Can Paving Slabs Be Laid on Concrete? Here’s What You Need
Can Paving Slabs Be Laid on Concrete? Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to laying paving slabs, homeowners and business owners across Clare, Limerick, and the Mid-West of Ireland often ask:
“Can paving slabs be laid on concrete?”
The short answer is yes, but it needs to be done properly.
At Complete Paving Works, we’ve helped countless customers transform their outdoor spaces using the correct techniques and materials. In this blog, we’ll break down when and how paving slabs should be laid on concrete, and what to avoid.
✅ When You Can Lay Paving Slabs on Concrete
Paving slabs can absolutely be laid on top of an existing concrete base, as long as the base is:
- Level and stable
- Free from major cracks or movement
- Slightly sloped for drainage (typically 1:80)
This is especially common in garden patios, walkways, and decorative outdoor areas across Ennis, Shannon, and Limerick City, where concrete bases are already in place from previous construction.
⚠️ When You Shouldn’t Lay Slabs on Concrete
Avoid laying slabs directly on concrete if:
- The concrete base is crumbling or uneven
- There’s no drainage, which can cause water to pool under the slabs
- The area is prone to frost, and no movement joint or gap is planned
At Complete Paving Works, we always assess the existing base before proceeding with slab installation to ensure long-lasting results.
🧱 Recommended Method: Laying Slabs on a Mortar Bed
The most professional and durable method to lay paving slabs on concrete is using a full mortar bed.
Our proven 5-step process:
- Surface Prep: We clean and prime the concrete base using a bonding agent.
- Mortar Mix: A 4:1 sand and cement ratio is laid thick enough (about 25–40mm) to fully support each slab.
- Slab Laying: Slabs are pressed firmly into the mortar with a slight fall for water runoff.
- Levelling: Each slab is aligned using a spirit level and rubber mallet.
- Jointing: Once set, we use either slurry grout or brush-in compound to finish the joints.
This approach ensures a solid bond, prevents rocking, and allows for proper drainage, which is especially important in Ireland’s wet climate.
🔨 Why Choose Complete Paving Works?
We bring over 15 years of experience in tarmac, porcelain paving, concrete bases, and decorative stonework across Clare, Limerick, and surrounding counties.
Our team provides:
- Expert advice on whether to use an existing concrete base
- Professional paving slab installation
- Free site visits and no-obligation quotes
Whether you’re refreshing a garden patio in Lahinch, laying a new path in Adare, or revamping a courtyard in Ennis, we ensure the right method is used for your specific site and surface.
🏠 Contact Us Today
If you’re wondering whether your existing concrete base is suitable for paving slabs or you’d like help designing a stunning new patio or driveway, reach out to the team at Complete Paving Works.
📍 Serving: Clare, Limerick, Shannon, Ennis and the Mid-West
📞 Call us now or visit: https://completepavingworks.com
Related Services We Offer:
- Tarmac Driveways
- Resin Bound Surfacing
- Porcelain & Granite Paving
- Concrete Base Installation
- Garden Design and Hardscaping
Learn More About Our Paving Services
At Complete Paving & Tarmac, we don’t just write about paving—we live it every day. From design to finish, our team delivers high-quality paving solutions tailored to your space.