Installing Pavers over a Concrete Patio
You can greatly improve the look of a concrete patio by installing pavers over the concrete. This will give it a more luxurious appearance and add color to the patio floor. Keep in mind though that the biggest issue will be to insure proper drainage of water. If you were to simply glue the pavers to the concrete you would have problems with water and, in colder climates, with ice. There are ways of addressing this by laying down a bed of sand between the concrete and the pavers to allow for proper drainage. Measure the concrete patio area carefully and bring the measurements to your home or stone retailer. When you make your selection of paver stones to buy, they will do the math to make sure that you are buying enough to cover the entire concrete area. Make sure and purchase some additional stones in case you break any and to have some in reserve in case repairs to the patio have to be made in the future. Also purchase concrete cleaner and mortar that will be necessary to perform the tasks associated with this installation.
Clean the Concrete
Start by using simple dish detergent mixed with water to clean the concrete surface. Scrub the surface vigorously with the solution and then rinse it off with a garden hose. Make sure that all rocks and debris are off of the concrete surface. Now, using a concrete cleaner available from any home store, clean and etch the concrete surface of your patio. Follow the product instructions to thoroughly clean it off of the concrete when you are done.
Mix Mortar and Begin Paving
Next, mix your mortar in a large container according to the manufacturer's directions and then lay down a one inch layer of mortar over the concrete. Place your paving stones on top of the mortar, spacing them a quarter to a half inch apart. Start at an outer corner of the patio and work your way toward the middle. If the patio is adjacent to your house, start installing the pavers at the base of your house. When you come to the center, you might have to cut some of the pavers to get them to fit. Use a masonry wet saw to make those cuts. Use a level to insure that you are creating a level surface and make corrections as necessary. If anything, you can lay the pavers at a very slight angle away from the house to protect your home from water damage. Work quickly to insure that the mortar doesn't harden before you have the pavers in place. Allow the mortar to cure for 48 hours, which will, in turn, allow the pavers to set properly into the mortar base.
Apply Sand
Now, to insure proper drainage and a finished look, thoroughly cover everything with a layer of sand. Then using a broom, force the sand down into the spaces between the pavers and sweep away the excess. This will prevent the paver stones from moving and provide proper drainage. Install a plastic retaining edge around the perimeter and secure it with a hammer and spikes.
