Can I Install Pavers Over Concrete?
A plain concrete slab may not enhance a landscape's aesthetic, but it is a strong and durable surface. Take advantage of an existing concrete surface by repurposing it as a foundation for pavers. Installing pavers over concrete gives you the freedom to create a new look without having to remove the old concrete and build a new foundation. You will use mortar and grout to adhere the pavers to the concrete. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Prepare
-
Before installing pavers over the concrete, you need to give it a thorough cleaning. Any grease stains or debris left on the surface will be trapped, weakening the bond between the concrete and mortar. Use a scrub brush, mild laundry detergent and concrete stain remover to wash the surface. Once the detergent and stain remover are rinsed off, use a wire scrub brush or a sand blaster to rough up the surface so the mortar can adhere.
Setting Pavers
-
The process of laying pavers in mortar requires both attention to detail and speed. Dry-laying the pavers over the concrete will help you get familiar with your chosen pattern. You can number the back of the pavers with chalk if you have a particular order to set them in. Spreading the mortar in small sections and placing the pavers is straightforward once you fall into a rhythm of checking and adjusting pavers until they are level. Have two buckets of water within reach, one to clean the trowel and one to dip clean rags in for wiping off spatters.
-
Grout and Cure
-
After the pavers are in the mortar for two days, you will pack grout between the joints to hold them in place. Made of cement, sand and water, grout also adds contrast to the paver color and keeps weeds and debris from accumulating between them. When the surface is finished, you can increase its strength by slowly curing the grout for a week. Place wet burlap or canvas over the surface, and wet the material twice a day. A plastic sheet also helps retain moisture so the new surface doesn't dry too quickly, but it can cause white splotches on the grout.
Maintenance
-
A paver surface over concrete can last for years with light maintenance. Sweep off leaves and debris as they fall to prevent stains, and hose the surface down when you water your plants. Apply paver sealant every other year to make the surface easier to clean and prevent color fading.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit patio image by fotogisèle from Fotolia.com
