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.
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. Trowel finished concrete offers the ideal solution for those wanting a simple and sleek finished look, and requires the least amount of maintenance. If properly sealed by a professional, 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.
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. It's a great option for those wanting additional texture on a relatively restrictive budget, though it does require regular rinsing or pressure washing as dirt finds its way into the concrete grooves.
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. A great option for the budget-conscious renovator, the design patterns are hard wearing and offer strong stability under foot and tyre.
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. It is 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. By stamping the uncured concrete with different lines and textures, you are able to mimic materials like stone, timber, slate, tile, paver or brick without the added cost of installation and maintenance. Stamped concrete is great for anyone wanting something more unique while retaining all the structural benefits of concrete.
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. With many different forms of aggregate to choose from - stones, pebbles, granite, glass, seashells and other hard materials - exposed aggregate driveways are fully customisable. The process involves trowelling the aggregate/concrete mix, followed by a chemical treatment to postpone the setting of the surface cement, then thoroughly washing to expose the feature aggregate underneath.
Coloured Concrete - Grey concrete is an appropriate neutral choice for most homes, however your design 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. There are three key methods: Integral Colouration where pigment is added to the mix prior to pouring; Colour Hardener which provides intense colour and an extra layer of protection; and Dyeing for the brightest and boldest approach.
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 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.