Relaying a brick patio...

Just about to relay a monoblock (interlocking brick) patio and I need some advice on what and how much base to lay for it.

It will be about 5m x 4m and will only have foot traffic...no vehicles or anything heavy.

Do I need to use hardcore and then sand for the base or is just sand sufficient?
What depth should I lay and what's the best way to edge it so that it won't separate?

Thanks
RG

 

Why are you relaying the patio? - Did it settle?

If that is the case, you need to improve the base soil to eliminate future settlement.

The sand is to be a sttling bed and should be uncompacted and have a uniform thicknes of 1" or about 25 mm.

 

I'm relaying it because it's currently matching the slight slope of the garden...I want to flatten it and also enlarge it on three sides.

Are you saying that I would only need to use sand?

RG

 

If the patio has been there for a while (at least a few years) and been stable, I would recommend using the same base that was used originally.

If you wanted to make sure it was solid long term, I would recommend a DGA or 3/4" minus gravel (also called 'road base') in a minimum of 4" compacted before placing your 1" loose sand leveling bed.

Another alternative is to till 3 or 4 inches of your subgrade (soil) with portland cement and wet it as your base. That provides non-clay soils with sufficient stabilization, followed by your 1" sand leveling bed then pavers.