How to level external concrete?

PaulST

Hi,

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I want to install a pickleball court in the area shown in the photos. Prior to installing the court, I want to create a flat base by levelling this section of concrete. I assume the best way is to frame off the area I want to level, then use an external self levelling compound. I just purchased this property and unfortunately, I do not have any better photos.

May main questions are:

1. There is a drain located in the area I want to level, what is the best way to tackle that? Or should I just avoid it and make a smaller court? My court does not need to be a particular size, it's just a bit of fun for the kids.

2. Do you have any recommendation around the minimum thickness of the concrete?

3. I am going to build a deck over the existing tiled porch. Do you think it matters which one of these projects I do first?

4. I know there are issues I haven't thought of, so any further recommendations are much appreciated.

Cheers, Paul

JacobZ

Hi @PaulST,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Generally speaking, self-levelling compounds are not designed to be trafficable surfaces; they are intended to be an underlayment for a flooring product such as tiles or pavers. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any self-levelling products that can be used as a finished floor surface. Unless you were willing to add tiles or pavers over the top, unfortunately, self-levelling compounds would not be suitable for this project.

In your situation, I'd say the best options are to either install pavers over the existing surface using mortar as a levelling and bonding agent or have a new slab poured over the old one. If you were to have a new slab poured over the old, it would need to be at least 100mm thick, so this could significantly increase the height of the surface. The only other option I can see is to have the concrete removed and repoured closer to level.

If the deck is not going to extend past the tiled porch, then it shouldn't really matter which one you do first, but if it does extend past it, the concrete should be done first so that the ground level doesn't change.

Unfortunately, because of the complexity of the project, I couldn't really say what needs to be done with the drain, but it should remain in place or be adjusted to suit whatever you do. If you are raising the concrete, this would mean raising the entrance in some way, and this would likely require the assistance of a plumber.

I hope this helps in some way.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob