How to Install Flagstone Pavers Over Concrete
Concrete is a durable, long lasting and a useful material for outdoor walkways and patios, but it isn't always the most attractive element in your landscape. Conversely, flagstone pavers add an element of natural, rustic charm. Flagstone pavers are easily installed over concrete using mortar, as long as the concrete is in good condition and is properly cleaned. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush
- Biodegradable concrete cleaner with etching agents
- Paint brush or roller
- Pre-mix mortar
- Large bucket
- Drill
- Cement and paint mixer drill bit
- Trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Concrete curing blankets
- Sand
Instructions
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1
Wash the concrete with a solution of dish soap and water. Use 1/2-cup of dish soap per gallon of water. Scrub the cement with a scrub brush. Use a garden hose to rinse the concrete after washing.
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2
Clean the concrete with a biodegradable concrete cleaner with mild etching agents. Dilute with water as directed in the manufacturer's instructions. Use a paintbrush or a roller to coat the concrete with the cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit for the time directed in the manufacturer's instructions (while the etching agents penetrate the surface of the concrete). This will ensure proper adhesion of the concrete. Rinse and neutralize the cleaner with water after the etching time is up.
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3
Make the mortar. Use pre-mix mortar so all you have to do is add water. Add the amount of water indicated in the instructions. Mix the mortar in a large bucket using a drill with a cement and paint mixing bit.
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Mortar the stones. Start in a corner, against a wall if there is one. Working in small sections, use a trowel to spread a patch of mortar approximately 3/4-inch thick. Fit the stones together, lodging them into the wet mortar by tapping them with a rubber mallet.
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5
Cover the pavers with concrete curing blankets to promote consistent curing of the mortar. These can be rented from construction stores. Allow the mortar to set up for 48 hours (depending on the temperature and humidity).
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6
Fill the gaps between the flagstone pavers with sand. Simply sprinkle and sweep sand into the cracks.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not mortar stones in extremely hot or cold temperatures, as this can interfere with proper curing of the mortar.
References
- Photo Credit hintergrund steine image by Otmar Smit from Fotolia.com
