Concrete driveways can be considered virtually maintenance-free, but it's important to keep them sealed and clean. A stiff brush and a hose can do the job, while concrete sealer adds a layer of protection. Sealer should not be applied more than once a month. You should seal your driveway in the fall, especially if you live near snowy areas. This will make sure that the slab is resistant to salts and winter storms.
Stamping is typically done on newly poured concrete. An overlay that is stamped can be applied to existing concrete. This will give it the same look as regular stamped concrete. Learn more about stamped overlays for concrete.
Concrete driveways don’t have to be square or rectangular. Depending on your space, you might prefer a half-circle for easier access. Or, you could opt for an L-shape to allow you to access garages that don't face the street. Curved designs will be more expensive to install because a contractor must create them. The edges should be smooth and durable. Because some homes are built on a steep slope, it is difficult to level the driveway. Contractors are skilled in assessing the concrete foundation and pouring the concrete at the right grade.
Contractors will lay rebar in a foundation for driveways that are likely to support a heavy load, or receive a lot more traffic. The contractor applies rebar or wire mesh to the concrete forms. After the concrete forms are poured, the wet concrete will be poured on top. This creates a reinforced surface. Because of the additional materials and labor required, laying rebar can cost an additional $1 to $3 per square feet.
Concrete producers began to experiment with decorative concrete techniques in the 1890s. Brad Bowman, who is considered the "father of modern concrete stamping" in the 1950s, developed and patent new methods for concrete that resembled nonconcrete materials like flagstone and wood. He used wooden platform stamps to imprint multiple pieces at once.
Stamped concrete has a lot of options when it comes to color and patterns. Many people draw inspiration from their homes or the architectural style of their surroundings and choose colors and patterns that work well with tile, stone, and textured concrete elements. If you have a brick house exterior, you can either echo that theme by using a simple brick-patterned borders or a pattern and colour scheme that blends in with the landscape.
Pavers however, need some care to remain in their best condition. Sealing the tiles is done by filling the space between pavers with sand. These can eventually wear away or become unusable, so tiles will need re-sealed.
Stamped concrete requires more care over time. It will be necessary to have the concrete resurfaced or renewed every 20-30 years by most homeowners to maintain its beauty.
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 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.
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 don’t have to be square or rectangular. Depending on your space, you might prefer a half-circle for easier access. Or, you could opt for an L-shape to allow you to access garages that don't face the street. Curved designs will be more expensive to install because a contractor must create them. The edges should be smooth and durable. Because some homes are built on a steep slope, it is difficult to level the driveway. Contractors are skilled in assessing the concrete foundation and pouring the concrete at the right grade.
Stamped concrete creates the appearance of brick, stone, and wood. Concrete can be poured into molds with varying designs to make any type of pattern.
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.