The driveway leading up to a home covers a large expanse in a prominent location. So, its colour and texture will flatter or spoil the curb view. One option to consider is decorative concrete, which comes in different varieties, as explained below.
Coloured Concrete
Grey concrete doesn't contribute much to a home's visual appeal. Why stick with plain grey when you can colour and texture concrete in any way you wish? Contractors can add pigments and paints to the cement before they pour it so that the hues run through the concrete. They won't flake or peel off. Contractors can also shake coloured powders onto the paving, which simultaneously hardens the surface, making it extremely strong.
Another possibility is acid staining. An acid mixture with coloured pigments and metallic salts is spread over the cured paving. The lime within the concrete chemically reacts with the acids to create colourful swirls and multi-tones, reminiscent of natural substances like stone.
Many people prefer earthy shades — like warm tans, terracottas and slate-blues — for driveways. To choose your paving colour, draw inspiration from the building architecture. You could echo the colour of the roof or guttering in your new driveway, for instance.
Stencilled Concrete
If you want to create patterns, you could install stencilled concrete. After the cement cures, contractors place a stencil over the pavement before applying colour on top. Stencils come in various designs, some of which emulate pavers and grout lines. Contractors could spray a dark-charcoal hue over a stencil that leaves white crisscrossing lines, suggestive of grout lines. However, these surfaces are flat rather than textured. Another option is to colour most of the paving area in one uniform hue, such as brown, and to then design a stencilled centrepiece pattern.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete takes decorative concrete a step further by incorporating three-dimensional textures. After pouring the cement, contractors press stamps or moulds into the concrete. Once the concrete dries a day or so later, they lift the moulds to reveal the imprinted concrete surface. Stamps are available in many designs, so you can create most surfaces you can imagine. Some moulds mimic natural stone, timber, and brickwork. Once contractors combine colour and texture methods, your concrete driveway can look like expensive travertine or granite pavers, for instance, but you'll pay less than you would for the actual materials. Additionally, you won't have to deal with weeds growing between pavers because stamped concrete forms continuous surfaces without gaps. Contractors will apply a sealant as the final step to protect the paving from weathering and fading in the elements.
To learn more, contact a decorative concrete company.
