[JohnC]

Greetings All,

I just found this site and have to say all of you pros out there certainly know your stuff and I'm sure there are many out there grateful for you sharing your time and expertise.

I have a 1200sq' brick paver (4x8 beveled holland stone) patio project I'm in the middle of and had the following questions:

1. Because my backyard is nearly perfectly level, my plan calls for drains in the middle of the patio with the recommended drain slope. In periods of heavy rains (seldom in southern CA) will temporary standing water (as it drains) in the patio field compromise the integrity of the base? (3" compacted rock/sand and 2" of sand)

2. I plan to mortar the soldier course (straight) edge onto a concrete 'footing' prior to filling the field base, sand and pavers. Is this ok?

3. The soil I will be placing my paver base onto is now a hard summer-baked clay that was easy to grade when hosed down. By omitting the use of a fabric will I have problems later?

Thanks so much in advance,

John