Carpet stones - Smapp patio area

[murf_the_swerve]

I'm planning to create a very small patio, about 1600 x 2600 (just to link my decking to the back gate) and I'm planning on using carpet stones. I have a concrete path running along the back of the house (between the decking and gate) about 900 wide then basically compacted rubble/mud which will all be covered by my new patio.

I've read up as much as possible about foundations etc but not sure on how strict I need to be considering it's such a small area and is only really going to be walked on every now and again. So a couple of questions if anyone can help:

Should I follow the standard guidelines on hardcore depth etc or can I get away with less hassle (work!)?
Can I leave the concrete path in place or should i dig it up (I have plenty of distance between the current path and the dampcourse)?
Should I still get a vibrating plate for compacting?

Any advice would be appreciated...

Cheers Murf.

[Tony McC]

If you have sufficient depth, lay the Carpet Stones on 25-30mm of 10:1 grit sand and cement on top of the existing concrete path and they'll be fine.

You need at least 150mm between the Carpet Stones (when they're laid) and the DPC

[murf_the_swerve]

Thanks Tony, I'd kind of banked on that! A friend recommended making up slurry and applying that first to help it bond, I'll proceed on that basis. Certainly saved me some back-ache!