Driveways are an excellent addition to any property. It adds value, appeal, and is an excellent investment in general. The only problem with this is that people who do not have driveways would never consider adding it to their property, missing the opportunity of adding more value to their homes. Fortunately, concrete structures such as driveways are relatively inexpensive. Not to mention the fact that these concrete driveways are quite durable, making concrete driveways an even more cost-effective option for home improvement projects.
When visiting a home, the driveway is frequently the first thing that visitors or potential buyers notice. It should be welcoming, clean, and in good repair to make a good first impression. This can give potential buyers the impression that the rest of the property will follow suit. Concrete’s durability, lower maintenance requirements, and longer lifespan (when compared to asphalt) all contribute to its overall value.
Concrete, the most commonly used material for driveways, is extremely versatile and can be used to achieve a variety of looks. Stamping and coloring allow concrete to mimic the appearance of natural stone, brick, or pavers at a fraction of the cost. A concrete driveway can also be customized with custom designs to give any property a distinct entrance.
Concrete Driveway Cost
The cost of a concrete driveway ranges from $8 to $18 per sq. foot, depending on the decorative colors and finishes used. While the installation of a plain gray concrete driveway costs between $5 and $7 per square foot. Concrete is ideal for achieving the appearance of stone or pavers without the high cost.
The possibilities are endless, so a property owner can create a one-of-a-kind driveway that improves the curb appeal of their home. Obtaining quotes from concrete driveway contractors in the area is the best way to determine the exact cost of this project. Location, size, decorative elements, potential reinforcement, and removing the existing surface can all have an impact on that price range.
Ideas and Design for Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a highly adaptable material that can be stamped and transformed into a wide range of patterns and designs. Color can also be used to transform concrete, which is no longer limited to the standard gray color. Nowadays, the project may employ a variety of ideas that can be achieved by using chemical stains and concrete dyes to meet the desired color that any project may require. There are various driveway design ideas that homeowners may choose from and such can be executed very well with the help of experts for this type of project.
Concrete Paver Driveway
Concrete pavers are a popular construction material for paving driveways, walkways, patios, and other surfaces. The cost of a concrete paver driveway can vary greatly, with professional service accounting for the majority of the cost that comes from such installation. This is a labor-intensive project that can be done by hand and result in significant savings.
Although natural stone pavers are the most expensive paving material, concrete pavers are a close second and have the same prestige as clay brick pavers. Concrete pavers, while not as strong as real cobblestone, are more durable than clay brick pavers and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Concrete pavers can complement almost any home design, but the appearance is quite uniform. Natural cobblestones or clay brick pavers are more visually appealing for older, more traditional home styles, but whatever is preferred by any homeowner, it surely will complement any home’s garden setup as well.
Driveway Design Ideas
There are numerous products and methods for bringing any concrete driveway to life. These driveway ideas can improve curb appeal by matching the color of a driveway to any style or turning it into a colorful work of art. Making a decision can be difficult with so many colors, pattern options, and styles to choose from.
Stamped Concrete Driveway
Another popular design most homeowners gravitate towards is having a stamped concrete driveway. Stamped concrete is also known as textured concrete, which is decorative concrete that has been imprinted to look like natural paving materials such as flagstone, stone, slate, brick, tile, wood, and so on. Having this method for stamped concrete driveways is less expensive than the paving materials since it mimics and will give the driveway an authentic appearance.
Colored Concrete Driveway
Colored concrete driveways can be created in a variety of ways. Because it produces such a distinct result, staining concrete is a popular method for transforming driveways. There are numerous colors to choose from that can completely transform the appearance of a property.
Engraved Concrete Driveway
Concrete etching is a technique that will completely transform the appearance of a once-plain gray slab. Concrete engraving is a treatment that involves the use of tools and equipment to etch styles into existing concrete. This lessens the worry of most homeowners since it will not wear over time because the design is carved into the existing concrete rather than being added on or laid on top.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is one of the oldest methods of concrete driveway design options, having been around for nearly 25 years. Although exposed aggregate is still a popular method, contractors and homeowners are experimenting with new ways to lay it.
Sawed or Grooved Patterns
Almost any pattern can be sawed or grooved into concrete. Some homeowners stain the individually cut areas in a variety of colors to blend and improve their exterior appeal. There is no need, however, to stain the concrete to add interest; most homeowners prefer to saw patterns into their existing gray slab; even simple lines can dramatically change the look of your driveway and add that finishing touch.
It is a well-known fact that concrete is extremely durable. This works well with driveways, which require a high level of durability. Concrete driveways can withstand the required strength year after year. The driveway’s ability to withstand all of the elements also demonstrates its long lifespan and in installing one, a homeowner can decide whether or not to seek services from a professional contractor.
To ease the burden associated with the installation of concrete driveway, Grand Rapids Concrete Contractor is glad to offer its wide range of services to transform any homeowner’s vision into reality.