Renovating a plain concrete pathway or backyard patio area with travertine pavers can give your outdoor living space an entirely new look. It can also be a relatively simple-yet-stunning backyard design idea that you can accomplish yourself. If you're thinking about making this upgrade, you may have a few questions about the process – namely, do need to remove the concrete or can you just install travertine pavers on top?

You'll be relieved to find that it is possible to install your pavers without removing existing concrete as long as you take a few precautionary measures.

First, you need to ensure that the concrete surface you want to add the paving stones to is perfectly level. If there are bumps or dips, this could cause your paving stones to crack later on down the road. This risk is especially present in cold weather, when your tiles freeze and thaw. Examine the intended area carefully to make sure it's flat. If not, you can do small repairs using additional concrete. Use a flattening tool, such as a trowel or hand floater, to get the flattened finish you need.

Second, you'll need to add a layer of sand between the concrete and the pavers in order to create a buffer. Travertine Mart suggests you use between ½ and 1 inches of sand for this purpose.

Installation tips
To install pavers on top of existing concrete, it's best to use what's known as the "mud-set" method. If you live in a colder climate, Travertine Mart suggests additional steps that will help your travertine stay in place and prevent cracking during the freeze and thaw cycle that occurs in winter, which include adding additional layers of bonding between your surface and your pavers.

To begin, establish a clear border around the area you want to pave. Reinforcing the perimeter with a bonding agent, such as FlexBond, is also recommended. Clear the surface of any excess material or residue before applying your sand.

You'll need to apply a layer of bonding followed by a layer of grout and flatten with a trowel. For mud-set applications, sanded grout is recommended. Those who live in colder climates should consider an extra layer of bonding at this point.

After that, you're ready to install your pavers! Place them as desired and tap them gently with a sledgehammer to allow them to set. You can use grout to secure the tiles after they've been laid if you wish. Use a soapy cloth to remove excess grout before it hardens. Allow your pavers ample time to dry before exploring your newly renovated space.

For more detailed installation tips, call or visit the website to speak with a customer service professional at Travertine Mart today. You can browse hundreds of paver and tile options and choose the best one for your project. You can also view step-by-step installation instructions.