Paving Advice - Lay 2cm Sharp Sand and Then 50mm Bed of Mortar? Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[Garden lady]

Hello,
I am planning on laying a few slabs and pavers in an area covering approx 3 square metres. I have excavated 6 to 7cm of soil and levelled and compacted the area. My question is do I lay 2cm sharp sand first before a 50 mm bed of mortar , or replace some soil and lay 50 mm bed directly on soil? I have come across so many different instructions and mixes I am boggled.
I am trying to work out the amount of bags of sand to buy, to cover the area with sand first, (or not), and then to mix the mortar, and enough for the pointing.
Thanks in advance

[welsh brickie]

lay ballast or hardcore as its known and compact it with a compactor machine, you only need 25 to 30mm of mortar under the slabs 50mm is a bit thick

[Garden lady]

Thanks for your advice, I will crack on with the hardcore.