Slab base - Query re compaction and base for patio

[Frank]

The cheapest quote I’ve had for laying a 4x5mtr patio over clean hard clay raises a couple of questions. The contractor says that a couple of inches of “hardcore�, as he puts it, will be compacted using a hand tamper, not a machine; and says he will lay the one-size slabs on sand only (no cement), with concrete around the edges to keep it all together, then pointed. Presumably the sand bed will also be compacted by hand. No membrane is mentioned.

Can hand tamping do the job ok? Is it acceptable to lay slabs on sand only? Thanks.

PS – As ants can be a problem under patios in this area, does that automatically call for a sand/cement base?

[rab1]

read the main site mate, seriously grab a beer and read for an hour. all you need to know and more is there

[msh paving]

Dont bother with this guy,its all cutting corners.100mm min type1 compacted slabs laid on 5/1 sand cement moist mix pointed with sand cement MSH

[lutonlagerlout]

^^ what MSH said your guy is a cowboy
LLL

[GB_Groundworks]

forgot i had this

[Frank]

Thanks guys. Thought I'd heard the faint sound of jingling spurs - that's why I asked. Thanks for speedy replies, appreciated.

F.

"Cowboy Radar" made me smile.

[London Stone Paving]

Quite Remarkable!!!

How do these clowns get on in life?