Can I use old pavers to fill in before concrete pour?

Question

i’m looking to extend my patio out about about 5 feet. I do have about 2 feet elevation. After I have the footers  is it possible to lay the old pavers down in the area before I pour ? I’ve removed all of my pavers to install travertine tile. The old pavers are concrete.

jamieblake · Answer

Thank you.  Yes the primary purpose is to save cost but also as important is to save me time carrying them to a dumpster out front.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @jamieblake,

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

Is the idea that you will use them to reduce costs and take up space?

If so, then it is not entirely uncommon for recycled concrete to be used as an alternative type of aggregate. Landscape suppliers will often sell crushed concrete as a cheaper alternative to drainage gravel.

So, to answer your question, yes, you can use the concrete tiles, but you'll want to break them up into smaller pieces, preferably around 20mm in size so they can be used in the compacted base. If they are left as is, there will be large voids between them, which will not create a stable base for your concrete to be poured over.

I'd also suggest you speak with your concreting contractor about the best way to use them, which will likely be as part of the base material.

To break them up, you'd want to use something like a sledge hammer, ensuring you wear long protective clothing, steel capped boots, gloves and eye protection while doing so to help reduce the risk of injuries.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob