The Best Type of Concrete for Driveways on the Gold Coast
Concrete has been around for thousands of years. It is durable, weather-resistant, and resists cracking when mixed correctly. That’s why it is the construction material of choice for many residential and commercial property owners. But concrete is not just for building houses or buildings. It is a fantastic material for installing a driveway thanks to its durability and ability to handle a wide variety of vehicle weights.
Today we’re going to learn more about the best type of concrete for driveways. Our professional concreters on the Gold Coast will discuss the different materials so you can see which one is ideal for your home or shop. Let’s begin.
Good ol' concrete
Driveways don’t need to be complicated. If you want a strong yet inexpensive driveway, then a smooth concrete one just might be the thing you need to complete your home.
Concrete driveways are made by mixing water with aggregate, cement, and sand. Installation is pretty straightforward, and you have to wait for at least 24 hours to a couple of days before you can let anyone tread on your new driveway. But remember that it’ll need at least 10 days to cure before you roll your vehicle on that driveway to prevent any damage.
Tip from our concreters on the Gold Coast: you can also have the concrete driveway polished or coloured to make it stand out.
Want some texture? Then check out exposed aggregate
Exposed aggregate lends a touch of elegance to any driveway. It has a unique texture and finish, too, thanks to the decorative river stones and other aggregates mixed in with concrete. It lasts a long time, and it is slip-resistant, making it ideal for places that receive lots of rain. Plus, it is easy to install, and it adds a touch of style to your property.
What makes exposed aggregate a favourite among homeowners is the ease with which it can be maintained. Simply sweep it every day to get rid of dirt and debris. But if it gets caked up with mud or it gets oil-stained, then it’s time to hose it down or have it pressure washed.
Patterns and more patterns with stencilled concrete
Another type of driveway that is a close cousin to the standard concrete driveway is the stencilled one. To create that stencilled look, your contractor will simply lay out rolls of vinyl stencil over the surface and trim the sides. After wet setting the stencil on the surface, a colour hardener is then sprinkled over it.
Using a steel trowel, the labourer ensures that the colour hardener sets into the surface completely. After applying a release agent, the rolls of stencil are then removed, revealing a patterned look on the concrete floor. Our expert team of concreters on the Gold Coast recommends this is if you want a driveway that looks quite similar to cobblestones or you simply want the surface to look unique.