Pavers Over Concrete

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

May 3, 2001

Q. In last week's column, you wrote that in some instances an existing concrete patio can be covered by paving stones. I have a concrete patio which has feathered cracks, etc., and want to cover it with some type of paving stones. Every store I have visited has told me that the concrete must be removed and a sand base used. Is this true? -Martin L. Lieberman, Dix Hills

A. You can cover an existing concrete patio with concrete paving stones, however, you have to be aware that the height of the patio will grow significantly. First, most paving stones are 2 3/8 inches high, and a thin sand base will probably add another half-inch in height. You're talking about adding about 3 to 3 1/2 inches to the height of the existing patio. How will it look in the yard? Will the added height conflict with any walkways or driveways?

In most cases, you should drill some weep holes in the existing concrete patio to account for drainage. You'll also have to build an edge restraint so the pavers will stay locked in place.

Try visiting the Interlocking Concrete Pavers Institute (www.icpi.org) and contacting several manufacturers, including Cambridge, Nicolock, Unilock and Grinnell, for more information.