Compact the Subsoil Floor

What happens here

After the excavation is complete, the exposed subsoil at the base of the foundation must be thoroughly compacted. This is an absolutely critical step to prevent the entire paver patio from sinking or settling unevenly over time, which can lead to trip hazards and structural failure. The presenter explicitly warns against using small, 'chincy' compactors (like hand tampers) and strongly stresses the need for a compactor with 'serious force.' This typically means renting a heavy-duty vibratory plate compactor. The objective is to create a dense, stable, and unyielding sub-base that can effectively support the weight of the paver patio and withstand foot traffic without any future shifting.

Goal: Create a dense and stable subsoil base to prevent patio sinking and settling.