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.
Concrete is often mistakenly called cement. However, cement refers to only one component of concrete. Concrete is a mix of different types of stone aggregate, which are held together by a mixture water-based binder (usually Portland cement). Cement is a powder made of limestone and clay. Depending on the concrete's intended purpose, the size of the concrete mixture may vary. Concrete is typically made with small-sized aggregates. However, finer sands are possible for smoother work and better finished surfaces. A mixture of gravel and sand-sized aggregates is the most common mixture used for driveway slabs, sidewalks, or other paving surfaces.
Stamped concrete is also possible to be used with other decorative elements, such as exposed aggregates or acid staining.
Later, platform stickers would be made of aluminium or sheet metal. Bill Stegmeier, founder of Stegmeier Company, discovered in 1956 that a powder used to enhance concrete's antiquing properties also prevented concrete stamps adhering to it. This opened up new possibilities.
Stamped cement is poured on-site, molded, installed, and removed when it's dry. Wet concrete is poured into desired spaces, and molds are then applied to the top layers to form the desired pattern. It can also poured into molds to make tiles or cobblestones.
It is not uncommon for new driveways to require extra work in order to prepare the ground for concrete pouring. Trees, rocks, and uneven ground will all be removed. If the terrain slopes naturally from the house to a street, the contractor will grade the driveway to ensure drainage. The cost of any heavy equipment needed during site preparation is extra.
Concrete driveways can last between 25 and 50 years depending on how well-built they are and how well maintained. A basic concrete driveway that is laid on a gravel foundation by a professional crew can be purchased for $4-10 per square foot. A 16 x 38 driveway will cost you $3900. This is compared to $6 per square feet on the national average. If you choose to have the driveway stamped or colored, these costs could nearly double. You will pay slightly more for the removal of an old slab.
Concrete that has been stamped or textured is concrete that looks like brick, slate flagstone, stone tile, tile or other textures. The ancient Romans started stamping concrete for different purposes. Concrete used to be stamped with years and contractor names during public works projects. However, in the late 20th century, the term stamped concrete became synonymous with decorative concrete. It is concrete that has been poured with modern techniques and can be used in driveways or patios.
If concrete gets wet, it can become slippery. Concrete may not be suitable for areas that receive frequent rain or are near pools. Concrete can expand or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures. Concrete may crack or warp due to high heat or freezing temperatures.
Stamped concrete quickly became a standard component in many building projects. Jon Nasvik, an American manufacturer, invented lightweight and strong urethane concrete stamps. He developed plastic stamps to imprint both pattern and texture onto wet concrete. This improved efficiency.
Ready to install concrete driveways? The average cost of a concrete driveway is $3,000 in the US, and can range from $1,800 to $6,000. You can protect your landscaping, reduce erosion and increase curb appeal by making a concrete driveway investment. Because the material is easy to use and affordable, traditional concrete driveways are very popular. Concrete driveway costs depend on the size and thickness of your driveway. However, labor costs and other structural factors will impact the price. Professional driveway contractors have the ability to work with terrain while laying a durable concrete driveway.
Concrete is strong and resilient to extreme weather. Concrete is an excellent choice for landscaping design. However, homeowners do not always prefer concrete poured plain.
Another problem is that stamped concrete tends wear down, especially when it is subject to heavyweight or constant traffic. Pavers and driveways need to be resurfaced about every 5 to7 years.
Most municipalities require that a concrete apron be used to connect a driveway with the road. It typically has the same width as the driveway, and it includes the place where a sidewalk was built. This apron often comes in handy when a developer is preparing a new residential development. Aprons are available at an average cost of $3 to $10 per squarefoot if there is not one already. These are public spaces and should be checked with the authorities.