MeKnows

When laying a patio there are many considerations but most importantly a practical size needed for any furniture which you may wish to use. With this in mine the minimum size I would suggest is 3m square.

The next step is the work out the finish level of the paving in connection with any drains, external pathways and door seals, it’s important to get this right, as having drain covers higher or lower than the patio might be dangerous. The finish level will enable you to measure for the excavation depth. I would suggest this should be approximately 150mm of hardcore, allowing for the depth of mortar (mortar 25mm)and paving, which can vary greatly,  you need to work to the thickest measurement, you'll arrive at the depth you need to excavate to.

Once excavated the hardcore needs to be laid and compressed with a “wacker plate” (available from most hire shops for around £15/day or $25) when compacting ensure that the area is level (with a spirit level and long timber 100x50mm) or at the gradient required and you cover the area several times in different directions, any large stone that is not covered by grit and exposed, sprinkle sharp sand over and wacker plate again. 

Next laying the paving, you should have a spirit level, string line, trowel and rubber mallet. First with the string, set out a line against the house or along the garden to lay against. Laying on sharp sand you spread a base of sand to the finish level minus the depth of paving and wacker plate the area. Then you need to ruffle the surface and sprinkle opc cement on the ground where you are going to lay, place the slab on the ground and with medium force tap the slab on each of the four corners.

Once tapped into rough place, ensure that the paving stone is at the desired level or tap on the side that needs to be lower (if too low start the process again) also place pressure on each corner independently to ensure it doesn't drop or move. Keep laying with each slab meeting the last at the required level. If you would like to grout the paving, mix soft building sand and cement at a ratio of 6:1 dampen the mix so that it doesn't mark the paving and sweep the mix between the paving and using a grouting tool or a short piece of garden hose press and drag across the gaps (between 10/20mm) sweep off excess and spray lightly with your hose pipe.

Laying on a wet mix of mortar you could either place a pile in each corner and on in the middle so that when the slab is compressed the piles join to provide a solid base, or spread a base of mortar to the finish level excluding the paving, ruffle the surface and laid and compact. The first is easier for the beginner. The rest is the same as dry laying on sharp sand.