My husband and I came across some free granite pieces that we would like to use to make a rather large patio. We spent last weekend moving over 2 tons of it. The granite is left over from a countertop production company. They are all polished on one side. We have pieces ranging from 2 inches X 2 inches to 2 feet by 2 feet with several in between. We are thinking we will break the larger pieces in 1/2 so we wind up with medium size pieces (roughly 12 X 12 or slightly larger) and then the smaller pieces 2"X2" to 6"X6". The pieces are varied in shape. We will be fitting the pieces together like a puzzle. Then sweeping sand in for the "grout."

My question is what do we use under all of the granite to make it level? We are removing the sod and making a frame to contain whatever we put underneath. I've read conflicting things...some places say sand some places say gravel then sand. My yard drains fine. Can we get away with just sand? If yes, what is the minimum depth we can do and still come out with a mostly level patio?

Advice hugely appreciated because we are area ready to go for next weekend. Just need to know sand or gravel? And how deep!

Thanks.