Concrete yields a near endless supply of ideas for the home and garden. It can be used to create fantastic countertops and sinks, beautiful flowerpots, pavers and even driveways. With a wide array of concrete colorants, you can have the look of natural stone or even high tech mirror finished surfaces. When sealed and taken care of properly, concrete products and finishes can give you many lasting years of use.
River Driveway
Create a truly unique driveway by creating rocks, fish and plants with paint and concrete colorant. Shade areas carefully to add depth and give the illusion of three-dimensional plants, animals and natural debris. To make the setting pop, build a real working waterfall and pond at the head of the driveway. Line the edges of the driveway with plants, logs and natural mulch. Use as high a gloss sealant as available to help the treatment look constantly wet.
Art Deco Driveway
For the art lover, try painting bold and bright shapes throughout the driveway. Line various brightly colored shapes in dark colors. Add sparkle with aggregate additives for extra flair. This finish works especially well with retro landscaping themes.
Pebble Driveway
After laying the concrete, add a layer of your choice of colored pebbles into the surface. Press rounded stones firmly into the surface of the wet concrete. They should ideally be buried halfway so they do not pop out later. Seal the driveway with a good quality outdoor high-traffic concrete sealant.
Black and White Tile Driveway
Add instant impact to the driveway by painting large black and white tiles. If the black and white paint is too much of a contrast for your tastes, try more natural and muted tones of gray, blue, brown or cream.
Yellow Brick Driveway
Paint brick shapes using a sparkling golden yellow paint. For a cute addition, try stamping red shoe and dog footprints throughout the driveway leading to the main walkway. This treatment will feel like no other place but home.
Solid Colored Driveway
Stain the driveway a solid color such black or gray for a more traditional feel. To step away from the same old hues, try bright purple or a soothing pink treatment. Seal the surface very well.
Flower Power Driveway
Paint brightly colored blossoms throughout the driveway to provide instant happy pep to passersby. Instead of bold colors, you can use muted tones of grey, black, white and blue.
Hollywood Footprints
While the concrete is still wet, place your and your family's foot- and handprints in the concrete. Use a sturdy stick or stamp to write your names under each imprint.
