People planning to make a driveway invariably do some research before getting started with the job and it’s a good thing too — one must get into details. Their research also always tells them that there are two different types of concrete driveways — aggregate and solid. Both aggregate and solid have their advantages and disadvantages that become accentuated or disparaged depending on several different factors. Unfortunately, most people’s research ends here. Therefore, in this article, we dig deeper into the differences between these two types of concrete driveways and highlight the advantages of both.
A Brief Overview of Aggregate Concrete and Solid Concrete
Aggregate concrete, also known as exposed aggregate, contains gravel and stone chips in the concrete mixture. The stone chips and gravel are visible to the eye and give aggregate driveways their idiosyncratic texture. More importantly, those who choose to go with aggregate concrete can also pick any color and ask for it to be added to the exposed aggregate. This advantage appeals to those home and property owners who want their driveway to complement their landscape.
Solid concrete, on the other hand, as the name suggests is solid and does not contain anything within itself. However, it is far smoother than aggregate concrete, making it easier to clean. Unfortunately, the fact that aggregate concrete is not as smooth as solid concrete works in favor of aggregate concrete as it makes to the former slip-resistant and therefore, safer than solid concrete.
How’s Aggregate Concrete Different from Solid Concrete?
In this part, we discuss the differences between aggregate concrete and solid concrete.
Aggregate Driveways Looked Better than Solid Concrete Driveways
As discussed above, aggregate concrete cannot only be given any color, it also contains various materials within itself, which give it a textured and decorative look. Solid concrete, on the other hand, is solid and flat and mostly grey in color. However, solid concrete too can be given any color. Solid concrete can also be turned into stamped concrete to give it a more prominent texture and patterned look.
However, aggregate concrete offers owners more natural color options and is, therefore, often the preferred choice of homeowners.
Installing Solid Concrete Driveways Is Easier than Installing Aggregate Concrete Driveways
Between the two, installing solid concrete is far simpler than installing aggregate concrete. The process of aggregate concrete installation is time-consuming and tricky. Once aggregate concrete is poured and smoothened, it must be sprayed with specialized chemicals while it is still wet. Once this part of the process is done, aggregate concrete must stay covered for an entire day, post which it must be power-washed to get rid of the pasty and soft concrete layer on top.
Aggregate Driveways Are Harder to Maintain
Whether you like it or not, all kinds of concrete are susceptible to cracks and damages. However, aggregate driveways are more likely to develop cracks and deteriorate with time than solid concrete because of the presence of stones and pebbles that get dislodged with time.
Key Takeaway
Both aggregate concrete and solid concrete driveways have their advantages and disadvantages. While aggregate concrete is more decorative and safer, solid concrete is easier to clean and maintain. Property owners should decide between the two based on what advantages matter to them the most.
Give Flat Rock Concrete Construction, Inc. a call today! Our office numbers are (248) 379-0250 or (586) 726-6091!