Concrete is a cost-effective option when you consider the long-term benefits. It is possible that you will only need a driveway once in the lifetime of your home.
Later, platform stamps were made from sheet metal or aluminum. Bill Stegmeier, of the Stegmeier Company in 1956 discovered that a color-powder used to give concrete an antiquing effect also had the ability to prevent stamps sticking to concrete. This opened up new possibilities.
A single-car driveway of 10 feet x 20 feet can cost $800 – $1,600. On the other hand, a larger driveway of 24 feet x 24 feet costs between $2300 and $4600. If you decide to stamp decorative patterns in concrete, your costs will be higher than those averages. Concrete driveways are typically 4 inches thick. However, you may need to increase this thickness if your vehicle or equipment is heavy. Concrete is generally sold by the cubic meter. The average concrete yard cost is between $125 and $150
Concrete is a preferred material for driveways. Concrete slabs are extremely durable and sturdy and require very little upkeep. Concrete slabs have a high value price for large areas. Concrete is more expensive to use as a driveway surface than gravel or asphalt. But it is far less expensive than driveways made out of cobblestone, brick, and concrete pavers. Concrete also tends to last longer than all other driveway materials.
Concrete is not the most beautiful building material. However color-etching, stamping, and other options are available. These decorative treatments are more time-consuming and require more maintenance than plain concrete.
Each feature has many benefits. However, some designs are better than others in certain circumstances. Let's take a look at what to do when choosing stamped concrete or pavers for your backyard.
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.
Concrete is not the most DIY-friendly material. Concrete driveways are difficult to pour, so it is best to hire a professional.
Floating concrete is a key part in the finishing process. After concrete has been poured and smoothed, the final crew uses a variety or tools to smoothen and polish the concrete. The surface's smoothness will depend on the amount of floating. It will also determine how strong the slab will be. If there is too much floating, it will make the slab look rougher and more industrial. This is also when skilled workers are able to add decorative finishes or colors onto the slab's surface.
It is durable and lasts longer than most other paving materials and requires less care than those it replaces. The average frequency of cleaning stamped concrete and sealing it should be every 2 to 3. This is dependent on the amount of foot traffic, weather, chemicals, weather, and other factors. You can do a basic clean with a garden hose, pressure washer, mild detergent and a pushbroom before sealing. Color hardeners or sealers strengthen the surface and make it more resistant to abrasion. They also block the penetration water, stains, dirt, and chemicals. It is a good practice to clean up oil, grease, and any other spillages as soon as possible. Contact us to learn more about sealing and cleaning stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete is more slip-resistant than traditional concrete due to its texture. The only problem is that it can slip if it gets wet, or if there has been a film-forming sealing agent. It is possible to make stamped concrete slip-resistant if it will be installed near a pool deck or entryway. If you are worried, speak to your contractor.
Concrete driveway costs are almost half the cost of labor. The average cost of concrete driveways is between $4 and $7 per square feet. If that price is higher, labor costs will typically be $2 to $3 per sq. foot. Concrete costs are the remainder. The concrete forms will be built by laborers. If necessary, rebar may also be added. Concrete is then laid and smoothed out. The forms can be removed once the concrete has cured.
Concrete design is done on site so you can control the design and color. Concrete layers may include cement coloring in order to achieve the desired look.
Concrete pouring can be more difficult for driveways under construction. Trees and rocks will need to be removed and uneven ground leveled. To ensure drainage, contractors will grade driveways that are naturally sloped from the house to the street. Additional charges may apply for heavy equipment that is required during site preparation.