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Concrete is by far the most durable and versatile material for driveway construction. Completely customisable and resilient against Australia’s vast array of extreme weather elements, it is the resounding favourite for Aussies.
While choosing concrete for your next driveway renovation is an easy decision, selecting the type of finish you’re after might be a little trickier. Not only do they each have differing aesthetic qualities, but also their own pros and cons depending on how you use your driveway, where you live and any budgetary requirements.
Troweled Finish
Troweling flattened concrete creates a smooth, refined finish. Providing a more luxurious, yet hardwearing, final product. The finish can be achieved by hand or machine, and driveways will typically be completed by hand unless the area is exceptionally large.
Trowel finished concrete offers the ideal solution for those wanting a simple and sleek finished look. And this driveway will require the least amount of maintenance, with most dirt and debris washed away with a quick hose down. Plus, if properly sealed by a professional concrete service, it can last you around 30 years.
However, troweled concrete’s smooth finish can make it quite slippery when wet. So it is less than ideal for any sloping driveway or surface.
Broom or Brushed Finish
Broomed or brushed concrete involves brushing freshly poured concrete with a specialised broom to create small ridges. This can be done in a variety of brush strokes and patterns, providing a unique design feature and greater traction control.
Brushed concrete driveways are a great option for those who want some additional texture or flair but are working with a relatively restrictive budget. However, they do require a little more upkeep than some of the smoother finishes. As dirt will find its way into the concrete grooves, it will require regular rinsing or pressure washing.
Swirled Finish
Much like a brush finish, swirl finished concrete driveways are a simple and affordable option while still providing an exceptional looking product. The scalloped pattern is generated by smearing the concrete surface in an overlapping circular motion. You can also add individuality by altering the depth and shape of the swirl.
A great option for the budget-conscious renovator, the design patterns are hard wearing and offer strong stability under foot (and tyre). But it does carry similar drawbacks to the brush finish where it needs constant upkeep to maintain its elegant appearance.
Polished Concrete
After a showroom finish for your driveway and garage? With the right property, a polished concrete driveway can help create a high-end look across the entire home.
A polished concrete finish can be applied to both new and existing driveways and is achieved by mechanically grinding the concrete surface to create a smooth finish, in either gloss or matte. It is then typically sealed with special chemicals to protect it from water damage. While you can treat or grade the polished concrete to minimise slipping, it is still recommended that only flat driveways be given the polished concrete finish.
Stamped (or Stencilled) Concrete
One reason to use concrete for your driveway compared to other materials is that it’s easy to create a uniform finish across an entire area. No lumps and bumps, uneven dips or separation. However, you may still be after the aesthetic of a stone, timber, slate, tile, paver or brick.
It’s still possible to get the benefits of both. By stamping the uncured concrete with different lines and textures, you are able mimic these other materials without the added cost of installation and maintenance. There’s a growing number of stencil designs with increasingly elaborate patterns available, giving rise to endless possibilities for your driveway renovation.
Stamped or stencilled concrete is great for anyone wanting to create something more unique for their driveway, but still wants all the structural benefits of concrete as well as good traction and safety in the wet.
Exposed Aggregate Finish
Exposed aggregate driveways bring a decorative, textured aesthetic to your home’s facade. They are also slip-resistant, durable and long-lasting. Making them a solid investment.
With so many different forms of aggregate to choose from – stones, pebbles, granite, glass, seashells and other hard materials – exposed aggregate driveways are fully customisable to accommodate whatever style you’re going for.
The process involves trowelling the aggregate / concrete mix, followed by a chemical treatment within 24 hours to postpone the setting of the surface cement. The surface is then thoroughly washed with water to remove the top layer, exposing the feature aggregate underneath.
Coloured Concrete
Grey concrete is an appropriate neutral choice for most homes, however your design or personal preferences may call for something bolder. A splash of colour on your driveway can help set your home apart while maintaining a timeless curb appeal. And it’s relatively inexpensive but can bring plenty of extra value to the property.
There are three key methods to colouring concrete.
1. Integral Colouration – a pigment is added to the concrete mix prior to pouring to create a uniform colour once set.
2. Colour Hardener – this provides an intense colour to the concrete surface and provides an extra layer of protection against the elements.
3. Dyeing – the brightest and boldest of all three approaches. You must be sure about your colour choice before commencing to avoid disappointment.
Installation is fairly straightforward for a professional and colours can range from light pearls and whites to vibrant reds and oranges, or even bluestone for a more polished slate look.
No matter your design or functionality requirements, there is a style of concrete driveway to suit your every need. You can also apply more than one technique mentioned above to create something truly eye-catching. To discuss the endless possibilities for building your new driveway, contact the concrete driveway experts at Aussie All-Stars.
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