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.

Gravel is necessary for drainage. Sand only will just fill up with water, create soup, and have floating granite.

Sand is necessary to set the granite and make it level.

I would not break up the big pieces. Very small pieces like 2x2 or 6x6 will not stay in place well. They are just too small. That would only work if you were setting them in concrete. On sand they are too small and will move around.