ᐅ Driveway – Bedding with Sand or Crushed Stone?

Hello everyone,

I want to renovate our driveway. It was originally constructed about 10 years ago by a company. They excavated the area, then laid down recycled concrete (compacted in layers), followed by a layer of sand about 5–6cm (2–2.5 inches) thick. On top of that was a rectangular paver (20 x 10 x 8cm (8 x 4 x 3 inches)), which I have already removed. Over the approximately 10 years, there were no settlements or ruts. The paving was bordered on the front, left, and right by curbs, with the garage slab at the back.

Cars and occasionally delivery vans drive on this surface.

Now, I want to install new pavers (also 8cm (3 inches) thick). I’m unsure whether I should simply leave the 5–6cm (2–2.5 inches) sand layer in place (I estimate the sand grains to be 0–5mm (0–0.2 inches) — see attached photo) or replace the sand with grit.

The simple approach would be…

1. remove the dirty sand layer,
2. rake the sand,
3. add any missing sand,
4. and then level the sand smoothly.

Many sources online recommend using grit (2–8mm (0.08–0.3 inches)), while others suggest sand with very fine grains (0–5mm (0–0.2 inches)).

The more thorough approach:

1. remove all sand completely,
2. lay grit 2–8mm (0.08–0.3 inches),
3. and then level the grit smoothly.

My thoughts:

• I would reinstall the pavers on sand (0–5mm (0–0.2 inches)) because there were no problems over 10 years.
• There were no issues with ants…
• Could this be because the rectangular pavers were installed with very narrow joints? The joint was about 2mm (0.08 inches), with only the transport nibs touching each other.
• Or was it because it’s on the north side?[/*li]
• I would want to lay the new pavers with a 3mm (0.12 inches) joint.
• Which approach would you recommend?

Best regards