1.) I live in Indiana and need advice about the base thickness for a Paver 8 in. L x 4 in. W x 1.5 in. D. Typically, how much base gravel in thickness is needed and how much sand should you set the paver into (I've always heard 1 in.). What is the compaction rate of the gravel. If I lay down 4 in. and compact, with a hand tamper, will this base settle to 3 in. or will the compaction be minimal?

2.) If I use another paver 11 in X 5.5 x 5, is there a need for a base? The Paver weighs 11 lbs. Or, do I go with a 1 or 2 inch gravel base, and go ligher on the sand to set the paver in.

The Patio will be 28' X 13' and relatively flat. Over time, which Paver will dip less and be consistantly more level. Any insight would be appreciated.

There is a lot of clay, but it is also newly built house with some topsoil added when they graded the yard.

Dear god, please tell me you're not a professional installer.

ehp, whichever manufacturer you're using will have a website. On that website will be installation instructions and technical specs. Alternately, the stoneyard through which you're buying the pavers should be able to provide you with this information. There's also a manufacturer's trade organization at www.icpi.org that may answer your questions.

You're going to need a thick, compacted, consistent base of 21A or similar regardless of which paver you use. I used to live in Indiana, and I know how nasty the winters are- you will get lots of heaves the first year without a good base. Also, I'd recommend against using a hand tamper. Most rental yards have plate compactors, which is the least you should do for compaction.

Hope this helps.