When it comes to curb appeal, a splash of colour can go a long way. Concrete has been used for years on driveways and patios, as well as in-car parks that need a durable, long-lasting surface. However, today’s homeowners are changing the conversation and taking the outdoor décor up a notch with seamlessconcrete.com.au products. Concrete can be coloured in numerous ways, and each offers its own finish and includes its own considerations. Regardless of the method or colour that you choose, from a simple tan to a beautiful chocolate marbled look, there are plenty of reasons that this trend should be on your to-do list. Here are five of the top ones.
1. You Can Colour Existing Concrete
For a quick refresh, staining is a great option. You can use concrete stains to colour existing patios, walkways, and drives on your property to breathe new life into your home’s outdoor appearance. Whether you’re choosing to do this to match the new coat of paint on the house or just to upgrade the landscaping and curb appeal a bit, it’s a great choice because it is affordable and can create a dramatic look without a huge investment.
Some people opt to have completely new stonework done or concrete poured in their home when it’s time for an upgrade. This can be expensive and time-consuming, and if you have concrete that is still in good condition, it doesn’t make sense just to get rid of it for no reason. Therefore, some homeowners will talk to their contractors and decide that a simple stain to change things up is the way to go.
2. Coloured Concrete Has an Extra Layer of Protection
Regardless of the colouring method used, the fact that concrete is coloured adds a layer of protection and durability to the finished product. As opposed to unfinished one that is often porous and easily damaged, one that has been mixed with colour or stained is going to be extra durable, and much less porous which means it will last longer over time and be less affected by the elements. Dyes, stains, and pigments alike all create additional chemical protection and give you a product that is every bit as durable as it is stylish.
3. Low-Maintenance Materials
Just like traditional concrete, coloured one is very low-maintenance when compared to a lot of other stone options out there today. More people are choosing concrete because it can be installed, stained or coloured, and then sealed to offer a surface that will stand up to the elements for a lot longer than people think. This is also going to add to your resale value because the next owner won’t have to worry about maintenance as much since you’ve done the work of installing or colouring the concrete for them.
4. Coloured Patios and Drives Can Tie Designs Together
When you have a limited budget and you are trying to incorporate all of your outdoor spaces, simple changes can go a long way. Colouring your patio or driveway is a great way to incorporate new and existing landscaping, tie in the paint or trim of your home, or even create a pop of colour that is a focal point in and of itself, giving your home an entirely different look. Strictly from a design aspect, coloured drives and patios can do a lot to make your home stand out and integrate all of your landscaping and outdoor spaces.
5. Colours Can Add Depth and Dimension to Patterns
The other popular trend in concrete right now is stamping, which can create unique designs and add texture to any driveway or patio. There is a variety of stamping styles and designs to choose from, and some companies will even create a unique design every single time. When you choose to use stamping and colours, you will create even more depth and dimension to your concrete, giving it an even more impressive finish than if you only used stamping or colouring on their own.
Why settle for boring concrete when you can spend a little extra and get unique designs and patterns that offer as much functionality as they do style? There are so many different options to choose from that everyone should be able to find a combination that suits their tastes. Plus, again, some companies will even take your ideas and input and create a customised design that will get noticed and make your outdoor space one of a kind.
How to Choose Your Concrete Options
There is a lot more to consider when investing in new concrete than just choosing a quality material and finding a reasonable price. When it comes to colouring, you will want to consider the methods available as well as what types of colours you can choose from. The methods used for colouring concrete include dyeing, staining, and using colour hardeners and pigments that are mixed with the concrete before it is poured. Each has its pros and cons, so you will want to talk to a specialist before you decide on your final design.
Pigmenting brand-new concrete pours will give you the highest quality result and allow you to have the most options for colours and finishes. However, if you want to save some money and make a quick upgrade, as mentioned above, you can invest in a stain or dye process where professionals will come out and colour your existing space. Usually, this costs around $5-$10 per square foot but may vary depending on the size of the job and the prep work required.
Now that you know more about why coloured concrete is the trend to have, you can check out the available options and find the one that works best for you. Talk to specialists to learn more about each colouring method and decide how you want to proceed. Now that you know a little more about what to expect and the benefits that come from colouring concrete or having new coloured concrete installed, it will be easy for you to invest in your own outdoor space.
