4 things you should know before painting a concrete driveway

How much does it cost to paint a concrete driveway?

To figure out how much it will cost to paint a concrete driveway, you must first determine what material the driveway's surface is constructed from. Different kinds of concrete driveway materials will need different sealing processes. 

Asphalt and concrete driveways should be re-sealed every couple of years to ensure that they last as long as possible and remain in good shape. Depending on the quality and size of the driveway surface, painting it might cost anywhere from $30 to $60 per square metre.

Because the entire lifespan of asphalt driveways is dependent on climatic conditions, deciding when your driveway should be sealed is a challenging task. For instance, solvent-based acrylic sealers, water-based acrylic sealers, polyurethane sealers, and epoxy sealers are some of the sealers that may be used on your driveway.

The typical cost of a sealer is:

• Acrylic sealers based on solvents: 20L/$180
• 20L of water-based acrylic sealant for $149
• Polyurethane sealers come in 20L volumes and cost $220.
• Epoxy sealers 20L cost $220

The spread rate of concrete sealer is typically 80m2 – 100m2 per 20L drum, and a satisfactory seal usually requires two applications.

4 Things to Know Before Hiring a Concreter

1. Cost of Concreting 

How much does concreting cost? Concrete is used for many purposes, from roads to house slabs and everything in between. The numerous design possibilities, unique effects, and flooring selections are all incredibly appealing.

Concrete can cost anywhere between $50 and $150 per square metre, depending on the amount of labour necessary, the type of finish utilised, and the size of the project. You may anticipate paying between $200 and $300 per cubic metre.

• The cost of spraying concrete ranges from $50 to $75 per square metre.
• The cost of plain concrete per square metre ranges from $60 to $85 per square metre.
• The cost of coloured concrete varies between $100 and $150 per square metre.
• The price per square metre for exposed aggregate or a decorative stencilled finish ranges from $100 to $150.

2. Type of Service You Need 

A concreter is an expert at constructing a variety of constructions out of cement or concrete. This comprises, among other things, home slabs, building foundations, roadways, paths, and sidewalks. Concrete masons are another name for concreters. Pouring, sculpting, polishing, finishing, and painting concrete are some of the ways they finish their job. Moreover, concreters utilise specialised equipment and supplies to do their task.

Furthermore, concreters are responsible for the following tasks:

• Cutting concrete into chunks for removal
• On-site mixing of sand, cement, water, and aggregates
• Putting concrete in place with concrete pumps
• Concrete resurfacing 
• Cleaning the concrete that has become dry and filthy
• Concrete polishing
• Allowing for expansion and contraction by cutting joints into the concrete
• Digging base trenches
• Strengthening concrete by reinforcing it
• Building constructions
• Pergolas, greenery, and pools
• Concrete treatment and repair

3. Materials Required for the Project 

You may add patterns, colour, and texture to your landscape by using the correct paving material. In reality, there are several varieties of driveway and paver materials from which to choose. Concrete driveway components are now blended and treated with other materials to produce smart garden surfaces. 

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of concrete driveway materials.

Option 1: Stone

Stone is the most opulent and sought-after concrete driveway material for your driveaway ideas. Stone is a versatile and long-lasting material that yields a high-quality finish. Stone pavers are available in a variety of sizes, hues, and forms. They have an uneven form and may be utilised in a variety of garden environments. The cost of concrete stone driveways is determined by availability and quality.

Option 2: Sandstone

Sandstone is an excellent all-around driveway material. Sandstone is another popular option for fans of Pennsylvania Blue and Colorado Red. Sandstone is available in a variety of hues and forms. Lilac grey and blue grey are the most popular colour combinations. Keep in mind, sandstone demands significantly more upkeep than its alternatives.

Option 3: Gravel

If you're looking for a low-cost option, gravel is the way to go. This driveway material has a nice texture and is very easy to put together. However, gravel's sole drawback is that it can become unstable and difficult to walk on.

Option 4: Slate

Slate is another concrete driveway material that stands out for its colour and texture. Its lavender, blue, grey, and subtle crimson tones are incredibly beautiful to look at and walk on.

If you're not sure what concrete driveway materials to utilise, consult a professional concreter. 

4. Finding Licensed and Insured Concreters 

There are several professionals to pick from, each with different pricing and expertise to meet your budget and requirements. Specialists are valuable because of their efficiency, high-quality craftsmanship, and specialised equipment in their field. Moreover, concreters must have a specialist concreting licence or a builder's licence in almost every Australian state.

However, before hiring a concreter, make sure to check licences, insurance, and whether they will offer a written quote and references. To determine a baseline pricing for your unique task, seek estimates from at least three different concreters. 

Whether you wish to use sprayers to paint the concrete driveway with driveway paint, you should ask your expert if they are capable of doing so. It's not the same as mixing etch primer and applying it with a paintbrush, wire brush, or roller. While this form of painting is useful for huge projects, it may not be essential in all circumstances. So, enquire about their level of experience with this sort of job.

Further Reading

• What is Coloured Concrete?
• Helpful Tips for Hiring a Concreter
• Easy Backyard Maintenance: Quick Ways to Spruce Up for Summer Now