DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

We want to lay quite a big patio...32' x 8' approx. There is a drop of about 12"...can we use a hard core base of that depth to level the area.?
Is it ok to lay on bed of sand or would you advise motar?
Any other tips or suggestions would be welcome?

yes you can use hardcore, but you must compact it in layers, with a plate compactor 12" is too much to compact in 1 go.
Leave 50mm thickness for the mortar bed, under the slabs