All You Need to Know About Solid and Aggregate Concrete Driveways

When Royal Oak, MI homeowners plan to construct driveways, they devote time researching different kinds of driveways. Thus, most of these homeowners are aware that primarily, there are two types: aggregate and solid concrete driveways. Both these have their pros and cons. Our post will cover the differences between solid and aggregate concrete driveways and the benefits of installing them.

The Differences between Solid and Aggregate Concrete

The defining feature of aggregate concrete is that the concrete mixture contains gravel and stone chips and its biggest advantage is that it can be customized in terms of color — Royal Oak, MI homeowners can add any color they prefer to the concrete mixture. This feature is useful when you want to make your driveway match the landscape.

Solid concrete, as the name suggests, is solid. It does not contain stone chips or gravel. This is why its texture is also smoother. It is also easier to clean solid concrete than its aggregate counterpart. However, since solid concrete is smooth, it is also slippery. Unsurprisingly, many Royal Oak, MI homeowners prefer to go with aggregate concrete.

Three Other Things You Must Know About Solid and Aggregate Concrete

Aggregate Concrete is More Customizable than Solid Concrete

When it comes to driveways and patios, most people prefer aggregate concrete over solid concrete. This is because aggregate concrete can be customized. You can choose a color, a texture, and come up with an eye-appealing design.

Though solid concrete can also be given color, the colors do not look natural. Similarly, solid concrete can be given textures. For instance, it can be transformed into stamped concrete; but the process is time-consuming and expensive. This is why many Royal Oak, MI homeowners prefer aggregate over solid concrete when it comes to home improvement.

Solid Concrete is Easier to Install than Aggregate Concrete

When it comes to installation, if you want a hassle-free and less time-consuming experience, you must choose solid concrete. Solid concrete installation is simple and easy. Aggregate concrete installation is a tedious process.

Once aggregate concrete has been poured, special chemical solutions must be sprayed while wet. Besides, aggregate concrete requires an entire day to become dry. You will need to pressure wash it to eliminate soft concrete layers that may have formed during installation.

Aggregate Concrete Driveways Demand Maintenance

Royal Oak, MI, homeowners who have had driveways know that all concretes are susceptible to damages. This is why a crack on a concrete driveway is not so uncommon. However, not many know that aggregate concrete is demanding when it comes to maintenance. So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance option, you must choose a solid concrete driveway.

Concluding Thoughts

Royal Oak, MI homeowners need to remember that both aggregate and solid concrete have their pros and cons. If they have a thorough understanding of minor details, they can make the right decision. We hope that our article will help you choose the most appropriate solution. To learn more, give us a call today.