Tiling Over Concrete Pavers and Stabilising Pebbles?

[ty2]

Hello there,

I’m planning to redo my stepping pavers and pathway because:

1️⃣The current pavers (400x200mm) are too small for my liking, and I’d prefer larger tiles (600x300mm).

2️⃣The pathway wasn’t laid with landscape fabric, so now the pebbles are sinking into the sand and getting messy.

Here’s the challenge:

The existing pavers are sitting on large concrete blocks (big mortar bases). There are 10 of them, and I really don’t want to remove them all—it feels like a massive job! 😅

Also, each paver is 4–5 cm higher than the one before because my house sits higher than the street. Around the porch, it’s about 40–50 cm above the first paver (closest to the street).

Here are my questions:

1️⃣For the pavers:

Can I place 600x300mm tiles on top of the existing concrete pavers? If so, are there any tips or things I should be careful about? I don’t want the last paver (closest to the front door) to end up higher than the porch—will 4 cm be enough for a 2 cm tile plus mortar?

2️⃣For the pebbles:

How can I stop the pebbles from sinking into the sand?

Do I need to redo the entire pathway by removing all the pebbles, adding new sand and landscape fabric, and then putting the pebbles back? Or is there an easier way to fix this without tearing everything apart?

Thank you in advance for your advice and tips—I really appreciate your help!

 

[ty2]

Hi @Dave-1 @Jewelleryrescue @MitchellMc 

I think I will put the new paver on top the old paver without chisel the old paver off. 

1) Do you think 600x400 is too big?

2) Do you think it is necessary to use Bondcrete as primer to bond the porcelain pavers to the old concrete? 

 

 

 

  

[Dave-1]

Evening @ty2 

Looks like you have the height to be able to do so, I would suggest to build up around the tile for supporting it as well. As to Bondcrete, I do not know as i have not used it before. I would wait for a recomendation from @MitchellMc as I would be doing the same as you in going through the aisle with bondcrete type products an dreading the packaging Its helpfull knowing a bunch of products but better if we have used them ourselves.

Dave

[ty2]

@Dave-1 @MitchellMc @Jewelleryrescue 

Can I use 10 mm thickness instead of 20mm?

[ty2]

@Dave-1 @MitchellMc @Jewelleryrescue 

Can I use 10mm instead of 20mm thickness of the new paver?

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @ty2 

Are you refering the tile thickness?

Or the masonary mud/glue?

If its the tile thickness I would say you are already on the thin side for structal strength and strongly recommend supporting the whole underside of the tile with a build up of the overall base. 

If its the glue/mud then probarally it will be ok.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @ty2,

Similar to what @Dave-1 has said, 10mm is quite thin for a paver. If you build up the base so the pavers are on a solid foundation all around, it should be ok, but if it is overhanging even slightly you risk cracking the paver. Personally, I would use 20mm pavers, but the choice is yours.

As to the use of bondcrete, it won't hurt, but there is no great need for it.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ty2]

It is the thickness of the tile

[ty2]

Thanks @JacobZ for your feedback

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @ty2 

Path looking good  going well

10 mm tile needs a very solid cement base under the lip/overhang no hollows otherwise one day it will snap in half.  

I see in the photos the new tiles on the old pavers I am assuming just as a test look/mounting? If they are glued mounted already you will really need to push the mortar up in under it which is very hard as mortar wants to slump a bit with gravity and will create a hollow.  In this case you might need a frame to screw around the mortar after it has being laid and as the screw's tighten up the area shrinks compressing the mortar in and up under the paver edges.

Laying the 10mm tiles a better way

1  Do use outdoor liquid nails on top of the old paver as it will cushion any gaps if any.  Bondcrete on its own too thin unless mixed with pure cement powder as a slurry /glue

2  I highly recommend putting concrete mortar around the old paver building up higher than the old paver then placing the new 10mm tile on top.  The excess mortar will squish out as you tap the tile down flush with the old paver. Your old paver should be level already so aim for a flush mount.

Any hollows under a 10mm tile can be a future breaking point as @JacobZ likes a 20mm one is better more forgiving.

3 When the mortar squishes out run a trowel around the outside creating smooth sides on your new tile pedestal,

Have fun  Stay out the hot sun