Paver patio - how much does sand compact

16 years ago

I am in the process of installing a paver patio adjacent to a concrete sidewalk surrounding a swimming pool.

I have already set a 4" deep bed of recylcled concrete as a base, leaving myself 3 1/2" to the top of the sidewalk.

Next, I will order the sand for under the pavers. The pavers themselves are 2 3/8" thick.

My plan was to use 1 1/2" of sand, allowing for 3/8" of compaction...But I just spoke to a different guy at the stone place, and of course he told me something different!

My question is this...If I use concrete sand under the pavers, how much will the sand settle when compacted?

It is not too late for me to make adjustments, but it will soon be!

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

gottagarden
16 years ago
Sand doesn't really compact. It may seep into the cracks between an underlying gravel or loose concrete base, but it doesn't really compact in itself.

What did the guy at the stone place say?
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andyneedshelp
Original Author
16 years ago
The first guy at the stone place said to do it the way I did...allow about 1/4" per inch compaction. So I left 3 1/2 inches figuring 2 3/8 for the paver + 1 1/8 for the sand (after the 1 1/2" compacts)

The second guy said that 1 1/2 inches will compact at least 3/4 inch.

Usually a little bit off wouldn't matter, but since I'm lining up to the sidewalk I don't want a tripping hazard.

I've already really compacted the base, using a vibratory plate compactor, and everything I've read says to use this again after the patio is laid. This is when I expect the sand to compact.
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