Melbourne driveways the best of both worlds – durability and design. They can be molded into virtually any shape and aesthetically matched to your home’s architectural style. Unlike asphalt, which cracks and develops potholes over time, a well-installed concrete driveway is durable and can last 30 years or more.

Although many homeowners choose a standard light gray concrete option, today’s innovations in concrete allow for endless possibilities. Your contractor can add tints or stains, stamps, engravings and other details to customize your driveway’s surface. This allows you to express your style and complement or contrast with your home’s colors, exterior wall color, garden or landscaping.

For advanced curb appeal, opt for a stained concrete driveway. Its staining gives it the appearance of natural stone, but at a fraction of the cost. This type of concrete has a wide range of colors available, so finding one that matches your landscape and decor is easy.

Durability Meets Style: Why Concrete Driveways Are the Perfect Choice

A concrete driveway requires a base made of a combination of gravel, crushed rock or sand to provide support and promote drainage. The base should be compacted to ensure a uniform density and grade, as well as properly sloped away from your house and garage to avoid standing water.

A non-reinforced concrete driveway should be four inches thick for passenger cars and five inches thick for heavy vehicles. It should be slopped toward the street at a rate of 1/8 inch per foot to eliminate standing water. Your contractor should use joints to control cracking, but random cracks may occur throughout the life of your concrete driveway.