Paver Installation Over Settled Concrete Patio: Better Alternatives

1960s house with concrete patio settled 8 inches on house side. Mudjacking or removal too expensive. Proposes wood frame, sand fill, pavers on top. Asks for better ideas.

Proposed Method Risks

Sand will leak through wood-concrete joints. Creates future settling and instability.

Better Options

1. Wood steps over existing: Cheapest, easiest. Build wood framing over settled concrete.
2. Brick/mortar overlay: Bring level up with mortared brick on concrete.
3. Full reconstruction (recommended): Remove failed concrete, rebuild with masonry blocks and brick. "Anything worth doing is worth doing right."

Professional Insight

Small jobs carry "nuisance fees"—administrative costs similar to large projects. DIY saves 60-70% vs. pro (typically 3x material cost).

Sean Murphy