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Laying pavement over broken concrete?

doubledecker1954026doubledecker1954026 Posts: 1
in Garden design
So the slabs in the yard are due to be replaced and below them is a base of concrete, but it's broken in places (see photo). I've never laid pavement before, so I'm intrigued as to what is the best way to proceed. Would it be to relay a layer of concrete on the already broken concrete? Or to just cover it with sharps sand and lay the new pavers ontop? I've watched lots of youtube videos, but they never start on a base of concrete, so if anybody has any advice, that would be greatly appreciated!

Posts

  • KiliKili Posts: 1,104
    edited October 2023
    Are you sure that's a concrete base and not a cement base. Get a hammer and smash a hole through to see what you have and how deep the base is. The slabs may have been laid on cement straight on to the soil surface. If you have a concrete base of 3 inches or more I would just lay the slabs again on the existing base using cement.

    If you don't have a concrete base and you want a permanent no movement base put down some hardcore, use a thumping plate then, concrete then, cement the slabs to the concrete base.

    'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

    George Bernard Shaw'

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If the paved area is next to the house, how much you can add on top of the concrete (if that's what it is) depends on how much clearance there is below the damp proof course. Check whether there's enough depth for hardcore (if you're using it), mortar and new slabs before you get started.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If it's a solid concrete base you can lay them on a bed of mortar on top of it. Probably would be better to rip up and start again but better enough to be worth the effort and cost? That's your decision. You're going to have to allow for the depth of the slabs plus 30-40mm mortar, so check that doesn't increase the level too much. Also check there's a fall away from buildings.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • HeyHo!HeyHo! Posts: 113
    Cement is a mixture that forms concrete, you cannot make concrete without cement! You want a good base, does not matter if it is concrete or directly on the ground. I have the same predicament a the end of the garden. You could make good use of the base, as long as it is made level to sit the slabs upon. Add, more concrete or whatever base material you want ,level it all before putting down the slabs.  Best to ask this in a builder's forum they will be more precise about building a patio, hopefully.
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