You may be wondering, can you lay patio slabs on top of an old patio? This may seem like the easiest option when replacing your old patio. However, it’s not always that simple.
In this blog post , we’ll explore the possibility of laying patio slabs over an old patio and some of the factors you need to consider before making a decision.
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Short Answer To The Question Can You Lay Patio Slabs on Top of An Old Patio:
It’s definitely possible to lay patio slabs over an old patio especially if it’s an old concrete patio. If you’re looking to lay new patio slabs over existing patio slabs you may want to consider excavating the surface and starting fresh as you may not get the results you’re looking for for various reasons listed below.
Why Would Someone Want To Lay Patio Slabs On Top Of An Old Patio?
The idea of getting rid of the old patio may seem like to much work for somone that wants a new one and laying on top of the old one may seem like a better option for them.
Why You Shouldn’t Lay New Patio Slabs Over Old Patio Slabs?
There are a few reasons why you might not want to lay new patio slabs over old patio slabs.
Patio Slabs tend to get uneven over time, if you decide to lay a new set of patio slabs on top of the old ones you might mirror the uneveness and have an uneven patio.
Another reason is that the old slabs may not be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the new slabs, this could lead to cracking and even further damage to your patio.
The last reason is that if you’re wanting to replace your old patio with a new one, excavating the surface and starting fresh will give you a much better result in terms of overall look and feel.
How To Decide If Laying Patio Slabs Over An Old One Is The Right Option For You?
There are a few factors you need to consider before making a decision on whether or not laying patio slabs over an old one is the right option for you:
-What condition is the old patio in?
-How even is the old patio?
-What type of material is the old patio made from?
-Can the old patio hold the weight of new slabs?
What Are Things To Consider When Laying New Patio Slabs over Old Patio Slabs?
If you’re going to go ahead with trying to lay a new patio over existing slabs, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Use Mortar Or Sand:
If you decide to lay new slabs over old ones, we suggest using a mortar or sand mix so the surface will be sturdy and level.
Use A Spirit Level:
Using a spirit level will help to ensure that the patio slabs are evenly laid which is important for any type of paving. It’s also helpful if you’re laying them yourself so you can see where they need adjusting while your working on it, this way there won’t be big gaps between slabs when finished.
Compact The Sand or Mortar Surface:
Compacting the sand or mortar surface will help to give your patio slabs a solid surface to sit on. It’s important that you compact it properly, if not done correctly there is chance of further damage occurring. If you’re unsure how best to do this then consult with an expert or someone who has experience in laying patio slabs.
Drainage:
When laying patio slabs over an old surface, it’s important to take into consideration the drainage. If the water can’t escape properly it will sit on top of your patio and cause damage. Make sure that you have proper drainage in place before starting to lay your new slabs.
What is the Best Type Of Patio Material To Lay New Patio Slabs Over?
Concrete is the best type of patio to lay new slabs over as it is the most sturdy and even in most cases. If your old patio is made from concrete, then laying new slabs over it is a good option.
If your old patio isn’t made from concrete, you can still lay new slabs over it but you’ll need to take into consideration the other factors.
Why You Should Choose To Excavate an Old Patio
Drainage:
One of the biggest reasons to choose to excavate an old patio and start fresh is drainage. When you have water sitting on top of an old patio, it will eventually cause damage in some way or another.
By excavating the surface and creating a proper drainage system, you can eliminate this problem and keep your patio looking great for years to come.
Appearance:
When you excavate an old patio, you’re left with a clean slate to work with. This means that you can create any design or pattern you want and make your patio look exactly the way you’ve always wanted it to.
Leveling:
If your old patio is uneven, chances are that your new patio will be to. By leveling the old patio, you can ensure that any future paving is done correctly and easily.
How To Remove Old Patio Slabs?
If you’re removing an existing patio for whatever reason, it’s important to make sure that all of the slabs are removed completely so they don’t damage any surrounding surfaces.
There are a few ways to remove old patio slabs:
-Use a Hammer and Chisel:
This is the most common way to remove old slabs, but it can be a bit time consuming. You’ll need to use a hammer and chisel to break the slab into pieces that you can then lift and remove.
-Use a Power Saw:
If you’re looking for an easier way to break up the slabs, use a power saw with diamond blade and cut through them in sections that can easily be broken away from the patio as one unit. This will make it much faster and less strenuous work than using a chisel alone.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You put patio slabs over en existing concrete porch?
Yes, with the right planning you can cover an old concrete porch with a much nicer slabs.
What else can you cover an existing concrete patio area with?
You can also build a deck on top of the old patio area.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, whether or not you can lay patio slabs on top of an old patio depends on a few factors such as the condition of the old slab and the type of material it is made from.
Whether you do it or not is up to you but be sure to do your due diligence in order to make sure you get a patio you’re happy with.
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