) 8' wood 2"x4". Lay the two poles on top of your compacted gravel. Spread sand in between the two poles, and then drag the wood board across the top of the poles striking off access sand and making a level laying surface.

http://www.twobrothersbrickpaving.com

Answer 2

If you are "dry laying" them certainaly your ready to go...I have always laid them after the initial leveling with about an 1/8 inch gap as in floor tiling and them spread sand over the entire area and swept it into the cracks real good..then misted well with a garden nozzle...then laid another layer of sand over it then repeated..giving it a natural grout look to it, but yet rustic