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Are you quite disappointed with the condition of your driveway? There is a way out. Let a paver overlay on concrete driveway transform it from a dull, worn out state to one that will take the curb appeal of your home up several notches.

Nothing makes such a dramatic change to your home front as a paver overlay on concrete driveway. Not only will your jaded concrete driveway become stunning, it will get a new lease of life as well!

What is Paver Overlay on Concrete Driveway?

In simple terms, a paver overlay involves placing a layer of pavers on top of your existing concrete driveway. This technique is used to enhance both the aesthetics and durability of the concrete surface.

The pavers come in various shapes, colors, and materials, allowing you to customize the look of your driveway.

Imagine your concrete driveway as a canvas, and the pavers as colorful tiles that can be arranged in beautiful patterns.

Paver overlay is one of the concrete driveway resurfacing options. By applying these pavers over your existing concrete, you’re giving your driveway a fresh and stylish makeover!

Pros & Cons of Paver Overlay

Pros	Cons
Increased durability	Height increase
Enhanced aesthetics	Drainage considerations
Versatility in design	Pre-existing concrete issues
Ease of maintenance	Limited repair options
Cost-effectiveness

Pros of Putting Pavers Over Concrete

Increased Durability

Most pavers have incredible strength and durability. They can handle heavy loads and withstand the wear and tear of vehicles driving over them daily.

Paver overlay on concrete driveway can significantly increase the lifespan of the driveway. The combination of a solid concrete base and crack resistant pavers ensures that your driveway remains intact for years to come.

Whether it’s the weight of your car or the elements of nature, pavers are up for the challenge and will keep your driveway looking fantastic for a long time.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Concrete driveways look plain and boring. But with pavers, you can transform your driveway into a work of art!

Pavers offer a wide range of designs and patterns, giving you the freedom to create a beautiful and eye-catching driveway that complements your home’s style.

You can choose classic brick patterns for a timeless look, go for a contemporary design, or even create intricate mosaics. The possibilities are vast, and your driveway will become a unique reflection of your personality and taste.

Versatility in Design

With pavers, you can let your creativity flow! Each paver can be like a colorful puzzle piece, and you get to decide how to put them together.

Mix and match colors to create intricate designs, or keep it simple with a single hue for a clean and elegant look.

You can also play with different materials, like concrete, clay, or natural stone, to achieve the exact texture and style to your desire. Your driveway will no longer be just another ordinary concrete slab; it will be a unique showcase of your personal taste and flair.

Ease of Maintenance

Maintaining a driveway can sometimes be a real hassle, but paver overlays are relatively low-maintenance compared to traditional concrete driveways.

If a paver gets damaged or stained, you can simply replace that individual paver without disturbing the rest of the driveway.

No need to rip out the entire driveway just because of a small crack or stain; instead, you can quickly fix the issue by swapping out the affected paver.

This convenience not only saves you time but also reduces repair costs.

Cost-Effectiveness

Now, you might be thinking, “All these fantastic benefits must come with a hefty price tag!” But fear not, because opting for a paver overlay can be a cost-effective solution.

It allows you to give your driveway a fresh look without having to start from scratch and replace your entire concrete driveway.

By building upon your existing concrete, you save on material and labor costs, making paver overlays a budget-friendly option for upgrading your driveway.

Cons of Putting Pavers Over Concrete

While paver overlays offer many advantages, they do come with a couple of potential drawbacks. These are pretty minor, in my opinion, but best to be aware.

Height Increase

When you add a paver overlay on concrete driveway, you have a slight increase in height. The additional layer of pavers may create a small step-up from the driveway to the surrounding areas.

This height difference can be managed by skilled contractors during installation to minimize any inconvenience. However, it’s essential to be aware of this aspect and plan accordingly.

Drainage Considerations

Proper drainage is crucial for any driveway. Pavers can impact water flow, potentially leading to puddles or runoff issues.

When installing a paver overlay, it’s essential to plan for adequate drainage to avoid any potential problems in the future.

You must ensure that the pavers are installed with proper slope and alignment, allowing water to flow away from the driveway and preventing water pooling.

Pre-existing Concrete Issues

Before adding the paver overlay, any existing concrete damage should be repaired. Cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces on the concrete could affect the stability and longevity of the pavers.

Assess the condition of your concrete driveway and repair the defects before proceeding with the overlay. This is essential to ensure that the new paver surface is strong and even.

Limited Repair Options

Although pavers are highly durable, individual pavers can still get damaged over time due to heavy use or external factors. While replacing a damaged paver is relatively straightforward, it might be more challenging than repairing a crack in a concrete slab.

Replacing one or a small number of pavers may end up creating a blemish. For one you may not be able to find an exact match.

Even when you do, a new paver will not have the exact same shade as the weathered pavers on the driveway.

My suggestion is to lay out the spare, leftover pavers on the ground, somewhere near the driveway, so that they weather at the same rate as the pavers on the driveway.

Proper maintenance of the resurfaced concrete driveway is crucial. Inspect for any damaged pavers regularly and replace them promptly to keep your driveway looking its best.

Installation of Paver Overlay on Concrete Driveway

Inspect & Prep Existing Concrete Driveway

Check for major cracks in your concrete; a few hairline cracks are generally acceptable.
Ensure the slope meets or exceeds the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) standard of a 2% slope grade for proper water drainage.
Clean the concrete thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the pavers.

Install a Paver Border with Adhesive

Use high-strength hybrid adhesive to glue the paver border to the outside perimeter of the concrete driveway that you want to overlay.

Lay Geo Filter Fabric Over Concrete Surface

Place geo filter fabric to retain joint sand and bedding sand while preventing moisture from reaching the pavers.
Ensure the fabric covers the sides of your border to prevent sand migration.

Spread a Thin Layer of Sand on the Concrete

Create a thin bedding layer of sand to separate the filter fabric from the pavers.
This layer helps bridge any imperfections in the concrete and reduces moisture transfer.

Lay the Pavers

Start laying the pavers in a corner and work your way around the border towards the center.
Use the Click and Drop method to avoid disturbing the thin layer of sand and achieve an even surface.

Sweep in Exterior Joint Sand

Use Polymeric Joint Sand, designed for pavers, to fill the gaps between them.
Spread the sand evenly over the paver surface, sweep it into the joints, and remove excess sand.
Activate the binders by watering the pavers.

Seal the Paver Overlay on Concrete Driveway

Seal the pavers with a sealer of your choice. The sealer will not only enhance the beauty of the pavers but also adda layer of protection.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio

A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.

I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.