Asked on Aug 28, 2015

Can you pour concrete over river rock? Will it hold up?

Marilyn
by Marilyn
We have a rental house, that for some reason our tenants made a patio area out of pretty big river rock (without permission). Now we are stuck with removing the rock or using it. It looks pretty tacky right now. I was thinking of pouring concrete over the rock with just the very top of the rocks visible. Would that hold up or is it a bad idea?
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 28, 2015
    Its not a bas idea but the concrete could look worse. I would try putting some potted plants shrubs in containers and some stairs and a table to disguise the rock.I would be more cost effective.
  • Z Z on Aug 28, 2015
    It depends on the size of the rock. Not knowing that for sure, the best I can help you is to tell you to call a local business and see if they can make a mix that will work for your needs.
  • Lori Jackson Lori Jackson on Aug 28, 2015
    What about a simple platform deck, allowing the river rock to serve as a drainage bed?
  • TJ Christie TJ Christie on Aug 29, 2015
    I'd love to see a photo of the patio before commenting...
  • Margie Spry Margie Spry on Aug 29, 2015
    It depends on how deep it is, I think. The concrete is too thick to move down in between the stones if it's more than an inch or so. We had river rock along both sides of our house before we put in concrete. The contractor removed most of the rock before laying the concrete. The concrete.,.over the bottom layer of stones...is about four inches thick.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Aug 29, 2015
    Gad. No sense in making a bad sit worse. Are the tenants gone? If not, they put it in without your permission, get them to take it out. Or clear out the rocks and take it from their damage deposit. If you're stuck, you could also call a landscaper and say you can have it for free - just remove it.
  • HASTINGS HASTINGS on Aug 29, 2015
    Just to let all know. Yes you can put concrete over river rock. Marilyn the big trick is going to make sure that it is level to start with and frame it out. You may want to bring some sand in to help level. Then once you have it all prepared and ready to pour. Make sure you tell the concrete company what your base is and they will make sure the mix of water to concrete is correct. If your asking how I know. When we had to have our ramps built, we used old concrete as a filler in the bottom with river rock to sand going around it all.