We have a cement slab as a "patio", and i am interested in having large terra cotta patio stones put in . Do we need to have the cement broken up and removed, or can we lay the stones right on top of the cement? Each stone weights 32 lbs. so they are not going anywhere. I thought maybe this would insure that the base was level, if we leave the cement, and would be less work for us.
2006-09-04 16:51:47 · 6 answers · asked by poppet 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Ok... good question, sounds like a fun project, too!
I'm assuming you would like this terra cotta stone put down permenantly.
You want to use a 'latex modified thinset' that is designed for swimming pools. This will assure that your thinset doesn't crack from water or frost and your installation lasts virtually a lifetime. The thinset will need to be applied by using a notched trowel (same tool used to install tile). Trowel are available with many different sized notches and for 32lb stones you should use trowel that has a minimum of 5/8 x 5/8" notches... 3/4" would be fine.
Apply the thinset with the flat side of the trowel directly to your clean, dust free cement surface in an even layer... only what you can reach each time... then used the notched side of the trowel and scrape the thinset so that you have lines running the course of the applied area. Lie your stones atop of the thinset and apply a little (not a lot) of pressure to assure that you are getting a bond. Your stones along the edges will likely need cut; you can do this with an angle grinder or a wet saw. Angle grinders and diamond blades (diamond blade is neccessary) can be purchased for a total of approximately $40 - $50 dollars. Wet saws are expensive but may be rented.
As you set your stones, be sure that you keep a 2 or 3 degree pitch so that water doesn't later puddle on your new stone porch! The pitch, obviously should pitch away from the house. Basically, make sure the bubble on a level is just off center.
Next, you will use a wet sand mix, the sand for these applications can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes, and apply it into all of the joints between each stone... wipe clean with a large wet sponge (keep your sponge clean by dipping it in clean water and squeezing out excess water).
And wholla... you have a weather permenant weather proof porch with the best possible installation, likely increasing the value and asthetics of your home!
Good luck, email if you have any questions.
2006-09-05 02:14:28 · answer #1 · answered by Seth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave the cement and put down a layer of thinset: http://www.floorstransformed.com/thinsetmortar.html and lay the stone on top. This prevents slipping and will insure a level patio.
2006-09-04 23:58:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The sand idea is ok but your going to have wash-out. the sand will dissapper. Fill any cracks in concrete, make surface as uniform as possable. Allow for run-off,Lay 30 Lb. roofing underlayment overlapped,lay stones on this, fill gaps with wet sand and broom over an over. to eliminate future maintence border with verticle 2x6, dug down and flush to top of patio stones. Good Luck
2006-09-05 00:14:09 · answer #3 · answered by brad 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OK. I would lay down some crushed limestone paver base from Home Depot to set them and keep them from rocking and breaking.Better than sand. Don't bother taking out your slab, it will be OK.
2006-09-05 00:30:44 · answer #4 · answered by Emee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should hold the terra cotta stones.
2006-09-05 00:01:28 · answer #5 · answered by Carol H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps a thin layer of dirt or sand to keep it level
2006-09-04 23:53:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋