I want to try using small 4 x 4 x 4 Belgian cobblestones in a small garden area. Unfortunately, professional masons are telling me the costs to install this are twice the cost to both buy and install pavers. The reason for the high cost is that they want to put in a concrete slab, then do the masonry work on top of that. Without that foundation, the rocks will shift over time and the flooring will become uneven.

Since this is a very small area - maybe 200 square feet - simply taking it all out and doing it over is acceptable. I am looking for a cheaper installation method that might work well with cobblestones. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on alternatives?

I guess the two obvious methods might be to:

* Use a granite rock foundation, and directly set the stones into the granite, then use sand between the stones. I assume that will not work since the granite will shift over time.

* Use a paver approach, with a granite foundation, then a compressed layer of sand, and sand between the rocks. I could use water to get the sand to settle between the granite, creating a firm gravel bed that is not likely to move around as much because of the sand.

Keeping in mind that granite 4x4x4 stones are NOT pavers, they do not interlock. They have lots of irregular surface features, and you must leave a lot of space between successive rocks.

I just want a cheaper method of installation that might have some chance to give an acceptable result. I want my garden to have the look of an old Italian garden and "shabby chic" is okay here. I don't need perfectly graded and flat surfaces, and in fact that might be a negative because it suggests something industrial and too perfect. Any ideas are appreciated.