How to create a uniform courtyard with concrete slab and pavers?

[KiwiKirsty]

We have a large concrete slab we want to pave over, but we also want to extend the area/replace existing cobblestones to make it one uniform area. 

This means 1/2 job will be working with a concrete slab base, the other half of the job will  require substrate to be laid and the heights perfectly matched. 

Is this possible for the average DIYer that has never done a paving project before???

 

[EricL]

Hello @KiwiKirsty 

That is a very large area to pave, but I believe it can be done if the area is prepared properly. My worry is not that you can't pave it level, but the pavers on the soil side might settle into the soil causing the surface area to become uneven. As I'm sure you are aware water will eventually pass through the paver and through the sand base and eventually into the soil. At some point settling will occur unlike the pavers on the concrete base where it will stay stable despite water going through it. Just keep this in mind should you decide to go ahead with your paving project. 

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How To Pave A Pathway
   
• How To Lay Pavers 
   
• How To Prepare For Paving 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evening @KiwiKirsty 

Ohhh yeah definently you could pave it and it would be a lot of fun tho a LOT of digging Yeah I like digging lol.

I agree with @EricL 's suggestion that the pavers may want to drop on the non slab side so I would factor that into your plans. Either make a "break point" along that straight edge, as in have the pavers line up with it so if the soil side does drop then you can either fix it or line the edge with say some garden pots.

I like the idea of the break point and not having anything a meter the soil side, you might just have to do some maintance every few years for a bit where you pull up a meters width strip, sand it and the relay so it smooths out again (or just the spot that dips)

I am about to pull up a section of my pavers next to my front steps as it has dropped a little and really it will be a few hours work to lift, level with some more gravel (Thats what I used, but sand is more forgiving) and replace A yard never stops and its not meant to be "done"

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @KiwiKirsty 

The concrete slab is an easy part as you can either mortar in your pavers or I would use it as a base for around a 20mm packed sand base for your pavers.

If the cobblestone area is rock solid stable, again you could make the difference up with packing white sand. But add concrete dust into it. Then when you get the levels near right give it a light spray with the hose. The curing cement will further pack the sand base. Then a thinner layer of compacted washed sand on top to meet the level of the concerted sand base ready to paver.

Nailbag