Mini plate compactor for sandstone slabs

[olefella]

You shouldn't have to tamp the slabs if you've properly compacted the base. It's the whole point of having laid base-to provide a solid, stable surface to lay your paving on.

The slabs vary in thickness from 28-35 mm, and, while the undersurface is saw cut some have flakes broken off so it’s not always even. The base is compacted FCR, and I have brushed off all largish chips so it’s pretty flat and stable. There’s a layer of sharp sand under the slabs allowing them to settle so their top surface is even. I started off tamping them with a rubber mallet but they need a bit more hence the vibrater. I’ve laid smooth concrete slabs before, but not sandstone, so maybe I’ve got something wrong, but this seems to be going ok now.