My rule of thumb is this.
Can you put stamped concrete on top of existing concrete.
In most cases the answer is yes.
They can even be applied to walls and other vertical surfaces.
The layer of wet concrete doesn t need to be thick.
Press down hard on the concrete to work the liquid mix into any cracks as you smooth out the scratch coat layer.
If you appreciate the functionality but want to add style to an existing concrete slab you can stamp new concrete overlay over the surface.
Installing a stamped concrete patio over an old surface is a two part process.
If the new concrete is 3 inches thick or more you don t have to bond the new concrete to the old concrete.
Dump it all out onto the existing concrete then begin spreading it around using a hand trowel or paver.
Stamped concrete overlays can be used on new or existing concrete and on interior or exterior surfaces.
First you pour the new concrete then you press the stamps.
Can you pour concrete over concrete.
With some supplies and a full day of dedicated labor you can transform an otherwise plain surface.
There s no reason to throw away 4 inches of concrete in the dump when you can make it look good again with a half inch or less of concrete over the top he says.
If the existing concrete is structurally sound and not heaving or settling.
But there s some things you have to take into consideration before you make a final decision.
These include cracks located within sawed or tooled crack control joints.
The answer is usually no.
When it s time to update your yard or landscape consider laying a stamped concrete patio over your existing patio if its surface is in good condition.
Noe serna president of southbay decorative concrete supplies in chula vista california says that many of his customers raise eyebrows when the subject of overlays comes up.
Is the existing concrete structurally sound.
If the existing concrete surface is thick enough drill holes bore holes can be put in to drain water away once it seeps through the newly laid resin surface.
If you bond new concrete to old any cracks in the existing slab will transfer up into the new slab and usually within a day or two.
The simple answer is yes you can pour new concrete right over existing concrete.
Apply a bonding adhesive over the existing patio and a thin coat of bond release agent over the stamps so they don t stick to the concrete.
Spread the liquid mix over the existing concrete.
Use the guidelines below to install a stamped concrete patio.
Diligent cleaning and preparation will produce a beautiful durable new patio surface.