Building a raised patio

[kinobestew123]

I'm wanting to build a small raised patio. I want it maybe a foot above the height of the existing ground.

Reading pavingexpert.com, it always talks about basically digging down 150mm or so, filling with MOT1 then paving in a wet mortar bed which I understand.

If I want to have a raised patio though, do I still need to dig down? Or can I just put the hardcore directly on the current surface? I want to minimise the risk of it sinking.

 

[keylion]

It depends on what the current surface is. It needs to be solid otherwise it will move under the weight of the new material. Also, what is going to be around your new patio to retain and stop you seeing the new fill material.