Paving not even and firm - what helps?

Hello dear ones,
we just had our driveway paved with natural stones. Unfortunately, I am not satisfied with the result. Many stones are still too loose and the surface is extremely uneven. We had a path paved with the same stones right afterward, already 2 years ago. On the other hand, that is perfect.

I have already spoken with the builders, we will somehow come to an agreement. However, they are not professional landscapers but rather a general construction crew that does all sorts of things. (After 4 companies didn’t even submit a quote, we were glad that they finally did it.)

The actual question: How do I make the already laid stones as even and firm as possible? We are now trying to organize a heavy (700kg) vibrating plate (the previous one was too wimpy). Will that make it smooth?

You might need to write more precisely how the substrate was prepared. If the base construction was not done properly, then it won't work.

Best regards
Sabine

Ok, the substructure was already created 3 years ago as a construction road with 40cm of gravel and compacted. It was and is rock solid. Sand was now applied there and the stones were laid on top. Then the joints were filled with sand.

Who in their right mind lays paving stones on sand?? They are supposed to be laid on [split]. No wonder everything then wobbles

if the construction is as described, it is unfortunately not correct. Even the mere 40cm excavation is relatively shallow. Frost depth will not be reached this way.

So, the paving stones should definitely be laid on gravel. Sand could be washed away over time. 40cm excavation is completely sufficient for a driveway.