If you want to make the exposed concrete driveway right to the house entrance, call the suitable contractor who can perform this task in the best way. There are many individual claiming to perform the task but in reality, only a few of them can match the requirements and specifications. You can also try the DIY route to install the driveway and make sure that the task is performed with impeccable accuracy:
Exposed Concrete Driveway |
First Step:
One of the first steps would be to pour exposed concrete to make the material solid and strong. In order to perform the task, you need to ensure that the 6 inches of gravel are mixed with the concrete base. It is considered as the foundation of the aggregate packing enormous strength. You should use a shovel or rake for spreading the gravel evenly. It is important to ensure that the concrete is able to hold its own even when the traffic is very high.
Smoothing of Surface:
The next step would be to smoothen out the surface to a great extent. Concrete should be spread out using the towel. You should not pour the mix right on to the top of the concrete form because in such cases the surface may look uneven. It is vital to leave an inch of space between the concrete form and the poured substances. It plays an important role in providing space to the aggregates and to the addition of the strength.
Gravel Handling:
One may have to spread the gravels evenly as they are poured over the wet concrete. You can also use the stiff broom to swipe the gravels on one side and redistribute them according to the desires and preferences. In order to sink them into the surface using the wooden plank. By pressing it into the tiny pieces, one can easily accomplish the task. While doing the job, do not apply excessive pressure but wait for the concrete to dry up as it holds the gravel with maximum force. Once the mixture is dried after 2 hours, then use an appropriate tool to roll on it and get the impeccable surface.
Installation:
Installation of an exposed concrete driveway is not a simple process but by following the below-mentioned steps, you can create a decent driveway:
Planning the exposed concrete driveway is the key for the homeowners, therefore find the exact position of the installation and then mark it with an appropriate chalk. Exact dimensions are important to perform the task with reasonable accuracy. You can also excavate the path and tie all the stakes together in a string.
Exposed Concrete |
Removing the turf is the next step in your installation process. Dig the ground till a depth of 8 inches and level the soil by eliminating all the stones from inside. It is important to lay 4 inches of gravel and make sure that every material is laid out on the same level. Protrusions may impact the installation of the exposed concrete driveway; hence the surface needs to be smooth so that the structure is strong and long-lasting.
Creation of concrete forms is the next step that has to be taken into account. To build the forms, homeowners may have to use lumbers as these are ideal for an exposed concrete driveway. You also have to place the boards on the stakes buried in the concrete however in case of bends laminated options can be used.
One of the important factors that you need to keep in mind is that the stakes need to always below the top of the concrete forms because they form a very strong base.
After pouring the concrete, you can level the surface and make it smooth. You should perform the task twice to extend the longevity of the driveway. Greystone color can be ideal options for the users.
Make sure that you consider these above-mentioned points when getting your exposed concrete driveway installation done.