Laying a path

[TEAK36]

I would like build a garden path using block paving,but am unsure as to what is the best material to use for a solid base.Any advice would be appreciated.

[sddsddean]

Best construction for block paving is 4-6 inches of Type 1(stone of the size about 20mm down), 2 inches of sharp sand then the blocks. I cannot stress how important the preparation is. You will need to compact the Type 1 before laying the sand. Go to your local hire shop and ask for a Wacker plate. Then lay the sand which you should roughly compact with a length of timber before grading it to final level. You must bear in mind that block paving must be 'retained'. This means you have either got to lay it tight against an existing wall or something, or more probably as you are laying a path, you will have to haunch the edge blocks with mortar, or preferably, concrete. After letting the concrete go off, lay your blocks, leaving as small a gap as you can. Finally, brush silver sand into the cracks. Block laying is not easy, and to be honest, you would be better to get a local bloke to do it for you, or lay slabs. If you don't know where to get a block layer from, try Yellow Pages or even drive round some housing estates being built and see if you can find one who will do it for cash. Good luck!!