Hi
I am building a patio 4.05m by 2.25m on a well compacted lawn with clay soil. It will consist of both 18" and 24" square slabs, most of which I have got free of charge. I would therefore like to minimise the cost of the base layers.
I have looked at a few guides online and most of which say compact 2-3" of hardcore then apply 1-2" of mortar under the slabs and avoid the 5 dab meathod. One or 2 websites have said that the hardcore sub-base is not essentail if the patio is for light use / on solid level ground etc.
So, 3 questions:
What purpose does the hardcore sub-base actually serve and what are the long term effects of not using it?
Under what circumstances can you do away with it?
Does hardcore mean rubble or 40mm to dust aggregate?
Many thanks in advance
I am building a patio 4.05m by 2.25m on a well compacted lawn with clay soil. It will consist of both 18" and 24" square slabs, most of which I have got free of charge. I would therefore like to minimise the cost of the base layers.
I have looked at a few guides online and most of which say compact 2-3" of hardcore then apply 1-2" of mortar under the slabs and avoid the 5 dab meathod. One or 2 websites have said that the hardcore sub-base is not essentail if the patio is for light use / on solid level ground etc.
So, 3 questions:
What purpose does the hardcore sub-base actually serve and what are the long term effects of not using it?
Under what circumstances can you do away with it?
Does hardcore mean rubble or 40mm to dust aggregate?
Many thanks in advance