New concrete patio advice - Laying concrete between paving bricks

[nickb20]

Hi all
I am in the process of laying a new patio, my plan was to edge the patio and path leading from it using block paving bricks, as well as a couple of decorative lines of bricks essentially splitting the patio in to 4 sections. I was going to lay the paving bricks first then fill the sections with concrete, however I am concerned that when laying the concrete I will stain the paving bricks (they are charcoal colour), any tips on preventing this.

Also any tips on finishing the concrete, I would like a smooth finish but read that it would be 'slippery when wet', I am also not a fan of the brushed finish.

I am a fairly capable diy'er but a novice when it comes to concrete so any tips in simple terms would be great.

[47p2]

You could shutter the area to be concreted with timber and lay the concrete first, thus ensuring none goes on the pavers.

As to getting an ultra smooth surface, you'll never achieve that if you're a novice. You could add some granite dust to the concrete which will give it more strength and a non slip surface. It is hard work though getting the surface right

[seanandruby]

why not fill with a ready made concrete flag/slab? It will be cheaoer and reduce your work load.

[nickb20]

Was going to lay the concrete first then the pavers however I want to use dyed cement for pointing between the bricks so again there is a chance of staining the concrete black.

I wasnt thinking of an ultra smooth finish, just as best as I can get it, how slippery would this be when it gets wet and is a brush finish necessary for a small patio.

Concrete slabs worked out quite a bit more expensive so decided on plain concrete.

[GB_Groundworks]

how thick you planing on this slab being?

have you ever used a power float or fresno broom before? infact have you ever finished concrete before, started with a magnesnium float then a steal float to get super smooth finish.

i think you might have underestimated the work and skill involved with finishing concrete to even a satisfactory standard

[nickb20]

I have layed and finished concrete before but mostly for simple things like shed bases so the overall finish was not as important, guess i'm just paranoid that i'm gonna fall a**e over t*t every time it rains.

My biggest concern is the staining of the bricks, if they are washed over as soon as the concrete is layed should that prevent most of the staining.

I have to admit it is an ambitious project but I never seem to take on easy projects, it's more fun if its a challenge!!!!!!

[seanandruby]

it all just seems so much work involved.

[irishpaving]

Just put some plastic/membrane over the top of the blocks if your going to use concrete ???

[nickb20]

Plastic sounds like the best idea, think i'm gonna give that a go. Thanks for all the replies