It might not be the most obvious cause for concern, but your existing driveway could be distracting from the appearance of your home and garden. Curb appeal extends beyond the stone path and pavers, and cracks and stains are an unsightly scene on any concrete surface. You might not have been thinking about a new driveway, but it's a great way to enhance curb appeal, increase property value, and improve the appearance of your home.
Picture this – you're relaxing in your backyard, surrounded by a picture-perfect garden, but the moment you pop your head over the gate and catch a glimpse of your concrete driveway in its current form, you can't help but wince.
With the right driveway concrete materials, you could be the envy of homeowners in the neighbourhood. Today's concrete driveway finishes are a mixture of compounds designed to deliver an environmentally friendly, durable surface. However, with so many different types of driveway materials, it's tough for the average person to know where to start. With that in mind, we break down some of the most popular options.
Types of Driveway Materials
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1. Stone
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Stone is a highly sought-after material and that's because it's durable and comes with a high-quality, sleek finish. As stone pavers come in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes, and colours, they are useful in a range of settings. The cost of your stone driveway will, of course, depend on the size of the space you're planning to pave and the type of stone you prefer.
2. Sandstone
Sandstone is the perfect choice for a long lasting surface for a concrete driveway project. Like stone, sandstone is available in a range of shapes and colours to suit your home's aesthetic and many contractors recommend it if your priority is appearance. However, it requires far more maintenance than other driveway finishes, so if you plan to park in your driveway, it might not be the best choice. It usually requires resealing because it's porous and not only will it absorb water, but it picks up stains easily. Additionally, sealant helps prevent cracks.
3. Gravel
If the budget is the most important factor in your driveway material, then gravel is the most cost effective plain concrete driveway. It's easy to install and though it's simple, the textured appearance is considered attractive by most. The main drawback is that it can be unstable underfoot over time as it naturally wears and shifts. You can always add a brick border or choose decorative options to enhance its appearance.
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4. Slate
With undertones of lavender, grey, blue and even muted reds, slate is an incredibly popular concrete option for paved driveways. It ticks more than the colour box, it's also a winner texturally. It provides excellent traction if you're worried about slip resistance. While slate could benefit from resealing, it's a long lasting surface regardless.
Concrete Driveways
If you are looking for a show-stopping driveway to increase your curb appeal and match your house aesthetics without breaking the bank, then a concrete driveway may be the perfect option. While the upfront cost of a concrete driveway may be higher compared to alternatives like gravel, it is generally a more budget friendly option when it comes to durability and long term maintenance compared to stone and paver options. But opting for a concrete driveway doesn’t mean you have to miss out on stylish finishes and textures. There are many different types of finishes you can apply to your fresh concrete driveway to add function and style to your driveway.
To obtain a quote for a new concrete driveway, reach out to a concrete contractor for a free quote.
Textured Concrete Driveway Finishes
There are various techniques which can be applied to concrete to achieve a textured finish.
Broom Finish
A broom finish is commonly used on driveways and patios and is achieved by dragging a broom over wet concrete to create more traction and texture. A rock salt finish is also a popular option and creates traction.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is achieved by pouring the concrete and impressing patterns on it before it has time to set. This can give the same effect of a stone or paved driveway for a fraction of the cost.
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Exposed Aggregate Finish
An exposed aggregate finish is achieved by washing the top layer of wet concrete to reveal the decorative patterns below. Exposed aggregate can enhance durability, slip resistance and add aesthetic appeal showcasing natural stone and pebble colours.
Coloured Concrete
If you want coloured concrete, your contractor will add the relevant pigment to the mix. Alternatively, you can stain or colour an old driveway. You could also use stencils to achieve a specific pattern.
Curb Appeal: Can I Buy Concrete Paint For My Existing Driveway?
While concrete paint exists, painting your existing driveway after it is already showing signs of wear and tear will only delay the inevitable. If you're listing your home for sale and just want to improve the entry appearance, a quick paint will suffice. However, it will quickly show signs of existing cracks and damage once in use. If this is of interest, you may want to look into a stained overlay for your slabs instead.
Call a Concrete Contractor: Why a DIY Driveway Project is a Bad Idea
Unless you have the skills, equipment, and special tools, it's best to leave your driveway to the experienced professionals. Proper installation (and regular maintenance) is key to keeping your new driveway in top shape, otherwise, you run the risk of bleed water, cracks, and stains.
If you don't know which concrete driveway finish to use or whether your perfect look is slip resistant enough, get in touch with a professional driveway expert!
Get a free quote from a concrete contractor today.
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