Possible way to cover a concrete patio?

Question

I pulled up old outdoor carpet (you know, the green stuff). Well, there is adhesive stuck to the concrete. Since it would take me way to long to scrape all of that off, I was thinking about covering it with pebbles. I was thinking that if I bought a good adhesive, like a carpet adhesive, and spread that on the concrete, I could spread the pebbles on the patio.

If anyone has experience or educated thoughts on this, please reply with your thoughts.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you spread pebbles you will want to grout to maintain an even surface. Don't use a carpet glue, use the same thinset glue used on ceramic or granite tiles, grout and seal.

Try a textured paint made for garage floors as an alternative.

Also I think they make plastic chips that mix in with paint to give a concrete floor a terazzo look.

Look for a product that will disolve the old glue and start fresh.

Answer 2

Would you want to walk on pebbles all the time on your patio?

You can get adhesive remover from most hardware stores that works quite well. There is even remover that is environmentally friendly if you have concerns. This stuff dissolves the adhesive and usually needs minimal scraping. Most types just rinses off with water - since this is outdoors then use the garden hose.

Now, after the adhesive is removed and you dislike the look of the patio - could be a reason for the carpet. Then you can paint, lay brick pavers, lay ceramic or quarry tile, or paint the patio with epoxy paint - like the garage floor stuff they have in Lowes or Home Depot.

If you have the room under your patio door, you could do as already suggested and lay pavers over the patio and do nothing with the glue. Other than cover with a thin layer of sand for the pavers to sit on.

The other options I gave you will have to have the adhesive removed and the concrete cleaned and etched with muratic acid before applying. Most don't recommend this, but I worked in commercial flooring for several years and we always cleaned any floor with 10 parts water and 1 part muratic acid before applying any new flooring - and the products we used would stick to anything but we did it anyway.

I hope that this helps or gives you some ideas. Good luck.

Answer 3

Covering Concrete Patio

Answer 4

sounds like a lot of work and not at all sure the results would be great. I have just spent days scraping off the glue as we are tiling some of the area. We did hire a rather large and heavy scraper to remove tiles which were stuck to carpet which was stuck to the cement so it has been a slow process but done in stages and the machinery was a good idea as it sped up some of the removal. I also have an out door patio which is tiled not very well a really rough home job and am looking at a better surface. I am thinking of a wooden decking as this does look very pleasant and inviting. I want to keep the costs low and can purchase hardwood timber from the demolisher's at very low cost. It will need cutting and fitting so still a bit of work to Say the least but it will be really special when I finish and also pleasant to lie on for a little sun baking. Anyway good luck with your idea possibly ask in the hardware/handyman store re the glue if you go further.

Answer 5

Well you should still "scrape" to some degree and there are floor scrapers specific to the purpose. I do a lot of "flooring" and deck work and have a suggestion.

I'm re-doing 11,000 sq. ft. of tile right now BECAUSE the carpet adhesive wasn't scraped originally by another contractor, before the tile install, and this is inside a building, basement level, that floods. The carpet adhesive, not only denys a good initial bond of MORTAR,,,not GLUE, please, but also has a tendancy to retain or aid in moisture levels remaining

"Pea Pebbles" are fine, and there are specific adhesives designed for installing, but prep is so important. Sealing after the fact will help as well. Please pick the right material/substance to begin, or at some point you may be kicking loose pebbles...if that's your choice,,, until they leave bare spots.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

The pebble idea sounds interesting, though I wouldn't use carpet adhesive (it wouldn't hold them in place for long and would look terrible as the pebbles broke loose). You might try a this coating of mortar mix (comes dry in a bag & you mix water in it,) or Quickcrete, then immediately press pebbles into it before it set up.

There are small concrete forms that look like cobblestones or bricks that are used for pathways that might be an interesting alternative. Whatever you decide on, just be creative and enjoy it!!!

Answer 7

Go and rent a good power wash. There are some larger models that run around 4000/5000 PSI that will actually etch the concrete, and thats the one you need!

Start in a test area and turn down the pressure just enough where it removes the adheasive without etching the concerte.

You might also want to get a whirly gig that makes the head of the power wash spin, this will help remove more from the concrete.

Answer 8

Any adhesive on the slab would need to be removed to ensure proper bonding.

It is possible that muriatic acid would help remove the mess,be very careful.

You can also rent a Hilti demo hammer and use a wide bit to chip and scrape it off, this would be safer and is not difficult but is messy and loud.

Another method is to sand or shot blast it off.

Spreading pebbles in wet concrete is called exposed aggregate, this finish works well in warm climates but can be problematic if exposed to freeze thaw cycles.

Acid staining concrete is really cool you might want to check that out.

Answer 9

You could always rent a pressure washer to remover the adhesive. Gluing stones down doesn't sound very durable to me. There is a product available called Nature Stone, but it needs to be professionally installed, and I think it's a little pricey. The concrete will make a great base for pavers, also.

Check out our website for gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 10

I have a concrete patio, but it was never covered with carpet. I just painted it with porch paint (yes concrete) and it looks awesome. dont know about the pebbles look.
Ask a concrete, or stone contractor. He should know..