what to do with old concrete pad

[mizzou]

i have an old concrete pad, probably in the 60s, where its about 24x24 open space. Its fairly level and drainage isnt great.

im wondering if its reasonable to lay several inches of compactible rock, leveling sand, and then lay paver stones on it.

Goal is to have a small floating garden shed with raised garden beds.

Maybe just lay crushed rock over it and call it a day?

 

[herm0016]

How bad of shape is it in?

 

[mizzou]

no major cracking and slightly heaved.

The water pooling after heavy rains is what bugs me the most

 

[mindless1]

You could always drill some holes in it at the low areas. Am I understanding correctly that this is going to be some sort of greenhouse?

If so, why put raised garden beds on a rock and paver foundation instead of over native soil? I would probably get a jackhammer and break it up then pay someone to haul off the pieces.

 

[bbhaag]

How thick is the pad and where is it located in your yard? I know it's a lot of work but depending on the site location renting a jack hammer and a construction dumpster might be your best option. Just rip the fucker out and be done with it. Top dress the underlayment with some top soil and plant some grass seed over top.

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's more work than it's worth to get rid of a pad, and disposal is hard if you don't have a truck, so if you plan to build something there I would just leave it. Maybe even lay a new layer of concrete on top just to level it out, though chances are good it might crack/break apart over time. New concrete never adheres that greatly to old concrete, though there is adhesive you can brush on for that. Worth a shot.

To add an extra layer of safety, whatever you build should be laid on some blocks so it's raised a bit. So if you end up with pooling water at least it's not right up against the building.