Because it can be slippery, polished concrete is not recommended to be used for outdoor driveways. Concrete driveways can be left unfinished or have a textured, broom or exposed aggregate finish. This gives the driveway a natural look. The cost to install a plain finish is $6-$8 per square foot. Other basic finishes are $8-$12.
Concrete driveways do not have to be rectangular or square. You can add a half circle to improve access or an L-shape if your garage is not directly facing the street. A contractor will need to create the forms for curved designs. This ensures that the edges are durable and smooth. Sometimes homes are built on steep slopes that are difficult to level. This means extra labor and time are required to finish the driveway properly. Contractors can assess the concrete's foundation and pour concrete to maintain the correct grade.
Concrete's color can be affected from weathering, pollution, dirt, and other factors. By regularly sealing and cleaning the concrete, you can reduce color change. Even if your concrete color has declined over the years due to neglect or lack of maintenance it can be easily restored to its original form by cleaning and resealing.
You should wait at least one week before driving on the driveway and at least one month before parking large vehicles on it. You should wait a few months before sealing the concrete.
Stamped concrete became a popular component of building projects in the 1970s as a result of the growing demand. Jon Nasvik, a concrete stamp manufacturer, developed lightweight and long-lasting urethane stamps in the late 1970s. Later, he developed plastic stamps that could imprint texture and patterns on concrete. This made the process more efficient.
Concrete is an economical option when you consider its longevity. It's possible to only have a driveway completed once per homeowner.
A driveway for one car that is 10 feet by 20ft in size could run from $800 to $1600. However, a driveway larger than 24 feet by 24 feet will cost between $2,300 and $4,600. The costs of stamping decorative designs into concrete will go up. Concrete driveways typically measure 4 inches in thickness. However, if you have large vehicles or heavy equipment to park on them, you might need to increase their thickness. Concrete is generally sold cubic yards. Concrete costs on average $125 to $150 per yard.
Stamped concrete, also known as imprinted or textured concrete replicates stones such slate and flagstone, brick, tile and brick. It's popular for beautifying patios or driveways with its many color options and patterns. It is also more affordable than other paving options and requires less maintenance.
Every concrete driveway will need to be repaired at some point. They will need to be replaced every 30-40 years.
Concrete can look dull and boring, but it can be colored or stamped to make it unique.
Stamped concrete will require more maintenance over the longer term. Most homeowners will have to have stamped concrete resurfaced and replaced every 20-30years to keep it looking great.
It is not recommended to use polished concrete for outdoor driveways as it is slippery when wet. For a more natural appearance, most poured concrete driveways will be left smooth. For $6 to $8 per square feet to install, a basic finish can be used. The other basic finishes range from $8 to $12.
Stamped surfaces are durable and can last for many decades, even when placed properly and well maintained. Sometimes stamped concrete is more durable than normal concrete. If a color hardener was used at the time it was poured, this can make it even more durable. Stamped concrete is also protected from wear and abrasion by most contractors. It's easier to maintain.
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.