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Budget Friendly fix for a Crumbling Patio?

4 years ago

We moved into our home 2 years ago and one of the many projects we have on our to do list is replacing our large (25'×35') cement patio. It's unprotected from the elements and is in terrible shape. A lot of areas worn away, cracked and/or broken, or eroded to the point of crumbling. Not only is it an eyesore and tripping hazard, but I worry that due to it's unevenness it could eventually create water runoff that could damage to the house. (I'm definitely not an expert, so this is just speculation on my part.) Our problem is that money is tight, and while we might be capable of removing the old patio ourselves, I don't feel we have the skills to lay a new cement patio. I'm not even sure I want cement again anyway. It adjoins our front walk (approximately 50'×4') which is also cement. It's got issues too, but in much better shape than the patio. If I could avoid replacing that too, it would be preferable, but I imagine it will have to be done at some point. Any suggestions?

Comments (8)

  • 4 years ago

    Depends how you use the space, but you could convert it to a pea gravel patio. https://www.liveinyourbackyard.com/patio-deck/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-pea-gravel-patio/

  • 4 years ago

    It looks to me more like a 'sport court' than a patio. Just a paved area where kids could ride tricycles, bounce balls, and generally run around when the lawn is too wet or snowy. If you don't use it, I'd get rid of it. If you find out in a few years that you want a large patio, then you can put one back in.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    You will not be able to remove the concrete yourself. Unless you own a skidsteer with a hydraulic jackhammer and 6-wheel dump truck to haul the massively heavy and large cubic foot of concrete away to the crusher.

    It is possible to overlay concrete with pavers or mortar a tile/brick if you are in a non-freezing climate. However, it has to be done over an existing concrete slab that was installed properly and has no deterioration or ongoing problems, and it appears your slab is not a candidate for that. You could extend a larger wood platform from the existing stoop that floats on top the slab, as most jurisdictions would not require an official deck and footings for something only 1 step up, but I would consider that to not be a long-term solution because of the slab condition and how it looks to collect water from the surrounding grade.

    Best suggestion is just to wait until your coffers replenish, and come up with a plan during that time for an outdoor living space that meets your lifestyle and use and works with the house layout.

  • 4 years ago

    Deck tiles (over dirt) might be an option:

    https://aprylann.com/interlocking-patio-tiles-over-grass/

    Search ’deck tiles’ for more information and prices. We’re thinking of using them off our patio to extend the seating area.

    I’m still gathering info about it myself, so can’t say if it would work for you.

    Another idea, and one we’ve done, is looking around for someone selling/free pavers, stones, etc. Some people are glad to have someone haul away what they don’t want.

  • 4 years ago

    "You will not be able to remove the concrete yourself."

    Sure you can!! Been there, done that (actually 60 feet of driveway). Helps if more than one set of hands involved. A cracked concrete slab is actually relatively easy to break up manually with a prybar and sledge. Or you can rent a jackhammer if thicker than around 6 inches.

    We recycled all the concrete chunks at 2 other of my landscaping projects. 3/4 ton pickup and multiple loads, but completely doable. Recycled concrete is typically an in-demand landscape material in my area and posting a "free - you haul" offer on Facebook or Nextdoor, etc. will remove any disposal issues :-)

    btw, pea gravel makes a very poor patio base. Uncomfortable/not easy to walk on and difficult to site table and chairs or lawn furniture. And it migrates.

  • 4 years ago

    25'x35' = 11 cu yards and over 20,000lbs ! And hopefully no wire mesh sitting on bottom!

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    It does't appear to be that bad. I'd investigate an overlay.

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