Concrete patio/Deck help
#1
05-22-16, 11:46 AM
Concrete patio/Deck help
I recently removed my old deck and found that there is some concrete underneath. I would like to utilize this concrete into my finished product. I would like to either fill in the gaps with concrete and have it fill the entire area OR I would like to lay flagstone down to cover the surface. If I do the latter, can I leave the concrete there and cover it with flagstone? Would I just fill the sides with crushed granite and level the entire surface with granite, then lay the stone? If I do this can I mortar the joints?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by PJmax; 05-24-16 at 08:03 PM. Reason: reoriented/enhanced pictures
#5
05-24-16, 08:09 PM
Group Moderator
I'm a little lost. I see the deck partially removed in the first picture.
I see what looks like clean concrete in the second picture.
Was the deck just sitting on the concrete.
I see what looks like clean concrete in the second picture.
Was the deck just sitting on the concrete.
#6
05-25-16, 05:24 AM
Group Moderator
Any new concrete you pour is definitely going to be a different color so the new sections will really stand out as different. Covering everything with flagstone is an option. If you want to mortar the stones in place you'll have to pour the open areas with concrete to provide a uniform base for the stones and provide something to mortar to which will increase the expense. If you want to set the flag stones in a sand base and have sand or polymeric sand then you could excavate the dirt areas and prepare a proper compacted stone base. While it may be less expensive than pouring more concrete it would require a good bit of excavating, bringing in stone and properly compacting everything.
#7
05-31-16, 08:05 AM
Yes, the wood was just sitting on top of this concrete. I snapped a pic after I started removing deck. I think I am going to go with filling in the sides with concrete and then mortaring flagstone over entire surface. I don't think the existing concrete is level, any ideas what I should do? Should I fill the sides with concrete, then add self-leveling mix to the entire surface prior to laying fagstone?
Thanks for all the help
Thanks for all the help
#8
05-31-16, 08:32 AM
Group Moderator
What you can do depends on how out of level the existing concrete is. You're going to want a certain amount of slope for drainage with 1/4" per foot being the most common. You can fix minor elevation problems by varying the thickness of the mortar underneath your stones.
#9
05-31-16, 08:52 AM
well it is minor, but the slope is towards the house. I guess I would be ok with plan to fill the sides then level out with leveling mix with a minor slope towards the yard.
#10
06-01-16, 05:48 PM
Member
The interior, left brickwork corner appears to be wet, probably sucking in water from missing rain gutters and/or reverse pitch of the patio slope. "Minor slopes" which allow water to collect where you don't want it, are often significant enough to do considerable damage. Do yourself a favor, and take a few moisture meter readings on the interior walls at that corner location--abnormally high readings will indicate the wall is saturated and will be rotting soon (if not already).
Correct the slope to drain away from the house before laying any flagstone. And then install rain gutters and adequate downspouts.
Correct the slope to drain away from the house before laying any flagstone. And then install rain gutters and adequate downspouts.
#11
06-01-16, 07:33 PM
The wetness is from me power washing the layer of dirt/mud off from being covered up for so long. I agree with the gutters, I need to add those back. What would be the best way in your opinion to correct the slope at the most cost effective route? Thanks
#13
06-02-16, 02:45 PM
Member
The most cost-effective way to correct the ground's slope would be to use a mattock, pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. And be prepared to sweat a lot. Set the correct grade using a series of stringlines.
#14
06-02-16, 03:06 PM
ugh..that sounds like fun but what would be another option? lol
I am assuming you are suggesting I pick the ground underneath and try to slope the entire surface in the right direction? I don't think I have enough clearance on the sides to do that very easily
I am assuming you are suggesting I pick the ground underneath and try to slope the entire surface in the right direction? I don't think I have enough clearance on the sides to do that very easily
