Can you pave over existing paving stones?

Hiro Miyamoto
by Hiro Miyamoto
Hi,
I have a tiny patio that has some cheap paving stones laid down. The problem is they are not very pretty and I wanted to put down some porcelain tiles outside as I have them left over from another project. But do I need to lift the existing paving stones before laying these down, or can just lay these over with mortar?
I've been googling but not come up with anything (maybe because it's a really silly question!)
All advice greatly received.
Thanks in advance!
  8 answers
  • Ctj8302946 Ctj8302946 on Jul 19, 2016
    if the base is solid and level under the pavers, then you could put some boards around it for a form, mix up some mortar or thin set and use the tiles - other concern is the strength of the tiles to take the weather and foot traffic
  • Liz Liz on Jul 19, 2016
    Make sure everything is level and solid or your tiles will crack
  • William William on Jul 19, 2016
    No. Pavers are not a solid substrate enough to lay anything over. Pavers move with temperature changes and the tile will crack.
  • Liz Liz on Jul 19, 2016
    It would be an easy solution to just paint the existing pavers with a good quality concrete paint.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 19, 2016
    Porcelain tiles cannot be used outside. Your only solution is to install new outdoor pavers.
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Jul 19, 2016
    No not a good idea using your pavers as a substrate. Also there is too much temperature change where you are to put your tiles outdoor. How about using your tiles in a n other project like a table top or a wall hanging that can be taken in side during the winter.
  • Hiro Miyamoto Hiro Miyamoto on Jul 20, 2016
    Thanks everyone for your answers. They're really helpful! I'll have a long hard think about it!
  • David Neel David Neel on Jan 19, 2017

    Hello..

    Porcelain tiles cannot be used outside the home, it's better that you should install new pavers and make sure that you get in contact with the professionals to plan for transitions to other areas, especially if the patio adjoins your house. Recently, I had remodeled my backyard with beautiful patio. I had removed my existing crack paving stones and installed a new paving stone by getting in contact with the long island paving contractors which was recommended by my friend. After the installation of new pavers my patio area looks beautiful.pavers my patio area looks beautiful.