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You should place a layer of thick landscaping fabric directly over the concrete slab and then a thin layer of leveling sand over that to protect the pavers from moisture. For border pavers, you should plan on locking them in place with polyurethane adhesive. This will prevent them from shifting under foot traffic.

You don't technically need rebar for a concrete patio, but it's a good idea to install it, especially if your patio will support any heavy items. All concrete is susceptible to cracking, and rebar keeps cracks in check while maintaining a smooth, level surface. Without rebar, cracks will likely widen and cause the concrete to become uneven, compromising its structural integrity.

While patio installation requires some heavy equipment to excavate the area and compact the soil, you can learn how to do a DIY patio installation and potentially save money versus hiring a pro to do the work. You should be familiar with taking measurements and doing calculations to determine the right amount of materials, and you’ll need to be comfortable working with the necessary equipment.

A concrete porch costs about $2 to $10 per square foot upfront, while a wood porch costs about $4 to $30 per square foot, making concrete less expensive upfront. However, wood requires much more maintenance than concrete, so you’ll need to consider the costs of staining, painting, and resealing the porch every few years, which makes wood more expensive in the long run.