sand base question


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Old 10-24-16, 04:50 AM
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sand base question

What depth of sand base should I be using for 2" thick 12x12" patio paver stones? I have 4" of gravel compacted...I had originally planned on having a full inch of sand, but a friend of mine has been telling me that's too much sand. Even though it says on lowes.com that 1" of sand Is kinda standard... thanks!
 
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Old 10-24-16, 05:55 AM
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1" is the normally recommended amount. I use 3/4" electrical metal tubing (EMT) as my screed guides which provides a sand layer a bit under an inch. EMT is cheap and it's smooth surface and rounded shape allows the screed board to slide easily.
 
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Old 10-24-16, 06:50 AM
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Agree with Pilot Dane. Less than an inch and your base has be almost perfectly smooth and flat, which takes too much fussing. Much more than an inch can lead to it washing out over time.

When you compact the pavers into the sand they will sink in about 1/4 inch or a little more as some of the sand is pressed up into the spaces between pavers from the bottom. This helps lock them in place. Then you fill the rest of the spaces with sand or polymer sand from the top.
 
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Old 10-25-16, 04:14 AM
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lightly sprinkle the sand w/wtr after screeding - helps a lot
 
 

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