Pavers over existing concrete patio

Scott R
by Scott R
I want to put some pavers over an existing concrete patio that is cracking in places. Would I need to put down sand or some type of leveling first and then lay the pavers/stones?
  2 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 24, 2013
    this depends a bit on how uneven the patio is and the size of the pavers...3 x 6 " pavers are a lot more forgiving than 12 x 12". can you post a pic?
  • Sand is ok to use, but ideally you want a layer of crushed quarry dust first along with some sand. Not only for the pavers to sit level on, but to allow moisture to freely drain out from under the stones. The issue with paving directly over a cement patio, is any rain that gets between the stone will build up and in colder weather could freeze and displace them. Using simply sand alone is ok, but it does not allow water to flow quite as easy as a quarry dust would. Normally any water that goes through the paver edges then down through the sand ends up directly onto the soil where it soaks into the ground. This will not happen with a cement slab under the sand. AS the water moves sideways it will wash the sand out causing the pavers along the edges to sag. The quarry stone tends to hold up much longer as the edges sort of lock together while still letting the water flow.