any paving experts on here?

If you want it to last then go overboard. I did my 20x25 patio 18 years ago and other than a couple of places that get the sand washed out from rain it still looks like the day I laid it.
I went with 4" of 1"minus rock compacted with 1" paver base [crushed rock] Al this was compacted with a vibrating compactor. Then I put 1" sand on top and screed it level using 1"fence post for my depth and dragging it off with a 2x4. Layed the pavers, swept the joints full with sand, left a layer of sand on top and went over the entire thing with the vibrating tamper.