If You Do Decide To Lay Pavers On Concrete
Make sure that your concrete patio or driveway is entirely clean before you putting the pavers down. This will help prevent some future problems with your project. Actually installing the pavers will require some different methods and materials than a normal installation as depicted on other parts of the site. For example, youll probably have to use mortar for certain applications, as the standard sand bed/compacting method may not work. Make sure your contractor is trained in doing this procedure and has experience with it. If you are installing the project yourself, make sure you check with someone in the know who can help you with your particular situation and its installation.
The Benefits Of Concrete Pavers
Paving stones have become an increasingly popular material for driveways, patios, pool decks and walkways in the California Bay area. That’s because paving stones can add to your homes curb appeal as well as its value.
Paving stones come in literally hundreds of colors, styles, textures, and patterns that give you the opportunity to create a one of a kind look for your pool deck patio or driveway. Pavers have an elegant look when correctly installed can last a lifetime and are much easier to repair than traditional poured concrete or asphalt.
With proper installation, concrete pavers can be installed over existing poured concrete slabs if they’re in relatively good condition. This is known as an overlay, and it can be a great, affordable option for many homeowners.
Step 5: Spread Paver Sand Over Concrete
We had some trial & error in this step. We accidentally bought this paver base sand, which we assumed was what we should be using based on the description. We poured out a bunch of bags and stomped it down, attempting to create a solid base over our concrete.
We spread the finer paver sand on top of it, and started laying pavers. After getting through many rows, we tested them and realized they were wobbly. The paver base was too rocky, so we removed all of it and started from scratch.
This time, we skipped the paver base and used JUST sand. The finer sand was so much easier to work with and gave the pavers a soft but firm surface to sit on. We poured about 3/4 of leveling paver sand on top of the old concrete and spread it to level out any minor surface imperfections.
Things To Consider Before Installing Pavers Over Concrete:
Before you consider paving stones over the already existing concrete, you have to check if the concrete is in good shape or not. This means there should not be any large cracks and the surface must be smooth. Also, you need to check if there is enough space to add pavers over the concrete without the need to block any doorways as that cause tripping hazards. Here is the best way to install the pavers over concrete:
Thin Concrete Pavers Versus Thin Brick Pavers
Thin brick pavers come in many different colors and their durability and color ranges are superior to thin concrete pavers, although the user must understand that they are two completely different products, although there end use is the same.
Thin pavers over concrete that are made from concrete can often be sand set with the perimeter pieces locked in with the use of a cementitious material and our concrete pavers with locking hubs work great in sand setting and keeping under 2 inches of added height.
On the other hand, using Thin brick pavers that are made from clay rather than concrete are generally 7/16 to 3/4 inch in thickness and must be applied with a mortar base which is time consuming and expensive.
Step 7: Spread Polymeric Sand
Once all of the pavers were in place and our cuts were finished, we cleaned them off, removed the spacers, and spread polymeric sand into the joints. Polymeric sand is different from regular sand it has polymers in it that become like a glue and hold pavers together when it gets wet.
We used a broom to sweep the sand into all of the joints, and then wet the entire walkway with our hose when we were finished.
I wasnt sure just how secure our pavers would be, being that we didnt use mortar, but this for sure worked. They havent shifted one bit, even with furniture moved in and out, the stroller going over them every day, etc.
Why Do People Install Pavers Over Concrete
If you already have a concrete patio, you may be wondering why you would want to expend the time and effort on covering it up in the first place. The primary reason why homeowners choose to upgrade their concrete patios is to improve its overall appearance.
Installing pavers over concrete enables you to get creative with the look and style of your patio. Youll have the freedom to play around with different layouts and patterns in order to create an outdoor living space that gels with your unique personality. As an added benefit, this type of upgrade can add to the value of your home by enhancing the curb appeal.
Depending on the style, layout and coloring of the pavers, just about any look can be achieved from classic to charming to modern and everything in-between. Not only will upgrading the look of your patio speak to your own personal preferences, but it will also work to improve your property value.
How Should I Properly Care For My Newly Upgraded Patio
Once youve finished installing pavers over your concrete patio, theres not much required in terms of maintenance. Since patio pavers are so strong, reliable and long-lasting on their own, they require minimal maintenance.
In order to further add to the integrity of pavers, we recommend sealing the patio after construction and at least once every other year thereafter. Its also wise to sweep your patio regularly in order to prevent a buildup of leaves, grass, dirt and other debris which could cause staining.
Should the pavers become stained, work to remove the blemish with a diluted solution of mild detergent and water. Be sure to check manufacturer specifications before applying any type of rock salt or ice melt.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Concrete Paver Stone Patio
It is recommended to wait 48 hours before heavy traffic after installing and watering the polymeric sand. After waiting 48 hours my concrete pavers were unbelievably sturdy. I cant wait to pick up a new fire pit, fire pit lounge chairs, and just enjoy the outdoors in my own backyard.
Read our articles for the best fire pit pieces for your paver stone patio:
Overall, the concrete pavers look pretty nice. They are durable and sturdy to walk on and thats crucial to a patio outdoors. I am about to go through a Canadian winter and I can let you know the outcome of the patio, I believe it will hold up strong. It has seen several rainstorms and it remains sturdy, lets see what winter can bring!
Step 8 Brush Bonding Sand In The Cracks
What type of sand do we put between pavers? The sand between pavers is called polymeric sand, it hardens when sprayed with water creating a bonding/jointing between each paver. The easiest way to apply polymeric sand is to use a push broom and sweep the sand across the entire surface.
When every crack is filled up we can grab our hose and do a light spray over the entire paver stone patio. Follow the instructions of your specific polymeric sand. I used a product called Magic Sand and it required an initial wetting, which is a light spray. Then I was to wait 5-10 minutes before spraying another light amount of water. Continue additional wettings every 10-15 minutes. I sprayed 4 times and the next day it was fairly hard, almost spongy.
The polymeric sand also prevents weeds and other plants from growing on your pavers which is important!
Important Considerations Before Laying Your Pavers
Before laying pavers on your concrete surface, there are several considerations you need to make. Not the least of which are the materials you should use.
Keep in mind the function of the area and space that you’ll be updating and how much weight it is expected to withstand before deciding on one particular material and design. If its a concrete driveway you are paving over, you have to use pavers suitable for vehicle traffic like bricks for long-lasting endurance. If its for your pool surround, ensure you’re using pavers suitable for your pool area that are salt and slip resistant and you may want a matching coping or step treads. Consider also the environment you live in, is it a sunny location so something that is cool underfoot would be desirable, coastal areas or the general aesthetics of your landscape and area because selecting the right pavers will add value to your home.
The right type of paver for your surface is critical for its longevity. You want to achieve a properly installed flooring the first time around to avoid having to redo it all over again two or three years down the road.
Step 1: Determine Patio Location
This step is often undervalued if you do not properly choose a location you might run into issues after or during installation. For example, if you build at the bottom of a slope with no drainage installed you will likely have water damage to your patio. Or you choose a spot where there are a lot of rocks and need equipment to move them, which is costly and timely. Make it easy on yourself and choose an area with as little rocks as possible and where water wont be a problem.
When I chose an area I could see where rainwater would go, it looked like a little dry stream. I knew that it would be a bad idea to install over the area. I pushed back behind it about 5-8 feet and this also helped me know where I needed to have water flow off of my pavers towards this area, but we will worry about that later.
Where I live the backyards have a lot of rock , try to avoid as many rocks as possible. I had an area that was mostly dirt and made it my designated patio area.
Pavers Over Concretecan It Be Done
Yes, it can be done but there a few things to consider before carrying out such a project. First, it is a good idea to get professional advice. So contact a licensed contractor and ask as many questions as you may have. Basically, installing pavers over concrete has its limitations. If money and time are not an issue to you, it is best to get rid of your concrete slab and start your new project from scratch. However, if this is not an option for you there are varying opinions on how it should be done. There are two trains of thought on installing pavers over concrete:
Step 6 Get Masonry Sand And Spread The Masonry Sand
I went back and did 2 trips to get the sand. Next, I grabbed my wheelbarrow and wheeled it all to the backyard over the gravel area. Theres one thing to keep in mind, sand isnt going to be applied just like gravel. You dont tamper sand, we add it in and then level it out smooth. This process can be the most difficult part and most time consuming for a beginner.
The most common way of doing this is to grab a metal tube, usually an electric metallic conduit that can be found at a hardware store. I didnt have one of these on hand and didnt want to run all the way back to the store to look for one, I probably should have just to make it easier. I used a broomstick handle and strapping wood as a sliding track. Maybe not the best choice of products but it worked.
I used my level over the wood/broom tracks to create a fully flat surface. I made sure there was a very small slope towards the natural drain area. If you are building one near your house make sure it angles away from your house or it can cause water issues in the long run.
To get the smooth surface we arent pushing down or compacting the sand, the pavers will do that on their own. Just grab a flat object like a level or piece of wood and begin sliding it over the tracks, either pipe or whatever homemade object you choose, and move backward sliding and pulling the sand towards you. You cant push forward and move forward because you would be kneeling on your progress.
Step 8: Adjust Stair Treads And Risers
We bought limestone stair treads from a local stone yard to cap the front of the walkway and all of the stairs. Its a little lighter than the concrete is, but over time it should even out. Next year, well finish our stairs and add limestone risers, but for now, paint will get us through the winter!
Were really, reaaaaaally happy with how it came out! We saved hundreds, if not thousands, by using these $1 pavers and working with what we had.
Use Adhesive To Glue The Pavers
Apply the border pavers directly to the concrete perimeter with polyurethane construction adhesive that you squeeze onto the concrete and the bottom and sides of the pavers. Follow the chalk lines as a guide for border paver placement, and place the pavers as tightly together as possible. Leave one side of the patio without border pavers to allow more room to lay the thinner pavers on the inside.
Height Issues On Installation
Installing pavers over concrete has its limitations because of height issues. The user must first establish before laying pavers over concrete patios if there will be an issue entering a structure because of height. A standard concrete or stone paver generally has a minimum thickness with bedding material of approximately 3 inches, whereby using a Thin veneer paver, the user has more room to work with, although all thresholds and any entry’s must be addressed for elevation issues.
Tips For Installing Travertine Pavers On Concrete
Travertine pavers are marble pavers that can be laid on concrete. There are a lot of pavers to use, but travertine pavers are very popular and match almost every color. There are things you should know before attempting to install pavers to concrete, so here are some tips on installing travertine pavers on concrete.
Tip 1: Having the Concrete Ready
Before you even think about laying down your travertine pavers you have to have your concrete ready for them. All loose pieces of concrete have to be swept off the concrete so it’s completely smooth. Once done, bleach that is used for outdoors has to be applied so that any mildew or mold on the concrete is killed.
Tip 2: Patch All Holes That Are In the Concrete
All the tiny or large holes seen in the concrete have to be patched with a concrete patching product. The kinds of products you need are available at the local hardware store. The one good thing about the patching products is they are better than normal concrete. Patching products have a much better adhesion and bonds much better.
Tip 3: Layout Dry to Make Your Design
Place your travertine pavers on the concrete and decide on a pattern by moving the pieces around. This allows you to find out if any of your travertine pavers have to be cut to fit into the concrete. Measure and mark the pavers to indicate where cuts will be needed.
Tip 4: Preparing the Mortar
Tip 5: Spreading the Mortar
Tip 6: Placing the Full Travertine Pavers
Tip 7: Cutting the Travertine Pavers
Do You Have A Concrete Slab And Want To Install Pavers Directly Over The Top
This is a very popular question amongst homeowners. Many people want the look of a new driveway or patio but don’t want the cost and hassle of having to rip up the existing concrete slab. There are many different views on this and it really does depend on the nature of your particular project and the condition of your existing concrete slab.
Installing Pavers Over A Concrete Patio
Although a concrete patio can provide you with a functional space to enjoy outside of your home, it may not offer the ambiance and aesthetic value that youd like. Fortunately, this problem can easily be remedied by installing pavers on top of the existing concrete surface.
Numerous homeowners throughout NJ and its surrounding areas make the decision to do so each year. Its not uncommon for us to receive inquiries about the process. Some of our customers wonder if installing pavers over concrete will be reliable and offer structural integrity, while others are concerned with the necessary steps for construction and the total cost of the project. To help you to make the best decision about your patio upgrade, consider the answers to these common inquiries. They should help you determine if installing pavers is the right solution for your property.
Pavers Over Concrete: Can It Be Done
Many people want to install pavers over concrete. Perhaps they have an old installation built on a concrete slab, or perhaps they want to avoid doing the work necessary to rip up an old concrete patio or driveway. Installing a base of aggregate may be the best option, but perhaps the best is not needed in this situation. A consumer or contractor may ask: can laying pavers over concrete be a good idea?
How To Properly Install 1 Pavers Over Concrete
Are you tired of looking at a boring concrete patio, pool deck, walkway or steps? Bring new life with thin pavers! Our thin remodeling pavers are specifically designed for overlaying existing concrete. Installation is fast and easy & requires no demolition of the old concrete and wont disturb your landscaping. Our thin pavers come in the Plantation Paver and 2-Piece Lowcountry Cobble Square and Rectangle. And like all of our products, our entire color selection.
Diy: How To Install Pavers Over Old Concrete
When we shared that we were covering our old concrete walkway with $1 pavers from Lowes, you guys had LOTS of questions. Were excited to share a full tutorial with aaaall the deets. Lets dive in!
This post is sponsored by Lowes.
Our front walkway at The Vic left much to be desired
A big part of the problem was our concrete walkway and stairs.
As a part of our curb appeal update this summer, we planned on jacking up all of the old concrete and replacing it with new concrete. The contractors we contacted were all booked and expensive, so we started thinking of other ideas. Would it be possible to just cover it with new pavers instead? After lots of research, the answer was yes! Its possible, and totally doable, to cover old concrete with pavers. Theres just a few caveats:
#1: Your surface needs to be intact and solid. If you have a crumbling surface, this project wont work without some extra prep work.
#2: Your surface needs to be relatively flat without any large cracks or bumps in it.
Our walkway was pretty solid with the exception of two cracks about 1/2 high, which we knew we could fix with proper prep. We grabbed a few $1 concrete pavers from Lowes and placed them in a diamond pattern to see if we liked the way they looked.
We LOVED the impact the pattern had on our curb appeal and decided to give it a shot. Heres what we did:
Using Pavers To Upgrade Your Existing Concrete Patio
If your ready for an aesthetic upgrade to your outdoor living space or driveway but aren’t looking forward to the hassle and expense of tearing up your existing concrete slab, you’re in luck. With proper preparation, concrete pavers can be installed on top of concrete without mortar.
While this type of installation is possible, you need to take certain precautions to prevent problems like drainage issues, settling and cracking. Here are some benefits of concrete pavers and timely tips for upgrading your existing concrete patio, driveway or walkway with beautiful concrete pavers.
Are Pavers Installed On Top Of Concrete Reliable And Structurally Sound
The short answer to this question is yes, but we will elaborate. While we typically think of concrete as extremely tough, durable and reliable , the material does have its limitations.
A large, solid slab of concrete is prone to developing cracks and holes after exposure to the freeze-and-thaw cycles that are so common here in the northeastern U.S. Not only is this unsightly, but it also creates problems with the functionality of the space. It may become more difficult for homeowners to use patio furniture on uneven surfaces and it may even be dangerous to walk across affected areas. Installing pavers over concrete can help to prevent problems like these.
Because of their smaller size, individual pavers are less prone to cracking as the material expands and contracts during temperature fluctuations. In the event that one of your pavers does become damaged, theres no need to worry; most paver stone manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their products.
Which Types Of Pavers Can Be Installed Over Concrete
This is entirely left up to your discretion! Any type of stone or manufactured paver that could normally be installed as a patio can be laid on top of existing concrete. Be sure to check out all of your options to ensure that you select the right type of pavers for your project goals.
You might choose from flagstone, bluestone, brick, manufactured concrete or interlocking pavers and more. Youll also have the ability to select from irregular or dimension cut pavers. With all of these different choices in material and design, you will have the opportunity to make space a true representation of your style.
What Materials Did I Use
You might be wondering what materials did I use? Many were in the pricing chart at the start but not everything. So here is a list of everything I needed and used during this DIY project. Yes, this is a DIY project because I did this all by myself.
Here is every item I needed and used to build a concrete paver stone 10×10 foot patio:
| Gravel/Crusher Dust |
| A lot of water |
Where Can I Buy Patio Pavers In Nj
Braen Supply is the most reliable supplier of patio pavers and other landscaping materials in NJ. We partner with the leading paving stone manufacturers in order to ensure that our customers are able to choose from high-quality materials that will cater to a variety of different needs and desires.
Sometimes installing pavers can be tricky and can become overwhelming, so its best to talk to a contractor or our staff to decide if installing them by yourself is really the best option. Our professional staff offers a wealth of knowledge about each of the products that we sell and are more than happy to answer questions, address concerns and offer up valuable advice.
Youll enjoy competitive, low pricing every day. Our pavers can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.