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Tame Your Garden With Concrete

Gardens and outdoor areas can be a lot of work, but you can easily tame your garden with decorative concrete.

Regardless of how large or small the area, landscaping is an exciting makeover process that gives a sense of order and personalised style to your outdoor space.

One of the most effective materials for landscaping is concrete, which can be used to turn any backyard into a modern and inviting garden oasis.

Decorative concrete options such as coloured concrete and exposed aggregate with natural stone can be used in a wide variety of ways to add beauty and functionality, from paths and patios, to retaining walls and pool surrounds.

These are just some of the tips for using concrete to tame your garden, and create a low-maintenance and welcoming outdoor area.

Paths:

Concrete paths are one of the simplest ways to bring order to a garden and draw the eye to a linear passageway through the outdoor area.

Using decorative concrete gives any space a sense of individuality and structure.

You can select from a range of concrete colours and finishes to create landscaping that complements your home and the local surrounds.

The use of decorative concrete isn’t limited to the backyard. Coloured concrete and exposed aggregate are popular options for decorative concrete driveways too.

Plants and foliage:

Concrete planters and pots can be used to bring order and form to a garden, while creating a neutral and natural colour palette.

Textured concrete such as exposed aggregate can be used to decorate empty corners, or to create a focal point in a patio.

Vertical garden walls can be used in small gardens, courtyards and balconies, adding a natural decorative effect.

Using concrete in your garden can also help to control plant growth and minimise weeds, creating a low maintenance space while embracing plant life.

Decorative additions:

Decorative concrete features can be added to any garden or outdoor area, livening up the space while creating unity and flow.

Concrete sculptures and vases can be positioned to create an organised and welcoming look, while garden screens and water features help to section and divide a garden.

If space saving is a priority, then more streamlined or taller concrete ornaments can be used.

Overall, sectioning off and ordering your outdoor area helps to tame the garden, creating an inviting and peaceful space.

Patios and entertaining areas:

Enjoying the great outdoors is a big part of life in Australia. And most homeowners want an attractive outdoor area to entertain friends and family.

Decorative concrete can be used for everything from patios to swimming pool surrounds, allowing you to choose concrete colours and aggregates to complement your home.

There are many ways to further beautify a concrete patio including lighting, furniture and further landscaping. You could even consider a concrete bench seat with added cushions for a luxe earthy look.

Garden beds and borders:

Concrete can be used to create decorative borders or patterns.  Additionally, using concrete to create garden beds and borders provides greater weed resistance, reduced mosquito breeding, and a greater sense of style.

So, is there a limit to just how much of a garden should be remodelled with concrete? The balance is perfected by combining decorative concrete and stone with other natural materials and plenty of fresh natural greenery.

With such a wide selection of colours and finishes to choose from, decorative concrete is the perfect option for creating a unique garden that remains inviting and visually appealing for years to come.

For more information, tips and tricks on using decorative concrete indoors or out, visit the Geostone blog archive or contact us today.

Should You Restore or Build a New Driveway?

Whether you’re upgrading your home or buying an established house, restoring your driveway is probably on the to-do list.

Driveways come in many forms and materials, including pavers, bricks, concrete, asphalt, gravel or sometimes just good old fashioned compacted dirt.

If the existing driveway is aged and hasn’t been maintained, it’s likely you’re faced with stains, cracks, potholes, water damage or other signs of ageing that make the entrance to your home less than inviting.

So if you’re investing in renovating your home or upgrading the exterior, you’ll probably also want to renovate your driveway.

Should I restore or build a new driveway?

While it is possible to lay Geostone over an existing surface, a well-prepared foundation will always provide the longest lasting results for

your decorative concrete.

So removing the existing driveway and building a new driveway might be the most cost effective option in the long run.

If the foundations of the existing driveway are deemed appropriate by your service provider, it’s possible Geostone coloured concrete or exposed aggregate could be poured over the top to create a new driveway.

Either option will give you the ability to tailor the colour scheme of your driveway and landscaping to complement the rest of your home and natural surrounds of your local area.

Important factors to consider when restoring a driveway

As with any landscaping or home improvement project, there is a range of important factors to consider before embarking on your new driveway.

Going into your renovation with a defined budget, well thought-out plan and a clear vision of the finished project will make the process much easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

It is particularly important to communicate this plan clearly with your suppliers and service providers. If you’re installing a driveway as part of a bigger landscaping and renovation project, it is essential to coordinate the timing of the driveway construction with those too.

Budget: Budgeting may not be fun, but it is important. By determining a budget at the beginning of a project, and sticking to it, you can avoid spending too much on renovations. 

Timing: You probably don’t want to pour a brand new concrete driveway right before earthmoving equipment arrives to clear the backyard. If you need landscaping and pathways in other areas of the property, you could potentially save time and money by combining all of the projects together. Weather is also a factor when pouring concrete, so it’s important to consider the best time to renovate your driveway.

Longevity: When investing in home renovations, you want them to last. This is why you and your service providers should take steps to improve the lifespan of your new driveway, including measures to prevent concrete cracking.

Value: Whether you’re improving your home for your enjoyment, or preparing to list the house for sale, you’re probably interested in ways to add value to your home. Restoring your driveway using decorative concrete, is one way to increase resale value.

Colour: Did you know neutral colours are more likely to return higher value when you sell your home? Choosing the best coloured concrete for your home ensures you enjoy your space while you live there and reap the greatest benefits when it comes time to sell.

Sealing: Not all service providers include outdoor sealer as standard. Thoroughly finishing your decorative concrete including using an outdoor sealer, can help to extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Atmosphere: Ultimately your driveway is the introduction to your home, making it a really significant restoration project.

Be sure to check out our Driveway Installation Tips  and visit our blog archive for more decorative concrete inspiration and ideas.

Contact us today for a personalised quote or more information about Geostone.