Adam-the-Kiwi wrote:
Hi

I am looking to put down a new paved patio in my garden. This is
approx 12m2 and will only get light use. I have come across some
conflicting advice regarding what to use as a sub-base.

Some advise that for a low traffic area 50mm of sharp sand will
suffice.

Some advise that 75mm of foundation is required beneath the sand. Of
these some say to use aggregate alone, some say to use a mix of
aggregate and cement.

So my questions are, is an aggregate foundation necessary, and if so
should cement be included? Also, should the sharp sand be mixed with
cement?

Cheers, Adam

A lot depends on what is underneath soil wise.

If clay, use a pretty fair base of rubble, limestone or what have you,
because it shrinks in summer alarmingly.

Personally I then laid on a very WET later of sand and cement - sharp
sand - because I was laying unequal thickness sandstone. I needed to
tamp each one down.

If you are using machine made slabs, a dry mix laid flat first is a lot
quicker.

The theory behind the cement is that it stabilises the sand which won't
then wash away.