New Block Patio

[keilola]

I am new to this and I need some advice. I am getting ready to do a brick patio in my backyard. it is going to be 240 sq/ft. How deep should I dig and how should I do the base. I was told 6" gravel, use a tamper, then 1" of sand, use a tamper, place my block and then use the tamper one last time. Is this correct? What is the best stone to use for the base? How do I figure out how much stone I need to fill the hole? Also, do I need to space the blocks as if I were laying ceramic tile (1/8" gap)? Thanks in advance for your help.

Kevin

[keilola]

One more thing, the block I was going to use is 8 1/4" x 5 1/2" as well as 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". What is the best pattern to lay these types of blocks in? I appreciate your help in advance.