Browse Forums Paving & Concreting 1 May 17, 2011 3:00 pm We have leveled an area in the backyard and are in the process of building a low retaining wall around that area. The plan is to engage trades people to build a veranda and harden the ground. We are thinking to build the veranda first so the posts are buried in the ground, should be sturdier than dyno bolting to a hard surface. But not sure if the posts will get into ways of other things. Is that such a good idea? Originally we were set on stenciled concrete surface, because tilts are expensive and not as hard wearing for outdoor applications. Someone I spoke to suggested stamped surface but can't show me an example, isn't it the same as stencil in terms of looks? Or are they totally different? Any major pros and cons? Another option is large pavers (no double expensive) but I am more concern about weeds coming out from the gaps, can a layer with sand prevent that? When doing it properly, do you supposed to cement the pavers? Or just lay them but can be moved? What's you opinion on concrete vs pavers? Cheers! Re: Stencil vs Stamp vs Tiles vs Pavers 2May 17, 2011 3:37 pm look at this website for stencil v stamped options: http://www.parchem.com.au/DECORATIVE/cl ... Visualiser Re: Stencil vs Stamp vs Tiles vs Pavers 4May 18, 2011 8:19 am Hey Peter, we had the same dilemma re. posts in ground/footing or on top of concrete. In the end, we decided on concrete. Re. stamped concrete - I really dislike that look, especially for a relatively small outdoor "living" area, it's too rough. Another option is to build plain concrete, let it settle and then get special guys who do 'decorative' concrete or concrete resurfacing. If you like patterns (or just borders), they can do almost anything. Or, they can provide a nice smooth surface (but not slippery) in one colour. This decorative concrete can look very similar to stencilled, only without the 1-2mm indentations which are created by the stencils. Not sure what you mean with "because tilts are expensive" - did you mean "tiles"?? If the area is going to be covered, I think you can still use tiles. If you go for ceramic tiles, they can be quite cheap, but it really depends on each tile. The labour & screed will be exy, though. My signature is distracting people from my wise posts ... Appreciate that Chippy. I won’t do sand under pavers and will connect all up under pavers, however I was going to do: 1) Roadbase compacted with manual hand tamper 2)… 10 18565 Those span tables can be pushed a little for a low deck if you dont mind a little flex. Last deck I did, I pushed it a little and it was still rock solid - no noticeable… 6 13762 |