My rule of thumb is this.
Can you pour stamped concrete over existing concrete.
Installing a stamped concrete patio over an old surface is a two part process.
If the new concrete is 3 inches thick or more you don t have to bond the new concrete to the old concrete.
You need to start with a clean surface and ensure a proper bond to create a new concrete surface that lasts.
Here s the catch if the existing surface is somewhat in a structurally sound shape and elevating its height to a few inches won t be a problem you can certainly freshen it up with a new layer of concrete.
Pouring concrete over existing concrete sidewalk or patio surfaces is an option if the existing base is structurally sound.
Pouring a skim coat over the surf.
Pouring concrete over an existing concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Diligent cleaning and preparation will produce a beautiful durable new patio surface.
If your patio driveway or other concrete slab is falling apart and losing its appeal then you need to give it a facelift.
A stamped overlay offers all the aesthetic benefits of conventional stamped concrete but is applied over existing concrete.
The same principles as above apply to pouring concrete over an existing concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Pouring concrete over the existing one.
Use the guidelines below to install a stamped concrete patio.
Stamped concrete overlays allow you to duplicate the beauty and texture of natural stone brick slate wood and other materials without having to replace your concrete.
That kind of equipment can really punish a concrete floor.
Apply a bonding adhesive over the existing patio and a thin coat of bond release agent over the stamps so they don t stick to the concrete.
For this to be feasible the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick use smaller aggregate and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.
You can if the concrete is sound solid with minor cracks pitting scaling surface damage or just plain ugly.
If the existing concrete is structurally sound is not heaving or settling then you can pour concrete over concrete.