Laying a patio

[glesga123]

How much sand or whatever should i have under my slabs.

[Clanad]

Minimum of 2 inches... 4 is better. Be sure to tamp it down when it's damp. A compactor designed for this gives the best results, but unless your brother-in-law is a paving contractor you're likely going to have to rent one and they are quite heavy (and expensive). So, use a piece of wood about 10 inches square nailed to the end of anything handy to make a handle... spare broom handle, kited rake handle or borrow Uncle Morris' cane...(just tell him it's for a good cause... you'll have it back to him in a jiffy).
Best of luck!

[glesga123]

Thanks Clanad. B&Q are saying i need half a ton of sand for 10 sq metres of slabs. I thought that was a bit much.

[johntaylor99]

Hello glesga
If you want a patio that will remain level for years to come,
As long as the ground is firm and level (if not level it off)
then lay the paving on a cement mix using soft sand and cement. Make sure there is a slight slope to get rid of rain.
If you are really careful you can lay the paving very tight together which will stop weeds growing in the future.
If the area is very large it does not cost a lot to hire an electric cement mixer, otherwise mix it in a wheelbarrow.
Best of luck. johntaylor99