How to extend paving on my backyard?

[rkndrwn]

Hi everyone

I would like to remove the turf to extend the area so it become one seating area (approx size 5.5m). Any suggestion on what's the best way to approach it? Leaning towards pouring concrete to join the existing one and give it a fresh paint. Or is it possible to put something like Travertine on top of concrete? Secondly, any recommendation to cover the 2 different looking fences from the neighbors- would edging plants work? Thank you.

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @rkndrwn. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about extending a concrete slab.

You could certainly extend the concreted area by pouring a new slab. You'd either need to have them as two separate disconnected slabs with an expansion joint to allow movement, or you can connect them together by installing chemically anchored rebar into the side of the existing slab. Either of these methods will prevent a crack from appearing over the joined area. Here's a step-by-step guide: How to pour a concrete slab.

Once you have the new slab in place, you can install travertine pavers throughout the entire area. Just ensure that if you do go with the expansion joint method with two separate slabs, the expansion joint continues through the pavers. The grout joint above the expansion joint should be replaced with Sikaflex 11FC. This prevents your grout line from cracking.

For the fence, you could certainly use screening plants to help disguise the difference. Here's a helpful guide: How to choose a screening plant. You might also like to check out our Top 10 most popular screening projects for inspiration.

You might like to use a combination of screening panels and screening plants to add interest to the fence line.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[rkndrwn]

Many thanks Mitchell! 
If pouring a new concrete slab isn't an option, what's the alternative I can do as a base for travertine pavers? Cheers, rika

[MitchellMc]

Since the pavers are 30 mm thick, they could be laid on a compacted soil base @rkndrwn. The process would be similar to this guide: How to lay paving for a path.

Mitchell

[rkndrwn]

Thank you Mitchell. 
Looks like I'm going with soil base. Do I still need to replace the joint with Sikaflex 11FC

Thanks again ! 

[MitchellMc]

No, you don't @rkndrwn. However, the area under the pavers must be compacted sufficiently so the soil doesn't subside.

Mitchell