Style Canvas: Decorative concrete driveways

Question:
I have partially renovated a low set house, painted it white inside and out and am not sure how to paint the driveway or what colour would suit it (currently an ugly faded light terracotta). I need a colour that will be darker than white to hide dirt and marks, but not dark enough to look like dismal. The driveway is about 40m long and the entrance pillars are white. There are also steel posts around the veranda that would need to be painted, the fascia boards and under the veranda.
Styling advice
Of all the different types of decorative driveway finishes, such as acid stains, etching, overlays and stamped concrete, coloured concrete is one of the most hardwearing and requires very little maintenance. It should need resealing every two years at most. You should, however, remove stains as soon as possible. Use a pressure-wash to clean the driveway periodically to remove dirt or grime.

Here are some ideas to add interest to your concrete driveway.

(Image credit: Concrete colour systems,
Colours: CCS Black 21 and CCS Lemon crème)

Contrasting colours
A mix of colours: light concrete separated by bands of darker concrete as an alternative to traditional joint lines or a grooved finish.


(Image credit: Concrete colour systems,
Colours: CCS Pewter and CCS Paperbark)

Subtle, naturally coloured ripple pattern for a beach house using two different base colours for the driveway.

Top Layers
Cement driveways can have pebbles added to the top layer of cement. This leaves the pebbles exposed. Usually the pebbles are coloured to give a dimensional effect. Another approach is to saw-cut patterns into the top layer of cement.

Stamped concrete driveways
Less expensive than traditional pavers and natural stone, stamping can give concrete the look of cobblestones, canyon stone, brick, tile, slate or flagstones.

If the cost of doing the whole driveway is out of reach, borders are a less expensive alternative. Just adding a 6” border will make your driveway look more elegant. You can also add depth by using a contrasting colour in the border.

If it’s too expensive to redo your entire driveway in decorative concrete, then just add a stamped concrete apron for the first several feet of the driveway. With an apron, the entrance to your home will be more inviting, and you won’t risk having it look overdone.

Another way to spruce up your driveway is with plants. Well-designed landscaping can highlight or minimize a driveway, depending on the effect you desire.
Soften a long driveway with cobblestone edging that follows the treeline.

Tools & Tips:
The Concrete Visualiser is a helpful online tool that helps you select a pattern and colour for your driveway.

Styling advice for exterior colours:
I always advise clients to have the gutters the same colour as the fascia and the house because gutters aren't the nicest of things to see. Picking them out in a different colour draws attention to them whereas using the same colour helps them to blend in.
Most of the time I recommend using a single colour for the exterior but sometimes certain colours can look good together. Of course, it costs more to use two separate colours but sometimes it’s worth the expense.

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29 comments:

concreteperfect said...

Thanks for the information..........stamped concrete driveway

asphalt melbourne said...

Great designs! Wonderful concrete driveways - thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

When I first heard of decorative concrete contractors I had no idea what they were and to be honest it sounded kind of silly! I was stunned when I finally found out how detailed and pristine their work is. I just bought a new summer home and was looking for something to spruce up the patio. The decorative concrete floors were perfect for it! Thanks for sharing these pictures, my driveway is next and I was looking for some good ideas!

Terry James said...

I really like the look of the driveway edgings in the top photo....Good work!

Unknown said...

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Muhibul Haque said...

nice and informative blog indeed. I liked you writing really about concrete blog

Unknown said...

I want to cover up my gravel driveway with concrete. Since concrete is a liquid-type substance, will I need to "Frame in" my driveway, so the concrete doesn't spill into my yard? I just want to make sure I am pouring the concrete the right way, so as not to wreck my lawn.

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Unknown said...

I think that a decorative driveway can really bring together your yard. They have so many different designs and what not. It can be really cool. http://www.panoramaconcrete.com.au

concrete services nz said...

Quality concrete driveway services are key to enhance the elegant look of your outdoor. Selection of professionals is really an important factor because a rough job can degrade the look instead of making it better.

Unknown said...

Concrete Driveways option is best thing for home designing. It’s durable and sustainable. The person who looking for new and different design for home, they should search for range of colours and styles. Thanks for sharing Nice blog

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concreteguy411 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
baileydale said...

Awesome job.Thank you kindly for all the sharing! Learned a few very helpful things.

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concreteguy411 said...

Great blog on decorative concrete and why it should be utilized. Nice layout and informative.

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Unknown said...

Nice post, thanks for share.

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Jesus Mario said...

Amazing to see the endless possibilities with decorative concrete beside the strength and durability.

Thanks for sharing.

DiamondBlades4Us said...

Decorative Concrete Sealer and Densifier is cost effective way to update your home. One can easily restored Concrete floors to flooring that is so beautiful and full of character. You can also browse high quality of Concrete Floor Sealer at best price. Thanks

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jhon said...

rake, so i took pictures of my brothers driveway that we're using it on.farm fencing

John Brown said...

This is an awesome blog. I really liked this. Among all the tips I mostly like the “Styling advice for exterior colours”. I want to decor my house exterior and the backyard base design with concrete designs. You have mentioned concrete visualiser tool. I will try this to select the best pattern for the exterior design and driveway design. I have also chosen concrete basic patio design layouts for the backyard. I would like to share with you the link - https://www.difrancowaterproofing.com/amazing-backyard-stamped-concrete-patio-ideas-that-make-your-house-look-perfect/ Here I got some amazing backyard stampped concrete patio ideas.

jetrojmael said...

From what you describe, you will be making sample batches, representative of different strengths of poured concrete.Then by by putting the weights on them you will testing the strengths to fracture of each sample relative to the ratio of stone to sand.

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Pradeep Lamba said...

Wonderful post. Thanks for taking time to share this information with us.

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dan simmons said...

incredible blog with great designs perfect for Asphalt south wales

Jason Harper said...

These driveways are very creative. The designs look very contemporary and the collection is amazing. I am also working on
patio and paths. These designs are giving me some ideas. Thanks.

bigbentruckingltd said...

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Thanks for Sharing...
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max said...

an alternative choice is to seem for concrete contractors in supplier stores. as long as they provide contractors, it's certain that they know all the contractors in town. they will even offer you recommendations. There are stores who have their own contractor's team to whom you'll get an appraisal at low or maybe no cost in the least .
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Bence Parker said...

Nice blog, keep sharing such updates. Driveway installation service in Atlanta offers low cost retaining wall installation, concrete driveway repair services in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Roswell, Milton, GA.
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Kris said...

great

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