Laying a new patio

[fattony]

I have an existing patio made up of concrete and paving slabs, its accross 2 levels and instead of having a step the existing owner put the concrete slabs at a slope.

I want to lay a new patio and as the existing one is generally made up of concrete I was hoping to lay it on top. (I also want to gain a bit of height)

Having never laid a patio Im looking for advise, should I lay a bed of sand over the existing patio and then the new slabs on top? What type of sand should I use and should I use a wacker on the sand before or after laying the slabs?

Thanks in advance

 

[Thermo]

as youve got different surfaces down already and no way of knowing whats underneath them, i would break up all the concrete/paving and level it off as hardcore. Compact it and then put a bedding layer of sharp sand down, again compact it then screed it off.

 

[fattony]

Hmmm its a lot of work, I was hoping to cheat if you like, so if i lift the slabs and lay hard core down use a wacker I then lay the patio and use the wacker again?

 

[Thermo]

no you break up all the existing. whacker that, then put a bedding layer of sharp sand down (dependent on the type of slabs) whacker that. screed it off level to falls, then lay the slabs