A coloured concrete driveway might seem like a pretty simple feature to achieve. All you do is choose a colour, right? Well, not exactly. There are actually two types of coloured concrete, and you should know them both before you choose one for your coloured concrete driveway. Today we are exploring both integral and topical colours. We’re looking at the pros and cons of each method and which one you should choose for your driveway.
What is integral colour?
Integral colour is a powdered, granular or liquid formula that is mixed in with the concrete to produce an even, rich colour. The pigments that colour the formula are usually a blend of synthetic pigment and iron oxide. The most common colours in the integral colour range are browns, tans, greys and dulled reds (i.e. earthy tones).
Pros of integral colour
Integral colour has a number of pros:
- The main pro of integral colour concrete is that the colour doesn’t budge. Yes – even under harsh weather, surface abrasion or UV light, the colour in the concrete is permanent. This is perfect for a coloured concrete driveway as driveways are often exposed to the elements.
- Often, the colours that are available for integral colour are earthy-toned. This is a pro because these kinds of colours match well with most homes, making integral colour aesthetically ideal for driveways.
- With integral colour, the entire batch of concrete is evenly coloured at the same time, since the colour is mixed through. This means that there will not be any uneven patches of colour once the concrete is laid.
Cons of integral colour
The main con of integral colour when comparing it to topical colour is that there are not as many colour or stain choices available. However, as mentioned above, the colours that are available for integral coloured concrete are typically earthy tones. For a coloured concrete driveway, earthy tones are ideal anyway since they match the appearance of most homes.
What is topical colour?
Topical colour is a kind of stain or dye that is applied to the surface of the concrete after it has been laid. There are a few different types of topical colours and finishes. Three popular ones include acid stain, dye and water-borne stain.
Pros of topical colour
The main pro of topical coloured concrete is that there are so many options when it comes to colours and finishes. From dyes to acid stains, you will be able to achieve a wide range of looks for your driveway.
Cons of topical colour
There are a couple of cons in choosing topical colour for your driveway:
- While the choice is vast and varied, you should be warned: not all finishes are suitable for all areas of the home. It’s important to do your research and find out what will work best for your driveway. Replacing concrete is inconvenient and expensive, so you don’t want to make a mistake.
- Another con is that topical colour fades over time. Because topical colour is applied to the surface of the concrete, it is subject to fade over time. If you’re after a coloured concrete driveway, this is bad news because faded colour alters the entire façade of your home and will cost you more over time due to maintenance costs.
- If an experienced contractor does not apply the stain or dye, there is a good chance that the colour may turn out uneven. This is obviously not good for the overall look of your home’s façade.
What should I choose for my coloured concrete driveway?
The driveway is a high-traffic area and forms the most visible part of your home. For this reason, integral coloured concrete driveways Melbourne are ideal for most homes, as the colour is permanent and won’t require touch-ups. Over time, integral colour saves you both effort and money, while maintaining the same beautiful appearance as the day it was laid.
At A Better Driveway, we blend high-quality oxides into our integral coloured concrete, giving your driveway a lasting and elegant finish for years of use. With over 20 years of experience, you can trust A Better Driveway to handle your project with professionalism, honesty, and skill. Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve the perfect coloured concrete driveway for your home.