Decorative Concrete
Whilst driveway paving has always served a functional purpose, nowadays more and more of us are opting to go with colourful and decorative options as a way to complement the existing design of our homes. Driveways need not be completely plain, and a little planning and research could leave you with something that matches your home and draws interest to the most important area of your home – the area that everyone can see from the street!
What Material Should You Use?
If you want to decorate your driveway then it may be a good idea to use cement as opposed to asphalt. Whilst asphalt is typically the cheapest option when it comes to driveway paving, cement will usually come with more decorative options. Bear in mind that cost will be added on depending on the options you choose, as decorative cementing is priced higher than regular cement or asphalt.
Coloured Cement
One of the easiest ways that people try to add interest to their driveways in by using coloured cement. The good thing about cement is that it is durable and non-slippery, and generally lasts longer than using traditional asphalt. It need not be the traditional colour but can be integrally coloured.
Integrally coloured cement means that a colour has already been added to the ready-mix concrete which means that the slabs will be tinted with the colour. This colour may fade over time, though applying a sealer to the concrete can increase the durability of this method. Another option could be to use chemical staining, which uses stains that bond colour to the surface of the concrete. This is a good idea for existing surfaces as well as newly laid surfaces.
Exposed aggregate is another method used to colour concrete. It consists in pouring the concrete then washing off the very top layer of cement. The surface left will be non-slip and rugged and can be stained in a variety of different colours. This layer should then be sealed for maximum durability. It will provide a unique look in comparison to the other colour methods mentioned here.
Other Decorative Options
Stamped concrete is another method which can make your driveway look less plain that traditional concrete. When the concrete has been laid, imprints are made into the wet surface in order to recreate the outline and texture of bricks. It can also be made to replicate paving such as cobblestone, and as such can add character to the front of your home. Similarly, you can use concrete scoring as a way of creating the appearance of grout tiles and to create patterns.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you ask for a quote that includes these decorative options. They will usually cost a couple of pounds extra for each square foot that needs paving, making them a very affordable way to increase the aesthetic quality of the outside of your home. It is always a good idea to find a contractor who specialises in this kind of paving to ensure the best results.
