Question
I live in NJ and am thinking about having a patio installed, about 1,000 sq. ft. Some contractors tell us to use concrete as a base and then put the pavers over it and others swear by sand and a gravel type material. Which is better? I was thinking about having two levels (one as you step out of the door and the other on the ground)since there are about 4 or 5 steps down from the kitchen/fam room to the ground and I have a fear I will topple out of the door or miss the step one day. The area in question is relatively flat with a southern exposure. Thanks

Answer
Either one is fine. Sand/aggregate is cheaper. If you need steps you may need to go with concrete to deal with the difference grade. Make sure if you go with sand and gravel that it is a good 6" thick for your area and has a geotextile fabric between the setting bed sand and the crushed aggregate. Pedestrian grade patio certainly does not require concrete first. But if you have soil that tends to move alot in winter feeze and thaws you may want concrete. Or if your soil stays wet.


Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
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