A coloured concrete driveway is one of the many ways you can make your home stand out. For the most part, many seem to overlook the driveway. It is a part of the home like the patio, kitchen, and garden. As such, it also needs attention.
In this article, we delve deeper into the specifics of this kind of driveway. Different factors to consider and even tips in choosing the colour give you more idea on what to do next. Read on so you’d get the guidance you need for having this kind of driveway to make your home unique.
Factors To Consider When Choosing This Type Of Driveway
The cost
Aside from the usual cost, having a coloured adds a little bit more to it. Of course, you have to factor in the other materials, chemicals, and tools needed to have it done. Expert concreters should know the best brands to use. Talk to them to know how much the added total expense is for such a project. This way, you can have it in the budget.
The purpose
This type (for the most part) appeals to aesthetics. As such, the consistency and tensile strength of the driveway remain the same. The colour added is to make it look more appealing and unique. Consider this when having such a kind of driveway treatment. If your end goal is to make it stand out, go and have the colour and design you want. Your concreter should know what to do.
The design
Here, the sky’s the limit. You can have any design you wish to incorporate. If you are working with a concrete expert, they know how to make the vision come to life. Make sure to state your clear intentions to them so nothing gets lost in translation. The last thing you want is to get charged for something that’s not desired.
The maintenance
We all know the natural colour of concrete. Know that as it is, concrete does need regular maintenance. This is to avoid cracking, dirt build-up, and others more. Now, more maintenance work should be in place when it has colour. On top of the usual maintenance work, you need to perform other steps to have it preserved. If this is something you don’t want to do, then such a kind of driveway is not for you.
Tips In Choosing The Colour For Your Concrete Driveway
It must match the colour scheme of your home
So this part may be a little bit subjective. The general rule is to have the driveway match the general scheme of your home. But, some homeowners want to stand out by veering away from the scheme. As long as it does not violate any residential code, then go for it. It’s your home and driveway anyway.
Consider your natural surroundings
Having a coloured type of driveway is a good way to match its surrounding environment. This gives the entire home an optical illusion of being one. It also makes it relaxing and pleasing to see. Try having a tinge of green if the grass is the dominant one around. Go for earth tones if it is surrounded with soil. Talk to the concrete expert of your choice to know what colour is best when unsure.
Make your driveway look wider and longer
We spoke about optical illusion in the previous point. To further stress the point, blending the colour makes everything seem wider. Needless to say, it makes the driveway look longer too. Concrete professionals know the best approach to achieve this effect. When done right, you might not even recognise your own driveway.
Light colours reflect heat, dark colours absorb it
So, what do you wish to happen? Being in an area that’s subjected to the cold winters and scorching summers, think of the priority. Either way is fine. But, many homeowners veer towards the latter.
When the heat gets absorbed, the immediate surrounding becomes a bit cooler. Though, there are others who want to make their home brighter and livelier. As such, lighter colours are favoured over darker ones.
Match the colour of the stamped pattern
The stamped design is the main focus of the entire driveway. As such, the colour must match it to make it stand out. Avoid using ones that are too bright or too dark. These hues may drown out the pattern and render it almost invisible.
A shade darker or lighter should work depending on the surroundings and the stamped design. The expert can help you decide on the colour palette to bring out the driveway’s character.
Design Ideas Of A Driveway That’s Coloured
Earth-tone concrete driveways
This is one of the more popular design choices for driveways. Since it is most of the time laid in soil, having an earth-toned theme is apt. It goes so well with its surroundings. At the same time, the driveway gives the entire home a rustic and earthy feel. The homeowner feels one with nature seeing all earth-inspired colours around.
The shade of gray
Here, the driveway adopts the stealth vibe. From earthy, it now becomes mysterious yet classy. Also, since the shade is a little bit darker, unwanted stains are not so visible. Such a design does not need heavy maintenance. As such, homeowners also prefer this style for being convenient and fuss-free. Put class and convenience together and you make an amazing driveway for sure.
Multi-coloured Type
The multi-coloured may be the avant-garde of driveways. Depending on how it gets done, it may either look eccentric or ideal. Of course, the final vision has to come from the homeowners themselves. If one wants to have a different take on driveway design, this could be it. Imagine having different colors blended so well to perfection.
It would make you feel like walking in a theme park or some lively amusement centre. Hey, even your kids may even enjoy riding their bikes along a bright coloured driveway, right? Talk to your concrete expert for more ideas. For sure you will have a blast with the concept.
It’s All About Your Preference
A coloured concrete driveway may not be for everyone. While some choose to be on the traditional side, others want to stand out. Sure, this type would give you such a distinction amongst your neighbours. If you want attention, this could be a good route to take. Seldom do you see driveways with colours in a given area anyway, right?
Now that you know factors, tips, and other insights, it’s easier to decipher if this type of driveway is for you. But, don’t stress if you still can’t make up your mind. There are concreters in Melbourne, like Melbourne Concrete Experts that can give you “expert” advice. So, go ahead and get the work started. It’s time to construct a driveway that’s worthy of a second (or third) look!