Installing a Concrete Patio Over Sunken Limestone: Steps, Cost Factors, and Resources

Replacing sunken limestone with a concrete patio: remove old stone, prep base, form, pour, finish.

Basic Steps

1. Remove limestone and unstable soil.
2. Excavate to 6-8" depth (4" gravel + 4" concrete).
3. Compact subgrade, add 4" crushed gravel, compact.
4. Form with 2×4s (straight) or Masonite (curves).
5. Place rebar/wire mesh on chairs.
6. Pour 4000 psi concrete, screed, bull float, broom finish.
7. Control joints every 8-10 ft.
8. Cure 7 days (wet cure or compound).
9. Seal after 28 days.

Cost Factors

• Size: avg deck ~300-400 sq ft.
• Demo/haul: $2-4/sq ft.
• Concrete: $6-10/sq ft installed.
• Total: $3,000-6,000 typical.

Resources

• ConcreteNetwork.com (patio guide, contractor finder)
• Donnan.com (patio construction)
• GardenSeeker.com (patio_construction.htm)

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