Concrete driveways can be poured by homeowners, but this is not an easy task. It is important to have enough time because concrete quickly hardens once it is poured. This is why professionals are often able to quickly excavate, prepare forms, pour and finish concrete surfaces. A professional crew can finish the job in a matter days. It takes homeowners a week to prepare and excavate, and another day to pour and finish. If the homeowner is brave enough to pour his concrete himself, it is vital to have a group willing and able-bodied workers on hand.
Concrete driveway prices are influenced by the size and thickness of the driveway. The driveway size will determine how much material is needed. An old rectangular driveway will be more expensive than one with brick pavers at the edges. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost per square feet is between $4 and $7 for a standard installation. This includes materials and labor. For a more complex driveway, you can expect to pay $8 to $18 per square feet.
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.
Color can be affected by weathering and dirt as well as traffic. The concrete can be resealed and cleaned regularly to reduce any color shifts. Even if the color is faded from years of neglect, or lack thereof, you can often restore it to its original condition by cleaning and sealing.
Stamped concrete can be used to create the appearance of stone, wood or brick. Concrete can be poured in molds with different designs to create any kind of pattern.
Concrete is not an easy material to install for large projects. Concrete driveways require a lot of labor. Professional installation is recommended for most people.
Stamped concrete can last for decades if it is properly installed and maintained. Stamped concrete can last longer than standard concrete in some cases. A sealer is applied to stamped concrete by contractors to protect it against wear and abrasion.
Concrete prices depend on the type and quality of concrete that you choose. Although most driveways have plain gray concrete, you can also add color and stamping to your driveway. These decorative elements are expensive but can make your driveway stand out. A stamped driveway costs $8-$15, while a stained driveway can cost anywhere from $6 to $12/square foot.
The color of stamped concrete can be affected due to weathering, efflorescence, dirt, and traffic. It is possible to minimize color changes by regularly cleaning and sealing the concrete. It is possible to restore the concrete's original color even if it has lost its appeal due to years or neglect.
A concrete apron is required by most municipalities to connect a driveway and the road. The apron is usually the same width as your driveway and covers the area where you build a sidewalk. This apron is often used by developers to prepare a new housing development. It's usually cheaper to build all of them at once. An apron is available for $3-10 per square foot if it does not exist. You can use them as public access spaces, but you should check with your local authorities to ensure it is built to code.
Concrete slabs require regular maintenance. Sealing is a must. Stains can be caused by oil and other fluids from vehicles that are hard to clean up.
Concrete slabs require regular maintenance. Sealing is a must. Stains can be caused by oil and other fluids from vehicles that are hard to clean up.
It is not recommended to install stamped concrete DIY. If you are short on time, it is impossible to complete it later. You also won't be capable of taking it apart and re-doing it. It's a difficult job. There are so many things you can do wrong. From sub-base preparation to concrete mix to gauging the right time to start stamping, and even finishing before concrete hardens. The stamping materials and tools you will need can be costly and not worth the cost unless you plan on using them for multiple projects. Here are the nine reasons concrete stamping isn't for DIYers.
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.