Natural stone and concrete paving can be laid on a preformed concrete base using a full mortar bed. This method involves using a layer of mortar to create a stable base for the paving slabs.
If you have a concrete patio that you want to spruce up, laying patio pavers over the top is one option. This can be a fairly easy do-it-yourself project, and it doesn't require demolition of the existing concrete.
In cases where you already have a concrete driveway or patio that's in good condition, pavers could potentially be laid directly over concrete. This is known as an overlay, and while it's a great option for homeowners, it's not feasible in every situation.
Get all black soil away from the site. Dig right down to clay. Make sure you are at least 6'' below the bottom of the concrete level. Add sanded 3/4'' gravel (in max 6'' lifts) and compact until desired height/level is achieved. Cover with poly, place rebar and chairs. Place concrete.
A deck would have a supporting structure of timber or steel joists and beams. What you would be doing here is cladding the concrete with the decking. There would be no room for drainage or airflow under the decking boards leading to their reduced lifespan. Placing decking directly onto concrete is not recommended.
To properly install a deck over concrete, start by ensuring the concrete surface is clean and level. Use spacers or sleepers to create a gap between the concrete and the decking material, which promotes drainage and prevents moisture-related issues.
Once the concrete has been poured and allowed to set, you can lay the slabs directly on top, without the need for any additional preparation or materials.
A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $2,000 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.
In most areas, a concrete patio begins with 4 inches of compacted stone. The difference is the depth you dig before you pour. If you install a concrete patio, dig out a space 8 inches deep; 4 inches for the some, another 4 inches for the concrete, and another 2 inches to allow for mortar and brick.
Even though it's possible to build a concrete patio without rebar, it's not recommended. All concrete is subject to cracks, but rebar holds all the cracks together and keeps the slab level and even. Without rebar, the cracks would become quite wide and the concrete would become uneven.
What's an affordable way to cover a patio? Cover a patio with an outdoor area rug, paint, stain, stenciling, interlocking deck tiles, or vinyl peel-and-stick tile.
All concrete will shrink slightly as it dries and, when it's set, will expand or contract depending on the ambient temperature. To prevent cracks from forming, concrete expansion joints should be incorporated to allow for movement, particularly in slabs with a surface area exceeding 6m2.
Concrete, no matter where you have it in your home, is durable and long lasting. However, when it does come time to replace your concrete - be it your driveway or backyard patio - there are a few steps to keep in mind. First, know that you can absolutely pour new concrete over existing concrete.
If your concrete patio is in good condition, skip the backbreaking (and costly!) step of removing it and simply install pavers directly over it. Laying pavers over a concrete patio is much easier than pouring new concrete or laying paving stones the traditional way.
Concrete is a much more stable sub-base than sand and gravel. Preparation and planning is key to a successful project.
Carpet, vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, or ceramic tiles are some of the ideal flooring options to go over concrete substrates.
How much concrete do I need for a 10x10 slab? The amount of concrete you need for a 10x10 slab depends on how thick it will be. So, for a 4-inch slab you'll need 1.24 cubic yards (56 80lb bags), but a 6-inch slab requires 1.85 yards (84 80lb bags).
Your concrete slab thickness is determined by the weight you anticipate your patio will have to withstand and how many square feet you want your patio to be. Most concrete patio professionals suggest a thickness of 4 inches. This also complies with most building codes.
So, you would need about 222 bags of concrete for a 20x20 slab with a thickness of 4 inches if using 80 lb. bags.
Concrete is consistently known to be cheaper than pavers. There's no doubt about it. However, if you add color staining and stamping, the cost begins to rise quickly to be comparable to pavers. The long-term value of concrete can vary depending on the person living in the home.
If your concrete is in good condition, you can typically lay pavers on top without any issues. This method of installation has two main benefits for homeowners: Significant cost savings. Keeping your existing concrete slab in place means less work, which results in fewer costs.
While it's possible to lay new paving on top of old patio slabs, it's important to follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful project. With the right preparation and a little bit of patience, you can transform your old, worn-out patio into a beautiful outdoor space that you can be proud of.