Concrete slabs need to be sealed and maintained annually. It is possible to stain concrete with oil or fluids that have leaked from vehicles.
Concrete can also be poured if you desire a smooth surface. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It works well for large spaces or areas that are unusually shaped.
Concrete manufacturers began using modern decorative concrete techniques as far back as 1890s. Brad Bowman was the "father", of modern concrete stamping. He developed and patents new techniques to produce concrete that resembles non-concrete material like flagstone and wooden. He used wooden platform-stamped that could simultaneously imprint multiple pieces concrete.
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.
Pavers and slabs can have a similar look to stamped concrete but are made from smaller pre-poured tiles. This gives homeowners more control over the style, design, and appearance of their installation.
The concrete must be floated before it can be finished. The concrete is poured, then smoothed by the finishing crew. They use a variety of tools and techniques to smoothen the concrete. There are two options for smoothing the concrete surface. Excessive floating will cause it to crack or weaken. A low amount will give the slab a more industrial look. This is when skilled workers can add decorative finishes to the slab.
Concrete driveway cost is influenced by size and thickness. The driveway must be larger than the driveway. A traditional rectangular driveway will run less than one that is curved with brick pavers on the edges. HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost per sq foot for a standard installation is between $4-$7. Expect to pay $8-$18 for a more complicated driveway.
If installed correctly, stamped concrete is very resistant to cracking. Even if stamp concrete does experience some cracking, it is often difficult to see because cracks often blend into the pattern or joint lines. There are many ways to conceal cracks that become an eyesore. Check out Why Concrete Cracks to learn the basics of how you can minimize cracking and maintain good performance.
Most commonly, stamping happens on freshly poured concrete. You can cover existing concrete in good shape with a stamped overlay. This will give you the same look of conventional stamped concrete. Learn more information about stamped concrete overlays.
Concrete is a favorite material for driveways. Concrete slabs are strong and long-lasting and require little maintenance. Concrete is a good choice for large areas of paving because of its strength and durability. Concrete driveway surfaces are more expensive than asphalt or gravel. However, it is significantly less expensive than driveways made with cobblestone, brick, or concrete pavers. It also lasts much longer than these.
Natural stone patterns like flagstone, slate, and fieldstone are the most well-known types of stamped cement concrete. Close behind are bricks, cobblestones and wood patterns. There are also seamless stamped that add texture to the concrete, but with no joint patterns. Even complex projects with stairs and fountains, you can still press patterns into concrete.
Concrete driveways offer strength. Concrete driveways will withstand any vehicle, provided they are installed correctly with reinforcement and the right base.
Stamped concrete can be more difficult to maintain over the long term. To maintain its best appearance, stamped concrete will need to be resurfaced or replaced by homeowners every 20-30 years.
Stamped concrete is a great option for aesthetics. There are so many color and pattern options. Many people find inspiration in their home's architecture and look for patterns and colors to match the existing stone or tile. For example, if you have brick walls, you could try emulating them with a plain brick-patterned border or choosing a pattern and color scheme to tie in with the rest of your landscape.