Concrete steps can add value to your home, but they may be unattractive and unsightly. Luckily, there are ways to cover concrete steps with brick pavers that will create a beautiful new look while protecting the integrity and value of your home.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Covering concrete steps with pavers is a great way to add curb appeal and improve safety. |
| The surface must be cleaned and prepped before installing pavers on concrete steps. |
| It is not necessary to use mortar to install pavers over concrete steps. |
| Thin brick is a lightweight and durable material that can be used to cover concrete steps. |
| Regular maintenance is important to keep pavers in good condition. |
Here’s how:
1. Clean the Steps
The first step is to clean the concrete with a pressure washer. This will remove any loose debris and loosen any dirt that has accumulated in the cracks.
The next step is to use a garden hose and soft bristle brush or wire brush to clean out the remaining crevices, cracks and surfaces of your steps.
You can also use chemicals such as bleach or TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) if you have stubborn stains on your concrete steps, but try cleaning them first with water alone before you resort to chemicals.
2. Protect the Surroundings
Protecting the surroundings of the steps is just as important as protecting the pavers and concrete. If you don’t protect the area, you’ll end up damaging the brick pavers and/or concrete steps.
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to complete a project but not think about what damage might happen in order to get there.
And while a little bit of damage isn’t going to hurt anyone or anything (except maybe your pride), too much can cause problems that are much harder to fix later on down the road when your work looks sloppy due to carelessness and poor planning.
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3. Choose a Pattern or Design
There are many different patterns and designs you can use for your brick pavers. You can choose a pattern that complements the house, or one that compliments the yard.
If you’re planning on using this project to create a new look, consider using a pattern that stands out from typical walkways or patios.
4. Lay a Base of Crushed Stone
The next step is to lay a 2-inch layer of crushed stone as an even base for the pavers. You can use any type or mixture you want, but make sure it’s level and even so the pavers will lay flat on top of it.
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5. Mix Concrete and Pour into Mold for Each Block
When you’re ready to make your concrete, weigh out the required amount of sand and cement, then add water until you have a thick batter consistency. If it’s too thin, add more cement; if it’s too thick, add more sand.
Mixing the concrete is much easier with two people working together: one person can mix up their batch while another person uses a trowel or spatula to fill each mold (using a measuring stick to make sure you get an even amount). Make sure that any tools are thoroughly cleaned before using them on another batch of concrete—that way you won’t accidentally contaminate things!
Once all molds have been filled with concrete (which will take about 20 minutes), gently tap them on each side in order to remove any air bubbles from inside the blocks (if there are any). Be careful not to knock off any stones or brick pavers during this process! You can see how I did this in my video above.
6. Use a Trowel to Level the Concrete
Use a trowel to level the concrete. A trowel will help you smooth out the concrete, so that it is flat and even. This will ensure that your pavers sit evenly on top of the concrete, which will make for an easier installation.
Use a trowel to get rid of any bumps or lumps in the surface of your new concrete steps. You want to create as flat a surface as possible before covering them with brick pavers, so you can do this by smoothing out any bumps or lumps with a trowel before getting started with Step 7: Installing Brick Pavers on Your Concrete Steps (below).
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7. Add Reinforcement if Desired
If you have a lot of weight on your steps, it’s a good idea to add reinforcement. Reinforcement can be made of rebar or wire mesh, and it’s added to the concrete before it hardens.
The best way to do this is by pouring concrete over the rebar or wire mesh as you would pour any other layer of cement.
8. Clean Up Excess Concrete from Brick Pavers
Once you’ve cut out the concrete, you’ll need to clean up any leftover pieces. You can use a wire brush and/or a wet rag to do this. If you’re dealing with a lot of concrete residue, consider using a vacuum or power washer for removal.
If there’s still some concrete left over after your cleanup efforts, consider using a broom to remove it before it dries and becomes more difficult to remove later on.
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9. Lay Down Brick Pavers in Chosen Pattern or Design
Once the concrete steps have been laid, use a level to check that each layer is even with the one below it. Use a trowel to level out any unevenness at this stage as well, if necessary. Next, take your rubber mallet and tap each brick into place firmly so that there are no gaps between them and they’re flat on top of the concrete.
10. Fill in Gaps Behind the Brick Pavers with Mortar
Once you’ve laid down the brick pavers and removed any excess mortar, it’s time to fill in the gaps in between the bricks with mortar. You’ll need a grout sponge for this step.
Use a grout sponge to push some of your mortar into all of the gaps. If you have big gaps, use multiple passes of mortar until they’re filled up all the way.
Once you’ve worked some mortar into each gap, run your trowel over top again, making sure that everything is smooth and even before moving on to cleaning up excess material from around your pavers or sidewalk edges.
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11. Cover the Mortar with Grout Sponge and Finish with Sealant If Desired
- Mix the Grout
To cover concrete steps with brick pavers, you’ll need to apply a base layer of mortar. To do so, mix one part Portland cement and four parts sand together in a bucket and add water until you have a thick consistency like pancake batter.
- Apply the Mortar
Pour some grout onto your trowel and spread it over the surface of the brick pavers, making sure to cover all areas that have been exposed by removing concrete from your steps. If there are any areas where the bricks aren’t completely covered by mortar (i.e., if they’re not flush), use a grout sponge to apply more mortar there as well. This will ensure that all surfaces are covered evenly when it’s time for step 12!
- Let It Dry For 24 Hours
Let dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding with step 13 below
Conclusion
I hope this has been a helpful guide to covering concrete steps with brick pavers! Let us know if you have any questions or comments, and we’ll be happy to answer them. Good luck with your project!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on paver installation and covering concrete steps with pavers:
DIY Paver Walkway: This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful and functional paver walkway.
How to Cover Concrete Steps: This article provides useful tips and techniques for covering concrete steps with various materials, including pavers.
How to Cover Concrete Steps with Thin Brick: This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to cover concrete steps with thin brick for a durable and stylish finish.
FAQs
How do you prepare the surface before laying pavers over concrete steps?
Before laying pavers over concrete steps, you need to clean and prep the surface by removing any dirt, debris, or loose concrete. You can use a pressure washer or a wire brush to clean the surface, and a concrete resurfacer to level any uneven areas.
Do you need to use mortar to install pavers over concrete steps?
It is not necessary to use mortar to install pavers over concrete steps. Instead, you can use a strong adhesive designed for outdoor use to secure the pavers in place.
Can you cover concrete steps with thin brick?
Yes, you can cover concrete steps with thin brick. Thin brick is a lightweight and durable material that can be installed over concrete steps using adhesive or mortar.
How do you cut pavers to fit around the edges of the steps?
To cut pavers to fit around the edges of the steps, you can use a chisel and hammer or a paver splitter. Make sure to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines when cutting pavers.
How do you maintain pavers used to cover concrete steps?
To maintain pavers used to cover concrete steps, you should regularly sweep and wash them to prevent buildup of dirt and debris. You can also apply a sealant to protect the pavers from weather damage and to enhance their appearance.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.