Paver Patio Overlay & Extension Project in Savannah Quarters

Are you considering updating that old concrete patio, and do you want to add a paver overlay?

If so, you are in the right place to learn all about paver overlays. Sometimes referred to as a “Paver Veneer” or “Paver Resurfacing,” adding new pavers on top of concrete can boost your curb appeal while also adding functionality without nearly as much hassle.

Today, we will walk you through the steps to add a paver overlay to concrete, using this recent project in Savannah Quarters as the focal point. Let’s dive into how it all happens!

Can I Lay Brick Pavers Directly on My Concrete Patio?

First, let’s answer the most frequent question we get about concrete patios and adding pavers. Simply put, yes, you can add new pavers over existing concrete, but there are a few caveats. First, we need to inspect the existing concrete pad to ensure it can not only support the paver caps but also be free of uneven cracking. Installing new pavers on a bad foundation is never a good idea.

After the initial inspection, we have confirmed that the concrete is stable, properly sloped, and free from major cracking, settling, or drainage problems. We use a paver overlay technique, in which thinner pavers are installed over the concrete. For this Savannah Quarters project, the concrete pad provided a strong base to work from, so we enhanced the patio with paver caps and extended the usable space around it by building out the paver patio.

How We Install Pavers Over Concrete

For this client in the Westbrook community within Savannah Quarters, there was an existing concrete pad under an exposed covered porch, with a concrete extension off it. The customer wanted to make the area slightly bigger, but also add more curb appeal and functionality with pavers or, in this case, paver caps.

The first thing we will always do and recommend is reviewing the state of the concrete before paving over an existing concrete pad. The first step is always evaluating the condition of the slab, even if it looks great. In this case, we looked at the slope, drainage, edges, cracks, height transitions, and how the new patio area will connect with the yard, porch, or walkway.

Once we confirmed the pad was worthy of a paver veneer finish and checked elevations, adjusted door edges, and ensured water would drain away from the home where the new extension would go, we helped them pick out the paver caps, which are thin pavers. Typically, these paver caps are 1 to 1.25 inches tall compared to the normal paver height of two inches.

The goal is to create a secure, clean, and attractive finish that blends in with the rest of the outdoor space. One point to always note is doors on porches. In this case, the door had a small step down; however, with a flush-swinging screened-in porch door, you will sometimes have to reset or adjust it.

Our Paver Overlay Process (Step by Step)

1. Inspect the Existing Concrete Pad

For this project in Savannah Quarters, the red areas were the primary inspection points on the existing concrete patio. We wanted to inspect the water flow by the home and the step-down area of the door, which, in this case, were both perfect. The small grassy area beyond the patio was where the homeowner wanted to level and extend the patio. More on that in the next step.

2. Plan the Patio Extension

Next, we had to map out the new patio area and bring the subbase to the same height as the concrete for a smooth transition of the pavers from the concrete into the new area. Some patio companies will install concrete or a typical paver base to bring the area to the required height, both of which help create a smooth transition to the existing pad.

3. Prepare the Base and Edges

For the extended patio area, we properly excavate and prepare the base, digging to the proper depths and rebuilding the area to the proper grade. What separates good paver installers from great ones is the base prep, which helps prevent settling, shifting, and drainage issues over time. The last thing we want is for this area of the patio to sag or look different compared to the rest.

4. Install the Paver Caps

Once the surface was ready, we installed paver caps along the concrete pad to give the patio a more finished, custom look. This detail helps dress up the concrete and makes the space feel more upscale in a neighborhood like the Savannah Quarters. Aside from the look, the durability of the new patio is enhanced by having both the concrete and pavers.

5. Finish, Clean, and Check Drainage

After installation, we clean the area, check the final appearance, and ensure the patio drains properly. The goal is a finished space that looks great and performs well in coastal Georgia weather.

Why Paver Overlays Work Great in Savannah –

Many homes in Savannah and Pooler – in particular Savannah Quarters – already have a basic concrete patio that can be outdated or just look dull. However, your backyard often has room for a more complete outdoor living space, which you can create by adding paver caps, extending the patio, and improving the layout.

Here at Coastal Hardscapes, we can make the area feel more custom without requiring a full backyard rebuild. In fact, we always say the concrete patio makes it simple since the base is already there! For homeowners in Pooler, Savannah Quarters, and the surrounding Savannah area, this is a smart way to upgrade a concrete patio into something more polished, practical, and better suited to everyday outdoor living is with a paver overlay!

FAQ: Where Can Paver Overlays Be Installed?

1. Can paver overlays be installed on an existing concrete patio?

Yes, paver overlays can often be installed over an existing concrete patio if the concrete slab is still structurally sound. Here at Coastal Hardscapes, we always inspect the concrete first to make sure it is not sinking, severely cracked, or holding water. If the patio is stable, a paver overlay can give the space a more custom, high-end look without removing the entire concrete pad. Just make sure your doors can still open, something else we always inspect.

2. Are paver overlays a good option for concrete porches?

Concrete porches can be a great place for a paver overlay, especially when the porch feels plain, stained, or outdated. The biggest thing we look at is the height of the doorway, steps, and surrounding transitions. Since the overlay adds height, we want to make sure the finished surface still feels safe, smooth, and natural when walking in and out of the home. The average paver overlay brick is right around 1.18 to 1.25 inches in height.

3. Can paver overlays be used around pool decks?

Yes, pool decks are one of the most popular places to use paver overlays. A dated concrete pool deck can make the entire backyard feel older than it really is. Adding overlay pavers can help create a cleaner, more resort-style look around the pool while improving the overall feel of the outdoor living space.

4. Can you install paver overlays on walkways and entryways?

Yes, existing concrete walkways and front entry areas can be upgraded with paver overlays. This is a great way to improve curb appeal without starting completely from scratch. For homes in Savannah Quarters and the Savannah area, this can make the entrance feel more polished and connected to the rest of the home’s exterior.

5. Can paver overlays be installed on driveways?

In some situations, yes, paver overlays can be installed on driveways, but the existing concrete needs to be evaluated carefully, due to your cars. It is important to keep in mind that driveways carry more weight than patios or walkways, so the slab condition, paver type, edge restraint, and installation method all matter. We would not recommend covering a failing driveway with pavers just to hide the problem, and we always recommend choosing the highest-quality pavers, as a concrete pad offers no give compared to a traditional aggregate base.

6. Where should paver overlays/caps not be installed?

We always tell homeowners to never have overlays or caps installed over concrete that is badly cracked, sinking, unstable, or draining toward the home. If the existing slab has major issues, those problems need to be corrected first because a paver cap is like a Band-Aid, not a fix. Put simply, a paver overlay is a beautiful upgrade, but it is not a shortcut for fixing poor drainage, major settlement, or a damaged concrete base.

7. What do we check before installing pavers over concrete?

Before we install a paver overlay, we check the condition of the slab, slope, drainage, edges, and height transitions. This step is absolutely critical for the long-term health of your patio or possible paver area. We also look at how the patio, walkway, porch, or pool deck connects to the rest of the yard. This helps us make sure the finished project looks great and functions properly in the long term.

8. Why are paver overlays popular in Savannah Quarters?

Many homes in Savannah Quarters already have concrete patios, porches, or walkways that are functional but basic. Paver overlays allow homeowners to upgrade those surfaces with a more finished outdoor living look. When done correctly, they can make a backyard, entryway, or pool area feel more custom without needing a full tear-out and rebuild.