paver install

7echo

I have an older patio, 15' x 18', that is made from old solid bricks. It looks like it was set in sand and has been fine for years. Had to run a skid steer across it to remove a tree that had to be cut down and it left some depressions.

I am planning to pull it all up and put them back tighter(there is about a 3/8" joint now) and add maybe 125 more brick.

I talked to a few different masons and was told just tamp the base well, then set them in sand again. But 2 different guys said mix portland cement with the sand(dry) before setting the bricks.

Any advantage(or dis-advantage) to using a cement/sand mix?

joecaption

It will help it set up so the first rain does not wash it out.

TRUEPRO

Mixing portland in isnt a bad idea. Basically it will absorb moisture from the ground overnight and be hard the next day. You want to fill the joints with polymeric sand which will harden and lock all the bricks in tight. You really want to put down a substrate consisting of crusher run or 57 stone and tamp that down so its super tight and you could practically drive on it. This hard base will extend the life of these pavers.

GL

7echo

" You really want to put down a substrate consisting of crusher run or 57 stone and tamp that down so its super tight... "

One mason suggested this as well. I have to think about the additional cost and labor.

Thanks for the comments.