Tired of your ugly concrete patio in your backyard?

Concrete pavers are a great way to update your patio without having to tear everything up.

Not only do they look great, but they’re also flexible and can move with the ground as it heats and cools.

A new patio can completely transform your backyard – and it’s easier than you think.

With just a few simple steps, you can have a brand-new patio that looks amazing and is perfect for hosting barbecues, parties, and more.

The good news is, you can put pavers over concrete. It’s the most common way to upgrade an existing patio. The bad news is, it’s not as simple as just laying down the pavers. You’ll need to do some prep work first to make sure the pavers will stay in place and look good for years to come.

The Pros and Cons of Putting Pavers Over Concrete

There are several things to consider before you decide to lay pavers over concrete.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this popular backyard upgrade.

The Pros of Putting Pavers Over Concrete

  • Saves time and money.
  • Easier for a DIY project.
  • Can be done in a weekend.
  • Flexible and can move with the ground.
  • Low maintenance.
  • A great way to update your patio without having to tear everything up.

Related: Where To Recycle Old Concrete and Aggregate

Saves time and money

The time it would take to remove your existing concrete patio, plus the cost of disposing of it makes laying pavers over concrete a much more attractive option.

Related: Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Concrete Pavers?

Easier for a DIY project

If you’re handy and have some basic landscaping skills, you can lay pavers over concrete yourself. This is a great way to save money on your backyard makeover.

Can be done in a weekend

Laying pavers over concrete is a relatively quick and easy project that can be completed in a weekend.

Related: What Is Cheaper, Poured Concrete Or Pavers?

Flexible and can move with the ground

Concrete pavers are flexible and can move with the ground as it heats and cools. This helps to prevent cracking and other damage that can occur with a traditional concrete patio.

Low maintenance

Once your pavers are in place, they require very little maintenance. Simply sweep them clean of debris and hose them down as needed.

The Cons of Putting Pavers Over Concrete

  • May not be as durable as a concrete patio.
  • They can crack or break if they’re not installed correctly
  • The next upgrade will be much harder.
  • The foundation may not be suitable.

It may not be as durable as a concrete patio

Even though pavers are designed to be durable, they may not last as long as a concrete patio.

Concrete is a very strong material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Pavers, on the other hand, are made of a variety of materials including stone, brick, and concrete.

While they’re all very tough, they’re not as tough as concrete.

They can crack or break if they’re not installed correctly

If they are not installed correctly, pavers can crack or break. This is usually due to improper preparation of the underlying concrete surface.

The next upgrade will be much harder

If you decide to upgrade your patio again in the future, it will be much harder to do if you have laid pavers over concrete. This is because you’ll need to remove the pavers before you can work on the concrete.

The foundation may not be suitable

The original concrete foundation needs to be in good condition for the pavers to be laid properly.

If there are cracks or other problems with the foundation, it’s best to fix them before you lay the pavers. Otherwise, the pavers could settle unevenly or even crack themselves.

How to Install Pavers Over Concrete

There are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare your concrete surface for pavers.

Step 1 – Clean and remove debris

First, you’ll need to clean the surface and remove any dirt, debris, or stains. It’s a good idea to pressure wash the surface to really get it clean.

Once the surface is clean, you’ll need to repair any cracks or damage. This will help to prevent the pavers from cracking or breaking in the future.

Step 2 – Add a layer of sand

By applying a one-inch layer of sand, you’ll provide a stable base for the pavers and the joints between them.

Make sure to use a hand tamper or a plate compactor to really pack the sand down. This will help to prevent shifting and ensure a long-lasting installation. It will also ensure that any excess water drains properly.

Step 3 – Lay the pavers

Now you’re ready to lay the pavers. Begin by laying the first course of pavers along the edge of your patio. Then, continue filling in the rest of the area.

Easier to Hire a Pro

Unless you’ve laid pavers before and had success. I would recommend having a professional do it.

While you may be able to do it yourself, there’s a lot that can go wrong. If you’re not experienced in this type of work, it’s best to leave it to the pros.

This might be the first time you’ve accounted for this project. However, a professional will have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right the first time.

Shortcuts and tips

They’ll know any shortcuts or tips to make sure your patio looks great and lasts for years to come.

Hiring a professional is always the best option when it comes to installing pavers over concrete.

They’ll have the correct tools

They will also have the correct tools to get the job done. This includes a plate compactor, which is essential for compacting the sand base.

They’ll know which pavers to use

They’ll also have the right kind of pavers. There are many different types of pavers available on the market. A professional will be able to recommend the best type of paver for your project.

FAQs

Is it a good idea to put pavers over concrete?

It will seem a good idea at the time because it is a cheaper upgrade than doing a complete redo. But, there are so many elements that have to be just right for it to work that unless you have done it before, you will be better off hiring a professional.

Does the mortar have to be removed before putting pavers over the concrete?

Yes, the mortar will need to be removed before you lay the pavers. Otherwise, the pavers could crack or break.

Can you put thin pavers over concrete?

Yes, you can put thin pavers over concrete. However, you’ll need to take some extra steps to prepare the surface first. You’ll also need to use a plate compactor to really pack the sand down. This will help to prevent shifting and ensure a long-lasting installation.

Is it cheaper to lay pavers or concrete?

It is cheaper to lay pavers over concrete since you won’t need to remove the existing concrete. The only extra expense would be for the pavers themselves.

Is screed as strong as concrete?

The difference between concrete and screed is that aggregates are used to make concrete, resulting in a stronger, more durable texture than screed. Screed is typically used for a thinner layer than concrete, so it can crack more easily if not used correctly.

Is drainage a problem with pavers?

No, drainage should not be a problem with pavers. Pavers are actually designed to allow water to drain through them. However, you’ll need to make sure that the sand base is compacted properly. Otherwise, water could pool on the surface of the pavers.

What is the difference between permeable pavers and regular pavers?

The difference between permeable pavers and regular pavers is that permeable pavers allow water to drain through them. This helps to reduce runoff and prevent flooding. Regular pavers, on the other hand, do not allow water to pass through them. This can cause pooling and flooding if there is a lot of rain.

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