Concrete may not be the first material that comes to mind when you’re looking to bolster your curb appeal. However, this durable and versatile construction material is probably more aesthetically pleasing than you think.

A whole host of fancy mixtures and eye-catching designs can transform an ordinary old concrete driveway into an open-air work of art. As a result, you’ll get the affordability and durability of concrete combined with outstanding aesthetics to rival the priciest materials on the market. So how exactly can you use concrete to make your front yard shine? Let’s delve into the details!

Get a Coloured Concrete Driveway

Why install a plain Jane option when you can get a beautiful coloured concrete driveway instead?

Coloured concrete driveways come in a wide range of tones to complement any home. And by thoroughly mixing oxides right throughout the concrete, a skilled contractor will achieve a  vibrant colour that will last for decades to come. Best of all, coloured concrete driveways are no less durable and easy to maintain than their neutrally-toned counterparts.

Get a Stamped Concrete Driveway

Another attractive option is to stamp your driveway, which involves imprinting patterns to resemble slate, brick, stone, or other expensive-looking textures. That way, you get the cost-effective and durable nature of concrete with the aesthetics of another material. The style, which first became prominent in the 80s, uses a method of stencil and slate paving to create a lovely textured finish.

Contractors often combine the method with a specific colour for maximum effect. For example, you could stamp orange concrete with a brick pattern to mimic the real thing. Stamping a fancy decorative border around the edges is another way to enhance your driveway’s curb appeal.

Get an Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Opting for an exposed aggregate driveway is another way to obtain elegant aesthetics at a minimal cost. To achieve the dazzling look, a contractor mixes glass chips, gravel, or other finely crushed materials into wet concrete. They then remove the upper layer to uncover the aggregate material underneath.

Exposed aggregate enhances the look of concrete for a very reasonable cost; hence, it has become one of the most popular options on the market. The technique is especially effective at complementing weatherboard, brick, and rendered homes.

Use Concrete to Complement Your Home Exterior

Although all these different styles look flash, you mustn’t draw attention away from the rest of your home. Rather than being the star of the show, the aesthetically pleasing concrete driveway will subtly reinforce the overarching style of your exterior. Aim for a colour that complements your façade. Brown and tan, for example, look fantastic alongside a red brick home.

Also, use stamping that complements the style of your home. Earthy natural stone textures will look great in a charming old country estate. Geometric patterns on the other hand, are better suited to modern homes with neutral tones.

Add an Engraving

If you’ve already got a functional concrete driveway but aren’t too thrilled about how it looks, then consider engraving. A contractor will use heavy hardware to slice patterns and designs into your existing driveway, then apply a concrete stain to add a fresh touch of colour. It’s a cost-effective solution for when you want to enhance your curb appeal without opting for a whole new driveway.

Apply a Concrete Overlay

Another way to spruce up your existing concrete driveway is to give it a new overlay. The process involves adding a fresh new layer of concrete on top, which you can stamp or stain as you please.

The top layer is usually around three-quarters of an inch thick, which makes the process relatively straightforward and affordable.

Create a Focal Point

Adding a focal point to your driveway is a sure-fire way to enhance its overall aesthetics. A tailor-made focal point of your choice can be engraved into a new or existing concrete driveway to draw attention towards a particular area.

There’s no limit to the designs you could use. Nautical stars, compass points, floral patterns, numbers or letters, and medallions are some of the more popular options. Avoid adding anything personal if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Simply Driveways

If you’re looking for concrete driveways in Melbourne, then get in touch with the experts at Simple Driveways today. The friendly and knowledgeable team can advise on a wide array of cutting edge methods to elevate your curb appeal to the extreme.