Question
Dear Sean,
Thanks for taking some time for me here!
I have sort of a follow-up question to an answer I found while searching internet:  When prepping the base of a patio, I read a fellow mention that 3-4 inches of a gravel/sand mixture packs best.  Well, I not sure I understand this method.  Is this technique to literally mix sand and gravel togther then shovel into the patio area then tamp?  Can you please clarify.  Would this depth be correct?  Any other basic tips on the setting up the base would be wonderful...that's one part that I know NEEDS to be done RIGHT...so I want to get it right.  Thanks, Brad/Pa.

Answer
Weather or not you are doing brick pavers or stone is not clear from your question. However, either way, the base preparation should be about the same: The simplest way for me to answer this is to give you a link to an install site. However, to answer your main question first: No, you do not mix the sand and gravel together. The gravel/stone is compacted first and then a layer of sand is added and screeded level for setting the stone/pavers.
http://www.belgard.biz/howtoinstall.htm
or
http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Pavers

Also google "installing pavers" or installing stone patio and you will find a wealth of info.


Sean J Murphy
www.amenityarchitects.com
www.seengineering.com

Amenity Architects
Southeastern Engineering