Strides have been made in the way of pavers and stone for retaining
walls and walkways. Larger, flat surfaces such as patios or driveways
are often overlooked. They shouldn’t be!
Once when I was out and
about I visited a friend and was welcomed by a creative, concrete
carpet. No longer strictly utilitarian, the driveway captured one’s
interest immediately by transforming the average into art.
For
some people variety is the spice of life; for others, uniformity creates
order. This driveway incorporated both—three different patterns,
changing with the bends of the road.
Leaving
the highway, the dirt road connected with the concrete drive imprinted
by cobblestone forms (available from most home and garden retailers).
Passing through a few trees, the second section of concrete was cut and
stained to look like large terracotta tile. Into the next bend the
cobbled form was continued and highlighted by two large parallelograms,
offset and embedded with pebbles to create texture and color. The final
approach returns to the large faux tile pattern surrounding a decorative
star,
I was impressed with the surprise and beauty of the work
and visited at length with the owner about the process and difficulty
for a homeowner to decorate concrete. Much of this work was done as the
concrete was poured—the forms for the cobble effect impressed on the
semi-set concrete.
Staining the tiled area was completed over two months using two coats
of stain (apply the second coat when the first is dry) and three coats
of masonry sealer. Four years have passed with cars driving on the work
and it is time to refresh the stain and seal.
Many
of you may prefer a simple concrete makeover. A neighbor took a simple
brick patio, created some curves, poured some concrete, and in so doing
improved on an existing feature. Adding usable space and a safer walking
surface, the contrast between the angular, old red brick and wide
curves of grey cement have changed the face and feel of the patio.
Whatever
the size, experience reminds me to plan for a project. Books give step
by step instructions for the DIY-ers. Benefit from the knowledge and
help of one who has successfully completed similar projects. Two heads
are better than one and many hands make a job light!
No comments:
Post a Comment