How to Install Patio Pavers Over Concrete
Installing paving stones is a job that many people leave to professionals. However, with a little patience, a medium-sized budget, and some know-how, you can install your own. This will allow you to turn that boring old concrete patio into something extraordinary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paving stones
- Exterior mortar
- concrete cleaner
- water
- level
- trowel
- scrub brush with long handle
Instructions
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1
Clean your existing concrete slab by mixing a solution of 1cup dish detergent to 1 gallon of water. Apply the solution to the surface of the slab and scrub thoroughly. Rinse it thoroughly with a hose.
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2
Follow the manufacturer's directions on the back of a container of concrete cleaner. Use this to clean and etch the surface of your concrete slab. After etching, clean solution from surface using approved method, listed on your manufacturer's instructions.
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3
Prepare your mortar in a large container. A 5 gallon bucket will give you the best mixture of portability and ease of disposal. Mix your mortar according to package directions.
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4
Lay a thick layer of mortar down onto the prepared concrete surface. The layer should be from 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Lay your paving stones down on top of this layer of mortar, spacing them no further than 1/2 inch apart. Work quickly, and measure your progress every 5 feet with your level to make sure that your patio is indeed level.
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5
Allow the pavers and their mortar to cure for 48 hours. This will allow the mortar to set properly and provide a sturdy base.
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6
Fill the cracks between the pavers with polymeric sand by pouring a layer over the whole surface of the patio. Using a broom, working very slowly, run the broom over the surface, forcing the sand down into the cracks. This will prevent the bricks from moving, and will provide drainage.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use muriatic acid to etch the concrete, but it's dangerous. However, if you're comfortable using it, it will do a better job than anything else.
Always mix your mortar according to package directions. It's easy to go off formula, but don't. If you mess up the ratio of water to mortar, your patio won't set properly.
