You can add a border to your standard concrete driveway to give it some personality. A border made of bricks or paving stones can be used to enhance the look of a concrete driveway. You can expect to pay $6-15 per linear feet to add a brick- or stone border. These borders are usually installed by driveway contractors. Bricklayers can also be subcontracted.
A homeowner can pour a driveway by themselves, although it can be difficult work. Because concrete hardens quickly after it has been poured, time is crucial. It is best to hire professionals to do the excavation, prepare forms and pour concrete quickly. A professional crew can complete the project in a matter of days. For excavation, preparation and pouring, it usually takes a homeowner a week to do. It is important to have a team of willing and capable helpers for homeowners who are brave enough to pour their own concrete.
Plain concrete can look rather boring. However, concrete can be colored and stamped for a unique and beautiful surface.
Concrete driveways are considered almost maintenance-free by many people. However, it pays to keep your driveway sealed and clean to make sure that it lasts a long time. The cleaning can be done with a stiff brush, a hose, and a concrete sealer. Sealer should be applied once a year. To ensure the driveway will withstand winter salts and other harsh weather, it is best to seal your driveway in the fall.
Stamped concrete is also known as textured concrete or imprinted concrete. It replicates natural stones such as brick, tile, flagstone, slate, and brick. It is popular for landscaping patios, driveways, and pool decks due to its wide range of color and pattern options. It's also a cost-effective paving option and requires less maintenance than other options.
Concrete driveways don’t have to be square or rectangular. Depending on your space, you might prefer a half-circle for easier access. Or, you could opt for an L-shape to allow you to access garages that don't face the street. Curved designs will be more expensive to install because a contractor must create them. The edges should be smooth and durable. Because some homes are built on a steep slope, it is difficult to level the driveway. Contractors are skilled in assessing the concrete foundation and pouring the concrete at the right grade.
Stamping is usually done on freshly poured concrete. A stamped overlay can be used to cover existing concrete in good condition. This gives it the same look and feel as traditional stamped concrete. Learn more about stamped concrete overlays.
Budgeting for concrete driveways costs requires you to take into account a few additional factors. Additional work may be needed to stabilize the driveway, or specialty designs might need to be considered.
Are you ready to put a concrete driveway down? You'll need a concrete driveway to replace your existing driveway. The average driveway cost in the United States is $3,000 and ranges from $1800 to $6,000. The concrete driveway is a good investment as it will protect your landscaping, prevent erosion, and improve your curb appeal. Concrete driveways that are made from traditional concrete are popular because they are easy to install and cost-effective. Concrete driveway costs will vary depending on how large and thick the driveway is. But labor costs, shapes, decorative elements and structural requirements all play a role in the final price. Professional driveway contractors can manage the terrain while laying long-lasting concrete driveways.
You should obtain several written estimates before you hire any contractor to work on your business or home. Also, make sure to check out their references. It is important that you find a contractor who can show samples of their work as well as a portfolio for stamped concrete. Many decorative concrete contractors have their samples on display in their showrooms. You can also visit the contractor's site, which often has photos of their projects as well as a description about the type of decorative concrete that they specialize in.
Concrete driveways need not be just a square or rectangle. Depending upon the space available, you may choose to add a circle or an L-shape for garages that aren't directly facing the street. Installing a curved design is more costly because the contractor must make the forms. Some homes are built on a slope which is impossible to level, and extra labor is required to complete the driveway. Contractors have the ability to evaluate the foundation of concrete and pour it at the right grade.
Wait at most a week before driving down the driveway. Also, wait at minimum a month before parking any heavy vehicles. Allow concrete to dry for at least one month before sealing it.
Concrete driveways are usually functional for between 25 to 50 year depending on how durable they were built and how well maintained. A basic concrete driveway, laid over a gravel base by professionals will cost between $4 and $10 per square feet. A 16 x38 driveway would cost $3900. The national average is $6 per square foot. However, the cost of a stamped or colored finish can easily double. If you have to remove a slab from your home, expect to pay slightly more.
Stamped concrete can be poured, molded and installed on-site. The concrete is then poured into the desired area and the molds are applied to the top layer to create the desired pattern. You can also pour it into molds that are shaped to give the appearance of cobblestones or tiles.