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In our small backyard, we plan on laying down a roughly 15′x15′ bluestone patio. Our contractor has given us two options for a subgrade:

1) Dry well and sand base
2) 12″ gravel subgrade and sand base

Given that this is for a low-traffic/weight patio, is the full gravel subgrade really necessary or is the sand base sufficient? The soil is a blend of dirt, construction debris and clay. We only see minor puddling during heavier rainstorms.

What are the risks with going with just the sand base?

We’d prefer not having to re-level the stones after every winter…