Covering Concrete Patios: Paver Installation Guide

Covering a concrete patio with pavers is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space without breaking the bank. This DIY project can be completed in a few simple steps and will give your patio a fresh, new look. The first step is to ensure that your concrete surface is intact, relatively flat, and free of any large cracks or bumps. If you have a crumbling surface, you will need to do some extra prep work before laying down the pavers. Once your surface is ready, you will need to gather your tools and materials, which typically include pavers, spacers, paver edging, landscaping cloth, leveling paver sand, and polymeric sand. You may also need a circular saw or grinder for making straight or curved paver cuts, respectively. Before laying the pavers, it is recommended to do a dry run to figure out the centre line, correct spacing, and pattern. Once you are happy with the layout, you can start installing the pavers by gluing down the border pavers and then spreading paver sand over the concrete to create a level base. Finally, you can lay the field pavers onto the sand and glue down the remaining border pavers. This project is a cost-effective and relatively easy way to give your concrete patio a much-needed makeover.

Prepare the surface by cleaning and levelling

Preparing the surface by cleaning and levelling is an essential step in laying pavers over a concrete patio. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Clean the Concrete Surface:

Start by thoroughly cleaning the concrete patio to remove any dirt, debris, or stains. You can use a stiff brush or a deck stripping brush attached to a broom handle for better reach. Scrub the surface with a concrete cleaner or a suitable cleaning solution. Once you're done scrubbing, hose down the patio to rinse away any remaining residue. Make sure to clean the edges of the patio where you'll be gluing down the border pavers. A clean concrete surface will ensure a stronger bond when you adhere the pavers.

Let the Concrete Surface Dry:

After cleaning, allow the concrete surface to dry completely. This step is crucial as you don't want to work on a damp or wet surface. The drying time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels, so plan accordingly.

Assess the Condition of the Concrete:

Before proceeding, it's important to evaluate the condition of your concrete patio. Ensure that the surface is intact, solid, and relatively flat without any large cracks or bumps. If there are minor surface imperfections, you can level them out with a layer of sand. However, if there are significant issues, such as large cracks or sinking panels, it is recommended to consult with a professional. In some cases, removing the existing concrete and starting fresh may be necessary.

Level the Concrete Surface:

To level the concrete surface, you'll need to use a levelling compound or a layer of sand. If you opt for a levelling compound, follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application. Spread the compound evenly across the surface, ensuring it fills any minor cracks or imperfections. Use a trowel or a straightedge to smooth it out and create a flat, level surface.

If you choose to use sand for levelling, spread a thin layer of sand, about a quarter of an inch or less, across the concrete surface. Use a broom or a flat piece of wood to distribute the sand evenly and fill in any small cracks or imperfections. The sand layer should be just enough to level out minor imperfections and provide a stable base for the pavers.

Once the levelling is complete, you can proceed to the next steps of installing your pavers, such as marking the layout, gluing down the border pavers, and laying the field pavers. Remember to refer to comprehensive guides or seek professional advice for a successful paver installation project.

Use spacers and edging to prevent shifting

Spacers and edging are crucial to prevent the pavers from shifting and to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Here's a detailed guide on using spacers and edging for your project:

Choose the Right Spacers

Select spacers that are suitable for the size and type of pavers you're working with. Plastic paver spikes are a popular choice, as they can also be reused for paver edging later. Spacers help maintain consistent gaps between pavers, ensuring a neat and even finish.

Plan Your Layout

Before installing the pavers, it's essential to plan your layout carefully. A dry run will help you determine the correct spacing and alignment. Take the time to shift the pavers around until you're happy with the pattern and spacing. This step is crucial to ensure the pavers don't look crowded or unevenly spaced.

Install the Edging

Line the perimeter of your patio with paver edging. This edging will act as a barrier, preventing the pavers from shifting out of place over time. Plastic paver edging is a common choice and can be less visible once the surrounding area is filled in, such as with grass.

Secure the Border Pavers

Once your edging is in place, it's time to secure the border pavers. Use a strong construction adhesive to glue down the pavers along the house and the sides of the patio. This will create a sturdy frame for the rest of your paver installation. Remember to leave the final border open until the field is complete for easier screeding and positioning.

Use Spacers During Paver Installation

As you lay each paver, place a spacer in the joint to maintain consistent spacing. This step is crucial to achieving an even and professional-looking finish. Once all the pavers are in place, carefully remove the spacers before proceeding to the next step.

Sweep Sand into the Joints

After removing the spacers, it's time to sweep polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers. Polymeric sand acts like glue, binding the pavers together and further preventing shifting. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into all the joints from different angles to ensure complete coverage.

By following these steps and using spacers and edging effectively, you can create a stable and long-lasting paver surface over your concrete patio. This technique will help ensure that your pavers remain securely in place, even with regular use and varying weather conditions.

Use sand to level the surface

Using sand to level the surface is a crucial step when installing pavers over a concrete patio. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Choose the Right Sand:

Select a suitable type of sand for your project. Avoid using brick sand as it tends to absorb water, expand with frost, and compact excessively. Instead, opt for concrete sand (coarse sand), which provides better drainage and is easier to level. Have a bag or two of brick sand on hand for very thin applications.

Prepare the Concrete Surface:

Before applying the sand, ensure the concrete surface is clean and free of any debris. If there are any low spots or minor imperfections, fill them in with dry mortar to create an even base. You may also need to grind down high spots to ensure a level surface.

Apply a Thin Layer of Sand:

Spread a thin layer of sand over the concrete patio. Aim for a thickness of a quarter of an inch or less. This layer will help compensate for minor imperfections and prevent the pavers from rocking. Use a screed board or a straight piece of lumber to level the sand and achieve a consistent thickness.

Compact the Sand:

Once the sand is evenly distributed, use a tamping tool or a plate compactor to compact the sand. This step is crucial to creating a sturdy base for your pavers. Make sure the sand is firmly compacted to minimize the risk of settling or shifting under the pavers.

Check for Level:

After compacting the sand, use a level to ensure the surface is even. Make any necessary adjustments by adding or removing sand in specific areas and compacting again until you achieve a level surface.

Install Border Pavers:

Before placing the field pavers, install the border pavers around the perimeter of the patio. Use construction adhesive to glue down the border pavers, leaving small gaps between them to allow for drainage. The border pavers should be at least 3/4 inch thicker than the field pavers to accommodate the sand layer.

Lay the Field Pavers:

With the border pavers in place, you can now lay the field pavers. Place them gently on the sand, avoiding sliding them to prevent disturbing the sand layer. Use spacers between the pavers to ensure consistent gaps. If necessary, cut pavers to size using a circular saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade.

Sweep Sand into the Joints:

After all the pavers are in place, sweep polymeric sand into the joints between them. Polymeric sand contains polymers that act like glue, holding the pavers together when wet. Use a push broom to sweep the sand into all the joints from different angles to ensure complete coverage.

Compact the Pavers:

Use a plate compactor to tamp the pavers into the sand bed. Make slow, overlapping passes with the compactor until the field pavers are compacted to the same height as the border pavers. This step helps create a uniform and stable surface.

Clean the Pavers:

Finally, use a leaf blower or an angle broom to sweep away any remaining sand from the paver surfaces. Ensure that the pavers are thoroughly cleaned, as any residual sand may harden and become difficult to remove.

By following these steps and using sand to level the surface, you can effectively install pavers over your concrete patio, creating a beautiful and durable outdoor living space.

Cut pavers to size

Cutting pavers to size is an important step in ensuring a snug fit for your patio upgrade project. Here's a detailed guide on how to go about it:

Firstly, for your safety, put on protective gear. Wear eye protection, a dust mask, and leather gloves. This will shield you from any debris or dust generated during the cutting process.

Now, let's discuss the tools you can use. There are a few options available, and the choice depends on your preference and the complexity of the cuts. A tile saw with a diamond blade is a suitable option for most cuts. This combination provides a smooth and precise cutting experience. If you need to cut thicker pavers, a larger diamond blade will make the task easier.

Alternatively, you can use an angle grinder for more intricate cuts. An angle grinder is particularly useful for curved cuts or when you need to access tight spaces. Ensure the grinder is equipped with a diamond wheel for effective cutting of the concrete pavers.

For smaller projects, a circular saw with a diamond blade can be handy. This setup provides a straight and clean cut. If you're comfortable handling power tools and have multiple pavers to cut, a concrete saw is another option to consider.

When using these tools, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. If you're renting any equipment, ensure you're properly trained to operate it safely and effectively.

Now, for the cutting process itself. Mark the cutting line on the paver using a measuring tape, ruler, or chalk line. This line will guide your cut and ensure accuracy. Carefully align the blade of your chosen tool along the marked line and proceed to cut with steady pressure. Take your time and don't force the blade through the paver, as this may cause chipping or an uneven cut.

Once you've made your cuts, it's important to clean up the edges. Use a wire brush or a similar tool to remove any remaining debris or loose particles. This step will ensure your pavers have a neat and finished look when installed.

Remember, cutting pavers can create a lot of dust, so it's advisable to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors if possible. Take frequent breaks and always be mindful of your safety.

Glue the pavers

Gluing the Pavers

Before you start gluing the pavers, it's important to clean the edges of the patio where the border pavers will be glued down. Use a stiff brush to scrub the concrete with a concrete cleaner, then hose down the patio and let it dry. This ensures that the glue will have a strong bond.

Once the concrete is dry, use a tape measure and a chalk line to plan the locations of the borders. Snap a chalk line parallel to the house, leaving a gap of at least 1/4 inch between the border pavers and the house.

Now it's time to glue down the border pavers. Using the chalk lines as a guide, apply construction adhesive to the back of each paver and press it into place. If adhesive squeezes up between the pavers, don't try to wipe it off. Let it harden, then trim it off with a utility knife.

After setting each paver, run a bead of construction adhesive up the side. This will keep the sand from washing out between the pavers. It's important to note that the final border should be installed after the field is complete, as this makes screeding off the excess sand easier and allows for perfect positioning of the final border.

For the field pavers, you'll need to lay down landscape fabric first to keep the sand from washing down into expansion cracks in the concrete. Position a screed pipe near the centre of the field, then use a wheelbarrow and shovel to spread sand onto the landscape fabric, using the screed pipe as a depth guide.

To create a screed board, measure and mark 1/8 inch from the bottom of a field paver, then transfer this measurement to a 2x6 board. Cut and remove this area from the board with a jigsaw. This notched end will be used to flatten, or screed, the sand.

Rest the notched end of the board on the border pavers and the other end on the screed pipe. Slowly move the board across the sand, removing excess sand and flattening it to the same height. Once the sand is screeded, sweep away any excess and cut off the excess landscape fabric.

Now it's time to glue down the final border pavers. Sweep away any sand from the border area and apply construction adhesive to the back of each paver. To facilitate drainage, use vertical beads of adhesive that run parallel to the side borders. Let the glue dry for a few hours before tamping the field pavers and sweeping sand across the patio to fill the joints.

Use a plate compactor to tamp the pavers into the sand, moving it slowly back and forth across the pavers in an overlapping pattern. Continue compacting until the field pavers are level with the border pavers. Finish by spreading polymeric sand over the field pavers and sweeping it into the gaps with a broom.

Frequently asked questions