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How to fix patio concrete for tiling?

jnk2025

Hi All,

I hope you all are doing great!

I'm trying to improve my front patio and I want to do a floor renovation.

As you can see in the photos the current floor doesn't look great, this is very old and the finishing wasn't great also every time it rains you can see water puddles. The size of the patio is 4.2m x 3.9m.

After doing some reading i think i have a few options:

1.- Fix cracks, level the floor with self-levelling compound and after that add epoxy to improve the look or tiles.

2.- Fix cracks and add porcelain tiles directly without leveling the floor, I understand that should be fine if i back butter tiles adequately.

If you could share your experience with these kind of projects or have any advice, it would be much appreciated.

I have 0 experience doing these kind of projects.

Please refer to photos to see the current state of the floor.

Thanks in advance!

floor after rain

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jnk2025. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about renovating a patio.

I don't think filling the cracks separately is necessary — a self-levelling compound would typically take care of filling them as part of the process. However, looking at the amount of cracking and the general condition of the slab, it’s likely that the slab doesn’t have much (if any) reinforcing mesh in it, which is why it’s cracking and moving.

Because of that, I’d be cautious about laying tiles or epoxy directly over it. Both of those finishes rely on a stable, non-moving surface — if the slab continues to move, you’ll end up with cracked tiles or failed epoxy down the track. Even if you use a levelling compound first, you’re still working over a compromised base.

You’ve got a couple of options. One is to remove the existing slab and pour a new one with proper reinforcement, which would give you a long-lasting, stable surface for any finish you want. The other option is to lay pavers over the top of the existing slab. Pavers are a bit more forgiving if there’s minor movement underneath, and if you prepare the surface properly, they can handle small imperfections much better than tiles or epoxy.

I know that’s probably a bit more work than you were hoping for, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble later.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

jnk2025

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/51445#Comment_51445

Thanks for your quick reply @MitchellMc!

I was hoping not to replace the whole slab but your recommendation makes sense and as you say it will save a lot of trouble later.

With the measurements mentioned, do you think it would be too expensive? Also, now that the weather is changing and we have some cold and rainy days, do you think that may impact the work?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87859#Comment_87859

In terms of cost @jnk2025 , it will really depend on a few things like how much demolition is needed, what thickness and finish you want for the new slab, and access for machinery. For a small area like yours (around 16.4m²), it's definitely a manageable size job, but prices can vary a lot depending on where you are and whether you're doing any of the work yourself (like demolition). It’s worth getting a few quotes to compare — sometimes smaller concreters are happy to take on a job like this without it costing a fortune.

As for the weather, yes, the cold and rain can definitely have an impact. Concrete needs to cure properly to get its full strength, and heavy rain while it’s curing can weaken it or mark the surface. Cold weather can slow down the curing time too, which isn't necessarily bad, but it means you’ll need to plan carefully. Ideally, you’d want a few dry days for the pour and the early curing period. A good concreter will work around this and might suggest waiting for a better window if needed.

Mitchell

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