Covering a river rock patio

Lynn Lemke
by Lynn Lemke
I have a river rock screened lanai. The river rock is old and looks terrible. We have pressure cleaned it many times. It is a very thin layer over a concrete slab. I would like to cover the river rock instead of removing it. Just to cut the cost and time involved. Anyone out there that has actually done this? I would appreciate any ideas or experiences! Help!
  6 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 15, 2016
    How about using deck tiles. www.homedepot.com/b/...Decking-Deck-Tiles/n-5yc1vZc224
  • MN Mom MN Mom on May 15, 2016
    The cost of removing the rock and exposing the existing concrete would be less than trying to build something over it to hide it. Contact a local high school, church youth group or scouting group and ask if they need a community service project and have them remove and haul away the old River Rock. No cost involved.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 15, 2016
    Heres a post I just found with your situation. Thought you might be interested. www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/home-exterior/q-river-rock-patio-2197298
    River Rock Patio
  • Sherrie Slaboda Sherrie Slaboda on May 17, 2016
    When I had a lot of cement and rock removed from my old pond I put a note for free stuff on Freecycle. Not only were all the rocks picked up but even the cement leftovers. www.freecycle.org.
  • Nancy Pone Nancy Pone on Nov 12, 2018

    Hi Lynn, we're in Tampa with the same scenario...can I ask what you did and how you're project turned out?

  • D D on Mar 02, 2020

    Hello Nancy and Lynn, I didn't see any final posts but how did everything turn out? I am in SW Florida and have a river rock (Chattahoochee Rock)rage patio - most in the open sun and it just doesn't hold up. Pebbles everywhere and in the pool so I think it's time to replace with thin pavers. Did you remove he river rock or lay on top? I have heard both ways are the "right" way from different contractors. I would love anyone's thoughts! Thank you!