How Far Do Block Pavers Compact Down?

[EasyGoingPat]

Hi,

I am laying a block paving apron for our car. This is 3x3m. I have constructed a square border out of standard blocks concreted into place. The whole project is standing on a substantial compacted sub-base.

So the next step is to fill in the square with loose pavers sitting on sharp sand. Then I am intending to compact this with a whacker plate.

When I have finished, I obviously want the middle but to be level with the border. So my question is: how much can I expect the centre blocks to move downward during compaction?

All advice welcomed as I am no tradesman.

Kind wishes - Patrick

 

[Mottie]

I don’t think they’ll whack down very far at all. I’m sure when ours were done, they whacked the sand and then just laid the pavers directly on top.

 

[Cheslea2010]

They shouldn't whack down at all. The sand base needs to be fully compacted before laying.

 

[mrrusty]

The professional landscaping company that did our block drive didn't use sharp sand - they used 5mm to dust granite. Said they had moved over to using this a few years ago. Said it wacked and hardened better than sand.

 

[Cheslea2010]

Yes, the most common bedding layer nowadays is 2-6mm Clean Stone It has a better load bearing ability and is more free draining I believe.