Was it wrong to use stonedust mixed with gravel in the bases for my in-progress flagstone and brick patios?

Question:I have two patio now under construction in my backyard, in holes I dug mostly myself to a depth of from 10 to 18 inches. One, to be covered using flagstone, is 500 sq. ft, while the circular one, to be paved with brick, is of 14 ft diameter.

The contractor indicated he would lay grade "B" gravel underneath and grade "A" 3/4" stone in the next layer, both on top of geotextile, and compact every 2 inches. He did lay the geotextile, but put down a combination of what looks more like stonedust mixed with gravel,. He didn't even try to compact until the end.

As we understand it, the will cause water to accumulate like a sponge. We live in Ottawa, Canada, where there is lots of freezing and unfreezing due to seasonal changes, and you can imagine what problems with the base that might cause.

Note that the holes holding the base stone do not drain water well anyways, due to clay bottoms. Nevertheless, is there a justification for what has been put down as a base?

Answers:
Perhaps this may help...gravel is rated by size #1 is the smallest... #2 is about 3/4"... and #3 is about 2" in size. now here comes the letters."A" means limestone dust or sand is mixed in. 2A is 3/4" rock mixed with limestone dust or sand. 2B is just 3/4" rock. 3B is just 2" rock. So.when the contractor said "I will lay "B" on the first layer he mean't 3B. good ! better drainage...When he said "grade A" he meant #2 rock with the limestone dust mixed in. 2A. The bigger rock underneath (3B) allows for the drainage, while the smaller rock (2A) mixed with the limestone dust gives a smoother appearance on top.. It seems the contractor did everything right except the compacting which is crucial. I would use 2B on top of the 3B base eliminating all sand and limestone dust. You must consider what base is underneath all that stone...If it's a clay-like base run a length of perforated PVC pipe (french drain) underneath everything. Just lay the pipe down at the lowest points and cover it up with the stone.