How to crazy pave aggregate porch?

Question

Hi there,

I am planning to crazy pave our porch area and the bottom part of the pillar. Please see the attached picture. It's currently a aggregate concrete. Looking to understand more about which products to use and how to tackle doing the edge of the concrete etc.

Thanks.

MitchellMc · Answer

I thought you might also like to check out some previous projects @Dylan007:

* Sandstone crazy paving swing garden by @GardenManPete 
* Fireplace restoration 1860 cottage by @WinnieWebster 
* Backyard courtyard glow up with crazy paving by @Jg31 
* Crazy paving for backyard fire pit by @EleventhCoastal
* Crazy paving front porch by @EleventhCoastal   
* Crazy paving outdoor entertainment area by @marissa4  
* Alfresco makeover with crazy paving by @jesseydiamond  
* Crazy paving for outdoor living area by @ElissaC

Hopefully now that I've tagged some of our members who have completed some amazing crazy paving projects they might be able to share some tips to ensure your project is successful.

Mitchell

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Dylan007 . It’s great to have you with us and many thanks for your question on crazy paving.

Crazy paving should work very nicely in this area, and you already have a solid concrete substrate to work from. The first thing I'd check is that the existing aggregate is sound, has no significant cracking and has adequate fall away from the house. You also need to consider the additional height of the stone and adhesive, particularly at the doorway.

The exposed aggregate will need to be thoroughly cleaned and any existing sealer or contaminants removed so your primer and adhesive can bond properly. Once prepared, you can apply a suitable concrete primer followed by an exterior-rated flexible tile adhesive. I'd recommend dry-laying the crazy paving in sections first, so you can establish the pattern and work out your cuts before mixing any adhesive.

For the exposed front and side edges of the porch, I'd bring the paving neatly to the edge and use pieces with cut edges where necessary to create a consistent perimeter. You could then clad the vertical face with matching stone if you'd like the crazy paving to wrap over the edge rather than leaving the existing aggregate visible.

The pillar can be treated similarly, although you'll need to select an adhesive suitable for both the stone you're using and vertical exterior applications. I'd probably pave the porch first and then use the leftover pieces to create the feature around the base of the pillar.

Once everything has cured, the joints can be grouted and, depending on the stone selected, sealed to help protect the finished surface.

Here's a helpful guide: How to lay crazy paving.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell