How to Install Rubber Pavers over Concrete

rubber pavers
  • 8-40 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 400-1,200
What You'll Need
Rubber pavers
Rubber mallet
Utility knife
Broom
pH neutral cleanser
Plywood
Cardboard
Interlocking pins
Polyurethane calking
Reducer strips
Shovel
What You'll Need
Rubber pavers
Rubber mallet
Utility knife
Broom
pH neutral cleanser
Plywood
Cardboard
Interlocking pins
Polyurethane calking
Reducer strips
Shovel

Whether installing a jungle gym, upgrading your track or simply softening your garage floor, rubber pavers are a perfect option. They are versatile, lightweight, non-slip and simple to install.

Step 1: Clean the Concrete and Prepare the Pavers

It is important to have a clean surface for installing rubber pavers. Sweep away dirt and debris. Hose off any mud or mold and remove any oil or paint stains as well as any mold. Allow the surface to completely dry as you will be using an adhesive and moisture will affect the adhesion. As another part of your preparation, you need to let the pavers acclimate to the local weather or moisture conditions. Do this by making small piles of rubber pavers around the installation location and allow them to sit for a minimum of 1 full day. This will protect against last-minute expansion or shrinking. Also note that if you have a newly poured concrete where you are planning to install, you will need to wait about 4 weeks to do this project so the concrete cures properly.

Step 2: Create Drainage

To allow for drainage, dig a small trench around the concrete to a depth of about 1 foot. Next cover the entire surface of the concrete with crushed stone. Create a slope with the crushed stone with the slope going away from your house if this is a patio. Brush a 2x4 piece of wood across the stone to level off the surface and fill in any holes.

Step 3: Choose Your Starting Point

You can choose to start at a corner and work your way to the middle or work your way from the center out. If you plan to start at a corner, simply select the corner. If you wish to start in the middle, you have to mark the middle. To do this, drive a stake into the ground at each corner and attach string diagonally from one stake to another. “X” marks your starting point.

Step 4: Install Rubber Pavers

Assemble a row of pavers. If interlocking, attach them. If not, push them tightly together and keep them in a flush line. To start your next row, cut a paver in half. Connect by putting the interlocking pins from the second row into the interlocking holes of the first row. Use a rubber mallet to tap the second row of pavers so they press against the first. Continue to the next row, but this time start with a full paver. Repeat the process until the entire surface is covered.

Step 5: Install Reducer Strips

Now it’s time to install the reducer strips along the perimeter of your rubber pavers to create a transition between the lower surface and the pavers. It will reduce tripping issues. Install using polyurethane caulk and hit them with your mallet. If you find any gaps between the pavers and pipes, fill them with caulk. Let dry completely.

Tip: You should not attempt to cover concrete with rubber pavers unless the concrete is in decent shape. If the concrete is lifting, do not cover it.