Curb appeal is one of the most important aspects to your home’s appearance. “Hardscaping” is a term used to refer to the hard surfaces outside your home such as patios, driveways and walkways. These design elements are important to the curb appeal of your home, and certain techniques are available that can give your concrete a makeover and breathe new life into old material. Concrete retrodesign is a new “hot topic” among renovators, as it provides long-lasting value for your home with a relatively small investment.
One technique you can use is that of adding a pattern to freshly poured concrete. The concrete is imprinted with a pattern using a stamping tool designed specifically for this material. You can get creative by adding color through a process called “layering” in which dyes and stains are used to achieve multi-tonal effects similar to staining woodwork. Another pleasing aesthetic is that of aggregating, which is a process in which large rocks are dropped into wet concrete and then the stone is exposed, showing the inside of the stone and its makeup. This can provide a stunning visual effect for a patio or other hard surface.
Old Concrete May Need a Facelift
Do you have some old concrete that needs a facelift? If your existing driveway or patio is in good condition and does not have any cracks, it could be a candidate for engraving. A machine the size of a lawnmower that is equipped with a diamond blade is used to score lines and circular patterns into the concrete, giving the same appearance as the patterned concrete. Another way to give old concrete a new look is to apply a decorative overlay which is typically a blend of cement, aggregates and resins. Once blended, the product is applied over the existing concrete and is excellent for filling pits and covering discolored surfaces.
If your budget is tight, an easier and less expensive method is to cover the existing concrete with paver bricks which requires less time, skill and money. The method is relatively simple and can be completed in a weekend. It provides a beautiful result for a fraction of the cost of new concrete.
Whatever your outdoor hardscaping needs, the professionals at Juniper Landscape Company in San Diego can help you get the results you want. No job is too big or too small. Juniper Landscape Company is family-owned and operated and has been serving the San Diego area for over 40 years.