decorative concrete

 Hi maybe this is the wrong place (who knows) ?

i am looking to get my drive etc done with decorative concrete  has anyone here had this done , what do you think of it and can you recomend anyone ?

pac1

Hi, we've looked into the pressed concrete effect that i think you're talking about. It's quite expensive and from the research I've done, it seems that it does require maintenence over time as it discolours.

Personally, we;ve decided to use a simple standard cement and have a decorative brick edge border around it with expansion joints spaced within the terrace to allow for movement.

what quotes have you been getting for this out of interest. From memory i think the cheapest we had was about € 26 pm2 - sounds ok but when you add up how much you need it's a fortune (at least it is on a drive as large as ours.

Regards, Carl

 Hi, yes it's not cheap but if it is done well the effect is excellent (hormigon impreso). One of the main reason why if fades over time is that the colour is not mixed properly with the cement  or sprinkled too thinly and it is eventually worn away with use. I have seen it used in places which get far more wear and tear than a drive way such as nighclubs and leisure centres. So if it is done properly you shouldn't have any problem even if you decide to use colour. Expansion joints are the main key here so go to an expert company that deals with this product as I have seen quite a few botch jobs and cracking from projects done by people who say.." yeah that's really easy I'll do that much cheaper for you...". Once you have a crack straight through your drive it suddenly isn't very decorative anymore. When done well the effect is spectacular and the colouring of the concrete has a level of skill to it as well. So choose carefully. There are several good companies in the Valencia area further out I couldn't help you..

regards

Our urbanization has this all over the place and it is a mess. Badly done in the first place, colour fading   and patchy it looks terrible and where repairs have been made the don't match. I'm sure when done well it is fine but I wouldn't consider it now.