Advice on resurfacing over a brick/stone/concrete path

Submitted by Plooplestein t3_zjler6 in DIY

Hi all!

There's a path that runs around three sides of our house (see pic).

You can see how it used to be smooth approx. 30 years ago (the smooth part is undercover). However, our kids and their tiny friends are struggling to walk on the rough parts of this path - so I'm keen on resurfacing for a smooth finish.

I have no experience with concrete - is this something I should attempt? Or is it a skilled piece of DIY? I assume I need to get a fairly runny consistency, get a 50mm cover in most places, and create some breaks/cuts in the path too. And I'm thinking of a broom-finish.

Or is it a case of pulling these bricks up, and laying mesh and doing a much bigger pour?

Any major tips, common issues etc are most welcome.

The path is not flat, has a few ramps and turns.

Background info - it can rain heavily here. Strong sun. It's usually around 70% humid, coastal environment, avg temps are 10°C to 25°C over a year. And I doubt I'd be able to afford a contractor in the next few years for this one.

Cheers!

https://preview.redd.it/pxhoak3d3e5a1.jpg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fd6cda7095e2d5ac516c76bfcf03f04941caaed

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Comments

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PioneerStandard t1_izvpfxb wrote

I think it is beautiful. I would power wash it and hold on to it. The little ones will grow bigger feet and the stone will no longer be of concern. In my trade experience of over 30 years, that looks professionally installed. I would embrace it if you can.

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Llamaalarmallama t1_izw4qad wrote

This.
You'll get it "smooth" and the first winter it's a bit icy and little ones slip on it you'll regret messing with it.
A lot of the "not smooth"-ness IS probably gnarly old moss/lichen build up that the power washer will do a decent number on.

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SirIsaacGnuton t1_izx62gu wrote

This looks pretty smooth. Why cover it? If you don't like the look you can power wash it. If there are high or low pavers you can pry them out and re-level with brick sand and a rubber mallet.

The other advantage of pavers on a sand bed is that the water drains through them. On solid concrete you have to take care to slope the path slightly away from the house or you get standing water.

Putting concrete over that is not DIY in my opinion, and what you mentioned about a thin mix sound wrong. If the concrete is flowing there's too much water in it and the result will be weak concrete. I'm not a concrete contractor so that could be wrong, but the times I've used it the mix was like peanut butter and had to be shoveled, screeded and troweled in to place. Not easy.

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Carlsheff t1_izwk17r wrote

You need it to not be completely flat so it can drain properly, and as others have said it's good for it to not be smooth so it is grippier when wet.

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catalinachemical t1_izyxdbl wrote

You can power wash that and then give it a couple coats with a topical sealer. This will smooth is out just a bit, and help you maintain its natural aesthetic.

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Imaginary_Highway716 t1_izvz2or wrote

If you want to DIY I would have a look this DECKO stuff. My friend installed it over some old concrete. Don't have a photo of his area but their website has some.

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