Drive Way Options

Fromdownwest

Looking for your thoughts on a new drive way and path. The drive way is on a moderate incline.
I am thinking of stamped concrete, and maybe pave the path.
The path is currently just a lump of concrete that looks pretty bad, can concrete paths be painted? any recomendations of brands?

EssexExile

Personally I can't stand building materials that pretend to be something else - wood effect upvc, plastic roof tiles, fake timber cladding, stamped concrete etc. Looking around, stamped concrete doesn't seem to last very well, it chips too easily and the colour fades quickly. Yes, you can paint concrete but it will fade and if it gets damaged the concrete shows through.

FreeBear

Paint will chip and flake off concrete especially when outside. It can also be as slippery as heck...

If you want coloured concrete, use a dye mixed in when making it. You could also look at "exposed aggregate" - Done right, it can be a little more interesting than plain concrete. Mix in some dye for added interest..

Just watch the size of area that is being concreted - You need to pay attention to drainage and ensure rain runoff doesn't cross the boundary and go on to the road.

mandy47

Imprinted concrete on an incline can be very slippery when wet or frosty.

Ajmason42

You need to consider where will the water flow as well. There are regulations about discharge of water. There is. A good website called the paving expert who gives good overviews of the different types of paving etc. Agree with others not a fan of stamped concrete 

NeverTooLate

We had stamped concrete at our old house. It looks pretty good to start with but it needs a lot of maintenance to keep the look.

I (lightly) pressure washed it every couple of years then put sealant over it, then it was back to new.

Would I have it again - no.

Fromdownwest

Hmmm, back to square one! Thanks for all the reponses.
What would people recommend then?
The incline is down to thse house, french drain is there which is connected to mains run off, so that side of things are covered.

greyteam1959

Nicely laid block paving with some sort of a unique pattern could look good.

NeverTooLate

Large gravel kept in place with plastic grids and a nice stone/block path to the house and round the edges.

TELLIT01

Some councils insist that any new paving be permeable.  You should check that before making any decision.

casper_gutman

TELLIT01 said:

Some councils insist that any new paving be permeable.  You should check that before making any decision.

Often impermeable paving is ok if the water runs off to a soakaway. That adds to the cost though!