Concrete paver patio advise needed

Hi,

This is my first try at laying pavers, and I hope someone can help. We have a 10x10 concrete patio, but we want a bigger area (30x12).

The 10x10 patio is about 2 years old (the house is also about 2 years old) , and it appears in good shape. It was suggested by someone in the business that I use the patio as a base as opposed to taking it out. There is 3.25 in from the top of the patio to the bottom of the metal back door frame. The patio will run 30 ft along the back of the house, and the plan is to have it butt up against the house for all 30 ft. Minus the length of the back door, there is side paneling where the bottom of it is 2.5 inches above the top of the concrete 10x 10 slab.

What needs to go on top of the slab prior to laying the pavers? Is there enough room for this?

What about the side paneling?

The area, minus the slab, is pretty much dug out. It rained here the last couple of days, and there is a puddle in one corner of the excavated area. My brother who has some general knowledge but is not in the business suggests putting in a french drain under the patio. Is this necessary?

Lastly, how even does the top of the soil need to be?

Thank you,

Michael

 

Concrete pavers are not considered to be a permeable surface, so a french drain would not help. Make sure the pavers slope away from the house and make real sure that the dirt around the concrete is packed well. Try and run as many pavers as possible across the concrete/dirt border. If there is standing water, then your compaction will not be sufficient.

You can put the pavers right on top of the concrete, or lay them in a thin bed of sand or mortar.