Pavers Over Concrete: When It Works and How to Do It
Pavers over concrete can transform a plain or worn slab without tearing it out. It works when the existing concrete is structurally sound, reasonably flat, and sloped to drain. Pavers can be laid on a thin sand bed with firm edges, or bonded with adhesive or mortar. Thin overlay pavers, often about 1 1/4 inches thick, keep the height increase small. Badly cracked, heaved, or sunken slabs are poor candidates, since their movement will show through the pavers.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Check the slab first
| Slab condition | Overlay? |
|---|---|
| Sound, minor surface wear | Yes |
| Hairline cracks, stable | Usually |
| Large or moving cracks | No; repair or remove |
| Heaved or sunken sections | No |
| Flat with no slope | Add drainage or avoid |
Height check
Full-thickness pavers add about 2 3/8 inches plus bedding. Thin pavers add about 1 1/4 inches plus bedding. Check door thresholds, which should remain above the patio surface, and transitions to lawns and walkways.
Method 1: Sand-set overlay
- Clean the slab.
- Drill drainage holes at low spots if needed, filled with gravel.
- Install edge restraints glued or fastened to the slab, or a soldier course mortared on.
- Spread about 1/2 to 1 inch of bedding sand.
- Lay pavers, compact lightly with a pad, and fill joints.
Edges are critical because there is no gravel base to spike into. See paver edge restraint.
Method 2: Bonded overlay
Pavers are glued with construction adhesive or set in mortar. This is more permanent and suits steps and vertical faces. Movement in the slab can crack mortar joints, so it works best on stable slabs.
Drainage
Water passes through paver joints and needs to escape. If the slab slopes properly, water exits at the edges. On flat slabs, drill weep holes or provide edge drainage. Never trap water under pavers.
Joints over slab joints
Control joints and cracks in the slab can open slightly. Some installers place a strip of filter fabric over slab joints to keep sand from washing down. Avoid mortaring over expansion joints.
Materials estimate
Sand at 1/2 to 1 inch covers about 324 to 648 square feet per cubic yard. See how much sand for pavers. Pavers per square foot depend on size; add 5 to 10 percent for cuts.
Pavers vs new concrete
If the slab is badly damaged, removal and a proper paver base or a new slab may be better. See concrete vs pavers patio and pouring new concrete over old concrete.
Bottom line
Pavers over concrete work on a sound, sloped slab using a thin sand bed with firm edges or a bonded installation. Check height at doors, plan drainage, and use thin overlay pavers to minimize the rise. The asphalt base calculator can help if you decide to rebuild with a gravel base instead.
Questions people ask
Can I lay pavers over an existing concrete patio?
Yes, if the slab is sound, stable, and drains.
How thick are overlay pavers?
Often about 1 1/4 inches.
Do pavers over concrete need sand?
Sand-set overlays use about 1/2 to 1 inch; bonded overlays use adhesive or mortar.
How do I keep water from getting trapped?
Ensure slope, and add weep holes at low spots if needed.
Related guides
- Concrete vs Pavers Patio: Cost, Looks, and Upkeep
- Paver Edge Restraint: Types and How to Install It
- How Much Sand for Pavers? Bedding and Joint Sand
- Pouring New Concrete Over Old Concrete: What Works
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