Decorative concrete provides plenty of ways you can customise it for your driveway. However, sometimes you can be faced with too many options, so it's hard to choose. To help you decide, here are several ideas to consider.
Borders
Installing a border will add zing to the design. You could opt for stamped paving and use two contrasting styles. For example, fit a herringbone pattern on most of the driveway. On the side, install a simple border of end-to-end rectangles. The straight lines of the edge will contrast with the diagonal lines in the centre to give the concrete visual appeal.
Alternatively, install a rock salt texture for the central area and a stamped faux red brick border. This layout provides a way to subtly incorporate bricks into the paving. If your house is brick, the landscape will feel unified.
Consider ways you can add interest using colour contrasts as well. For example, set charcoal edging against a beige driveway. You could consider your house's roof colour and echo that shade in the paving. Matching the outside wall colour may be too bland. However, it depends on your landscape.
Unexpected Contrast
Another way to design your driveway is to use unexpected contrast. For example, build a driveway with alternating bands of smooth concrete and exposed aggregate. If the landscape is rustic and natural, you could opt for curved bands. You may, however, prefer a stylish geometric pattern of large sections of broom-brushed concrete separated by straight lines of exposed aggregate. The difference between smooth and bumpy will prevent the driveway from looking lacklustre.
Steps and Paths
Another thing to consider when planning decorative concrete is the pathway and steps that lead to your front door. Harmonising the path with the driveway will give your home a polished look. You could repeat the style of one part of the driveway design, such as the border. Concrete steps can also be customised to match. Contractors can press step liners or moulds onto the face of the steps to give them texture and use a softer version for the top of the steps.
Concrete can even be fashioned to mimic ceramic tiles in modern or heritage styles. If you have a tiled front porch, you could blend the path and steps with that feature.
You can get ideas by wandering around your neighbourhood and noticing the paving as you go. A concrete company can replicate the look of materials like stone, brick or timber.
Share4 August 2022
Pouring concrete isn't necessarily as straightforward as it looks. Depending on the land, you have to make multiple adjustments ranging from laying a layer of gravel to putting in moisture barriers. Then, depending on the size of the concrete pad, you may need to add steel reinforcements. After the concrete has dried and cured, you may decide to add sealants, do an acid wash or play with other finishes. Then, of course, there are differences between pouring concrete inside or outside. In this blog, I hope to cover all those issues and more. If you're looking for tips and ideas, take a look at these posts. Whether you plan to hire a concrete contractor or do the work yourself, it can help to know this information.
