When we think of concrete driveways in Melbourne, we usually picture the typical smooth finish in light grey colour. Though it is elegant and appealing to the eyes, a bit of experimentation with the texture and colour can elevate the overall appearance of your driveway.
The driveway contractors in Melbourne install a wide variety of textured concrete driveways. They not only add to the curb appeal of your property but are also highly durable.
Keep reading the write-up to know more about textured concrete driveways and their benefits.
What is a Textured Concrete Driveway?
The driveway contractors create unique designs on the concrete before it dries to create decorative or textured concrete driveways. They also experiment by stamping concrete-laden pads on the surface to render a lush finish to the driveway.
To sum up, when the conventional form of smooth grey concrete driveway receives a makeover of unique designs and decorations, it becomes a textured concrete driveway.
What are the Types of Textured Concrete Driveways in Melbourne?
The driveway contractors in Melbourne can install textured driveways in multiple ways. You can discuss with them the wide selection and textured concrete driveway cost in Melbourne to determine which one works best for your property. Here we are compiling the most used textured driveways, so you have an elaborate idea of what it is and how they will alter the aesthetics of your place.
Stencil Concrete Driveway
The Melbourne driveways contractors utilise stencils to create a wide variety of designs on the concrete. These could range from absolute basics to custom designs wherein they use computer-designed intricate patterns to create stencils and envying patterns on the concrete driveways. The stencil concrete driveway can be a cost-effective replica of tile, brick or stone driveways.
Stencilling is a relatively quick process because the workers don’t have to wait for the concrete to semi-dry before decorating. They can pour the mix onto the stencils and remove it once dry, revealing a beautifully textured concrete driveway.
Stamped Concrete Driveway
The stamped concrete driveways utilise stamp pads to provide a definite pattern to the concrete that may replicate stone, tile, brick and sometimes even wood. Before stamping the pad, workers sprinkle colour hardener onto the concrete surface so that it absorbs the required hue. After that, stamping happens, and the workers finish the task by cleaning the residual and following the curing process.
Stamped concrete is a highly customisable process and is the primary choice for driveways, patios, pool decks and other outdoor areas.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveway
When the workers remove the concrete driveway’s top layer, exposing the decorative aggregates and rendering a rustic charm to the driveway, it’s the exposed aggregate concrete driveway. A grand mix of pebbles, stones such as marble, granite, quartz, limestone and even recycled glass or seashells are present in the concrete mix. When the upper layer strips, these components create an uneven, rustic yet colourful surface on the concrete driveway.
The exposed aggregate gives a skid-resistant base to the driveway; hence it’s also a popular choice for sidewalks, plazas, pool decks etc.
Trowel Finish
The driveway contractors use floats and trowels to create decorations on the concrete. The trowel draws swirls or different types of arcs on the surface. Your Melbourne driveway contractors can guide you with the right type of trowel to achieve the desired design.
Whether you want the design to be coarse, medium or smooth, all of that shall depend on the tool. So if you choose wood floats, they will create coarse textures, while the aluminium and steel will ingrain a more intense design with smooth finishes.
Broom Finish
Broom Finish is one of the easiest designs on the textured concrete driveway. The workers use a broom to create indents on the concrete enabling a skid-resistant surface. The intensity of the pattern shall depend on the type of broom bristles.
Broom texturing has been prevalent since man learned to use concrete because it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to create textures.
Rock Salt Concrete Driveway
The rock salt finish uses salt to leave a speckled pattern of indentations on the driveway. The concrete finishers spread rock salt onto the surface and press it with a float. Once the concrete is arid, they power-wash the salt revealing speckled patterns.
Rock salt concrete driveway in Melbourne and nearby areas is an excellent, low-cost way to create an aesthetic, skid-free area.
Advantages of Installing Textured Concrete Driveways
Textured concrete driveways are the first choice due to their aesthetics and convenience. Here is how you benefit by installing a textured concrete driveway-
- Choose the most suitable design for your property from a range of options
- Textures make the driveway non-slippery and safe
- Laying textures doesn’t add too much to the cost and is an affordable upgrade
- You only need a periodic power wash and sealer to maintain the textured driveway
- The textured concrete driveway lasts for at least 30 years
- Your driveway contractor can install it in just 1 day, depending on the area
- Concrete driveways can endure the heaviest vehicles without cracking
- Concrete is a sustainable material
To Sum Up
Textured concrete driveways are a cost-effective way of upgrading your property. So why not reach the best driveway contractors in Melbourne and provide a wonderful makeover to your residential or commercial property?
If there is more, you want to know about the textured concrete driveway and how it can benefit you to reach Roadseal Civil. We are a team of proud driveway contractors who work to keep the community going through our expert services. We shall gladly help you determine the pattern best suitable for your needs.
