We talk a lot about exposed aggregate in our articles — and even mention coloured concrete from time to time. And, whilst there’s no denying the benefits of exposed aggregate being used for driveways in Melbourne, concrete is a very personal thing. You want to be 110% happy with the result as it’s going to be there for a while.
Textured concrete is an alternative option that has several often-overlooked benefits that some people admire. So, today we’re going to explore all the key facets of textured concrete including its advantages, styles and cost-effectiveness.
The foundations of textured concrete
Textured concrete is a fairly straightforward type of decorative concrete that typically consists of a single slab of concrete (cuts may be made into the piece to help mitigate any cracks, however). Before the concrete has a chance to dry, specific designs are laid into it either by hand or with a concrete saw — providing a unique result.
Overall, textured concrete doesn’t take very long to lay down meaning that you can start using it much sooner than other types. Realistically it’s simply laying down a single slab, applying the design, and sealing it. It sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, the process can become more intricate depending on the type of design you want.
Some are harder to do than others and require precise skill in order to properly achieve the desired result. Because the design is applied manually, though, a textured concrete driveway will definitely stand out amongst the other plainer driveways in your neighbourhood — not to mention the fact that your property’s value will increase.
Similar to stamped concrete — but not quite the same
The short answer is no, it isn’t the same. Whilst the two concrete styles are similar, some elements differentiate them. For starters, stamped concrete is created by stamping a tool with a template of the design onto the wet concrete — as opposed to applying the design manually. This provides a more regimented finish that will look identical every time.
Stamped concrete is also laid down in multiple slabs so the finished product will look accordingly instead of a single, solid piece. Because of the way stamped concrete is placed, textured concrete ends up being a far more interesting and unique style since the hand-finished design will give you an individual look each time.
Still concrete — still highly durable
Melbourne driveways endure a number of elements all year round — but you won’t have to worry because textured concrete is just as durable as most other concrete types. It will stand the test of time as long as you follow some basic maintenance practices such as:
- Sweeping it regularly;
- Resealing it every three or so years;
- Refrain from using any de-icing agents or other chemicals; and
- Try to avoid/clean up oil or petrol spills.
A cost-effective option
This is the area where textured concrete surprises people as it’s actually very cost-effective. If you’re looking for the aesthetic of a costly type of concrete, but your budget won’t allow for it — then textured concrete is the next best thing. It will resemble tile, slate and even stone (amongst other styles) driveways for a fraction of the cost. You’ll still end up with a durable product and it will still look the part.
Greatly versatile
As we mentioned above, textured concrete can be made to imitate almost any high-end driveway solution. Beyond that, though, there’s almost limitless potential for any design you may be after. All you have to do is let our Melbourne-based driveway experts know what you have in mind and we’ll work to make your dream a reality. You can even opt for a hybrid of coloured and textured concrete for a more distinctive result.
Are you looking for professional concrete contractors in Melbourne?
A Better Driveway has years of experience providing premium concrete driveway solutions in Melbourne. Our contractors will work with you to ensure that your dream driveway is visualised and then realised. We always communicate clearly and effectively and will work around your schedule to complete the job as unobtrusively as possible. From textured concrete to exposed aggregate — A Better Driveway is your single source for all concrete driveway solutions.
If you have any questions or would like to contact us regarding a quote — then please don’t hesitate to call 0412 537 776 or fill out our online enquiry form.