How to paver over damaged concrete?

[Adnan]

Hello,

I am looking for some help. I am planning to install pavers on the outdoor area under the Pergola. There's a concrete floor there already which is not smooth (not balanced). I have been doing some online search but unable to decide where to start?

I understand first I need to clean the floor and then lay the sand to make it balanced/smooth and then lay the pavers on top of it. But still not confident if this is the right way or what products to choose from. I don't have any specific design or pattern in mind so looking for easy options here.

Thank you

any  

[JacobZ]

Hi @Adnan,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us and many thanks for your question about paving your outdoor area.

You're right that the first step should be to give the concrete a clean. I'd suggest using a pressure washer with a surface cleaner attachment, such as this Gerni 3600 1810PSI 1500W High Pressure Washer.

Instead of sand as a levelling medium, I'd suggest using mortar. Mortar acts as a strong, permanent bonding layer that adheres each paver directly to the slab, which is especially important because the existing concrete is uneven. Unlike sand, which can gradually shift out of place, mortar hardens to lock the pavers firmly, preventing movement and ensuring the surface stays level over time. This means the pavers are less likely to rock, wobble, or settle unevenly. 

Mortar also prevents weeds or ants from working their way up through the joints, which can be a common issue with sand-filled installations. 

In addition, because mortar hardens, it helps lock the pavers firmly in place, making the surface more durable for high foot traffic or heavy loads. 

The trade-off is that mortar requires mixing, and it is less forgiving if you need to adjust or replace a paver later, but the long-term stability and professional finish are often well worth it for tricky bases like an old uneven slab.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob