A stamped overlay offers all the aesthetic benefits of conventional stamped concrete but is applied over existing concrete.
Can you pour stamped concrete over existing concrete.
Here s the catch if the existing surface is somewhat in a structurally sound shape and elevating its height to a few inches won t be a problem you can certainly freshen it up with a new layer of concrete.
Installing a stamped concrete patio over an old surface is a two part process.
Pouring concrete over the existing one.
If your patio driveway or other concrete slab is falling apart and losing its appeal then you need to give it a facelift.
You can if the concrete is sound solid with minor cracks pitting scaling surface damage or just plain ugly.
That kind of equipment can really punish a concrete floor.
You need to start with a clean surface and ensure a proper bond to create a new concrete surface that lasts.
Apply a bonding adhesive over the existing patio and a thin coat of bond release agent over the stamps so they don t stick to the concrete.
Use the guidelines below to install a stamped concrete patio.
If the new concrete is 3 inches thick or more you don t have to bond the new concrete to the old concrete.
Pouring concrete over an existing concrete driveway or sidewalk.
If done properly new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab.
First you pour the new concrete then you press the stamps.
Pouring a skim coat over the surf.
The same principles as above apply to pouring concrete over an existing concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Stamped concrete overlays allow you to duplicate the beauty and texture of natural stone brick slate wood and other materials without having to replace your concrete.
Diligent cleaning and preparation will produce a beautiful durable new patio surface.
My rule of thumb is this.
Pouring concrete over existing concrete sidewalk or patio surfaces is an option if the existing base is structurally sound.