[typicalhomeownr]

Hello all,

I've got a question and I'm hoping someone with more masonry experience will be able to pass along some wisdom. *Last summer/fall (and winter if I'm being honest) I rebuilt the deck in my backyard. *The plans for the deck stairs changed after I poured the ~ 5" to 6" slab (if any of you are DIYers & married you'll understand why).

Regardless, the spring is here and now I'm trying to figure out how to deal with consequences of not sticking with my initial plan. My goal was to install pavers butting up to the bottom step but the concrete pad protrudes too far (see images below). * So I'd like to know if *1) would be ill advised to using a demo saw to try and flush cut the slab to the outline of the steps (or at least within a couple of inches). *2) Would this undermine the portion of the slab that I need to remain intact? 3) IF this is doable, would a demo saw be the right tool? *Circ saw with diamond blade? *4) Lastly, do I need to treat the exposed concrete after I cut it to prevent future cracking?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

* *

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... It looks fairly consistent, concentric,.....

I'd leave it alone, 'n move forward with yer plan,.....

 

[Nealtw]

I too would work out a complimentary design but if it has to be cut, a circular saw and the a jack hammer, nothing else would have to be done to it.

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

I have no idea how you would get a demo/concrete saw in there.

As ridiculous as this sounds, I might use up a couple of sds bits in a Bosch bulldog with a series of tight drill holes along your perimeter....and knock it off.

Should not hurt remaining slab and hopefully get close enough for your pavers.
If not close eneugh or too rough, you can chizel out any high spots.


NICE LOOKING STAIRS?LIGHT?DECK.....:smile:

 

[de-nagorg]

I have 2 ideas, First, can you get a wetsaw, and split your pavers in height, to only use 1/2 height pavers there to lay over that excess slab?

If not then rent a demo jackhammer, and drill a series of holes in the slab, all around the edge of the last step 1" apart , then drill radius holes out to the perimeter of the excess.

Then use a chisel bit to start breaking off the excess slab, along the radiuses, and the inner drill holes.

There will probably be some jagged edges, that will need hand chiseling work.

No I don't need to be married to understand the SWMBO factor. :vs_whistle:


ED

 

[stadry]

we'd demo saw & cut 3" from riser,,, use straight edge & pencil to mark line,,, then you can cut pavers to match,,, otherwise you're setting pavers against chipped edge,,, just how we'd do it
IF you decide to follow others' suggestions, don't be using a heavy breaking gun such as 60# bosch or even 40",,, bosch bulldog & series of 3/8" holes,,, when finished, you'll still have a jagged edge

 

[ron45]

I would bury a row of pavers next to and the same height as the concrete.

The run your pavers over that to abut to the steps, no cutting of concrete involved.

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

I would bury a row of pavers next to and the same height as the concrete.

The run your pavers over that to abut to the steps, no cutting of concrete involved.

If elevations allow, and your last riser won't be trip hazard, and your pavers can be shaved/cut/fashioned for the curves involved.........that might be the easiest.

 

[ron45]