We live in Chicago and have a concrete (exposed aggregate) patio/pool hardscape/coping of about 700sqft. The concrete patio has 2X2 or 2X4 wood joints that are rotting. We would like to cover the concrete. The wood joints basically create 8X8 slabs. My questions are:

* Can I fill in the wood joints with concrete and in the concrete create a surface expansion joint or do I have to cut all the way down to the same depth as the wood?

* Can I cover the concrete with stone by layering it over a bed of concrete?

* If I cover the concrete should I then cut new expansion joints in the store to match the previous wood created joints (which would basically be in 8X8 rows/columns)?

* Most of the concrete is in good condition (15plus year old patio). We have one section that has a large/deep crack in it and one section with heaving. Should I just cut out and replace or can the stone go right over it?

Bottom line I am trying my best not to demo the entire patio but utilize what is there. We would also use the stone as "pool coping".

Thought?

If this 'Stone" you are talking about to lay over existing crete then treat the 8x8 pads as individual patios.

Keep the expansions lined up.

Threat the 8x8 as separate patios. The wood in the old crete is a non issue here. You can put pool vinyl expansion or 3/4 treated expansion directly above the old wood . Lay new flag stone or whatever you pick out to re cover and keep the mortar joints center above old wood expansion joints..

Re pour bad slab and check drainage there because of it heaving