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Can I install pavers on top of concrete patio and walkway???
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Posted by northgarden (My Page) on Mon, Sep 8, 08 at 1:33
| We have a concrete patio in our backyard that is too small for our needs, concrete landings at our front door and sliding glass back door that are also a bit small and a curved concrete walkway from our front door landing to our driveway. As part of a major re-landscaping, we are looking at building a bigger patio and nicer-looking entranceways to out house.
We are seeking bids from a number of landscapers, the first of whom has proposed using concrete pavers and placing them directly over the existing concrete. A few more details:
- the soil under the concrete is heavy clay.
- the concrete appears to be in good, structural shape and is even.
- We live in a climate with freeze-thaw cycles (Ontario, Canada)
- we are planning to elevate the soil near the patio and walkway as there is almost no top soil, just clay, so the walkway and patio need to be at a higher elevation (3-6 inches higher) to preserve the slope away from the house.
- our home has a brick exterior, a terracotta color.
We are also considering other material such as bluestone, especially for the walkway.
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Can I install pavers on top of concrete patio and walkway???
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| I think as long as you're not tyring to lay pavers or stone directly on top of the existing concrete is should work. You would want a thick, compacted layer of gravel, stone dust, etc. to seat the pavers in. Regards, K4 |
RE: Can I install pavers on top of concrete patio and walkway???
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| Still looking for advice on whether it makes better sense to lay pavers over the existing concrete or rip the concrete out and create a new base. Any help would be greatly appreciated |
RE: Can I install pavers on top of concrete patio and walkway???
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| The contractor surely is suggesting to lay them in a mortar set over the existing concrete right? If so, it works but better be done properly or else one stone coming loose will be very difficult to repair. The surface joints too would need to be well mortared and sealed to prevent any moisture from entering, and don't forget expansion gaps. Laying a gravel base over concrete is an even worse idea IMO. Doesn't compact and creates an impermeable foundation beneath what little gravel base you may have. Furthermore it leaves your entire patio susceptible to any movement experienced by the concrete slab. Gravel bases are used in our climate in part due to their flexibility. In the end I wouldn't do it for a client and if I did I wouldn't warranty it. All that said though, you do have an opportunity to install what I consider to be one of the nicer and more underrated outdoor ground surfaces- reclaimed red brick turned on edge. One of my favorite designers James Van Sweden is big on this as it creates one of the warmest and most transitional (home to exterior) ground surfaces as well as being very amenable to patterned desings. Would need to work with your home and greater landscape though. |
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