A Guide To Installing Paving Stones Over Concrete

When you want to update an outdoor area of your home that has been concreted, such as a patio or driveway, it is actually possible to do so without ripping up the existing surface. By simply leaving the concrete in place, you can carefully lay the stones over the top. This provides you with a solid base and helps you to work out how much paving is needed. In this article, we will discuss guidelines for installing on concrete.

Planning

The very first thing you will need to do is to plan the outdoor area. Let's assume that the concrete slab is relatively level and is sloped only slightly. Sketch out the entire area, determine the pattern and the stone size you to use in order to determine how many you will need. Once you have ordered your materials, lay out the project. Use string and stakes to form the outline, then use spray paint to mark in the edges.

Mortar

When it comes to actually laying the paving stones, the most common method is using mortar. You will need to clean the concrete using a pressure washer (and muriatic acid if it is quite weathered). Then, apply the mortar in a three-quarter to one inch thickness directly on top of the concrete. We recommend working in sections to ensure that the mortar doesn't dry too quickly (and need to be taken up).

Base Rock
The least common method is to apply some base rock to the concrete before laying the pavers. Add three to four inches of rock to the area and pack it down with a compactor. It's a good idea to add water during the compaction process to ensure it has been tamped down properly. Then add sand or grey fines over the rock; compact and level it. There is no need to work in sections with this method.
Now is the time to lay your paving stones in your desired pattern! Installation

Gently place the stones onto the surface (either with the edges touching or with no more than half an inch gap) - don't press them down, as they won't be level. Use criss-crossed strings to help you correctly align the pavers, then spread polymer sand or dust over the surface to fill in any gaps. You might want to run the compactor over the area.

Preservation

The final step in the process is to wash down the stone. You might also choose to seal the surface, which will help to prevent staining and other damage down the track. If you have decided to coat it, just remember that the surface will need to be extremely clean and dry. The sealant will, in many cases, need to be reapplied every few years. Regular cleaning (sweeping and hosing down) can also help with its' preservation.

We hope that the above guide has proven that laying paving stones over an existing concrete surface is not as difficult a task as it sounds. In many cases, it can actually be simpler than preparing the area yourself. Just ensure that you repair any damage to the concrete prior to laying the pavers, as this will save you a headache down the road. If you have chosen the mortar method, ensure you have picked one appropriate for use with concrete.

Here are some examples from my Pinterest of beautiful backyards:

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