CD Designs Blog
Case Study – Butterbowl Drive, Leeds
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway and Planter
This customer was drawn to our company from us being part of The Guild of Master Craftsmen. The customer wanted a transformation of the front of their property, with the space being split for use as a driveway, patio area and planting area.
Instead of steps we designed a seamless pathway that would cut through both the driveway and patio area, each section of the job was partitioned with the use of timber sleepers. The project incorporated two different colours and two different patterns, with the use of an acid stained compass pattern to finish. The use of the acid stain on the classic grey colour worked beautifully, contrasting but with subtlety.
On preparation a large planter was formed to the left using the sleepers. On completion the project was in complete contrast to the original job with room to park, plant and entertain.
To see the full case study for this job click here.
Post Date: | 15th May 2013 |
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Tags: | acid stained compass, leeds, pattern imprinted concrete driveway, timber sleepers |
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Training Scheme
Printing the pattern on a new driveway
Complete Driveway Designs are pleased to announce that in June we are set to begin training courses in the installation and maintenance of pattern imprinted concrete.
The courses will provide full practical lessons on the process of pattern imprinted concrete installation, from preparing the area and pouring the concrete, to applying the pattern, colour and finish. It will also offer technical knowledge on the art and science of pattern imprinted concrete, with our instructors sharing their 30+ years of experience in the industry. Further training is then given on how to maintain pattern imprinted concrete, and how to identify and then solve any problems that may arise.
The courses start on Saturday 8th June at our yard in Ramsbottom, Bury, and cost £150 + VAT. Limited places are available so book early. A booking fee of £25 will secure your spot, with the rest to be paid once the course starts. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
If you are interested in the scheme, or know someone else that might be, then please get in touch via telephone on 01706 827180 or by email info@cd-designs.co.uk.
Post Date: | 2nd May 2013 |
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Tags: | concrete art, Concrete Driveway Installation, home improvements, pattern imprinted concrete driveway, training |
Spring Maintenance
Fully Resealed Driveway
Although we had snow in the middle of March this year, it looks like winter has finally gone. Sometimes the weather can affect a driveway, but it is usually only superficial damage.
If your driveway looks like it needs a facelift, there are a few things that could have caused it. The most common is what we call blooming, which is where moisture has gotten into the sealant. Don’t worry, the concrete underneath is fine and this is easily fixable. The picture above is a resealed driveway which previously had blooming, and as you can see it looks great! We did a blog on this last year which you can see here.
Another common problem is where the sealant has worn away over time, making the driveway look old and shabby. Be aware that this means the concrete is not protected any more, and we would advise a full reseal in order to protect it from the elements. You can see examples of where maintenance is needed in this blog from last year.
Your driveway may just have become dull over winter, with the colour not as vibrant as it once was. This is probably just an example of weathering on the seal, and shows that the sealant has been doing its job. A reseal would bring back the full colour of the concrete underneath, and make the driveway look as good as new.
If you would like some advice about driveway maintenance, or you would like to book a reseal, please phone 01706 827180 or leave a message here.
Post Date: | 22nd April 2013 |
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Tags: | concrete driveway maintainance, pattern imprinted concrete driveway, Reseal, winter driveway care |
Black is Back
Charcoal coloured pathway
Black has long been the colour of elegance and simplicity. In fashion, the black suit or tuxedo is the standard formal attire for men, and for women the black dress is regularly seen on red carpets and catwalks. Designer Karl Lagerfeld was once quoted as saying “Black is the color that goes with everything. If you’re wearing black, you’re on sure ground”. The same is true outside of fashion, and black is increasingly being used for interior and exterior decorating. White walls and black furniture is often considered a ‘modern’ look, and the contrast between black and other colours looks beautiful, adds drama and never goes out of style.
A good example of how we use black to contrast other features is a driveway we installed in Blackpool in 2011, as shown in the photo above. We used our charcoal colour on the whole of the front drive and side path leading to the front door, and in contrast with the white walls, doorway and gravel, the black concrete gives a stylish and sophisticated look. We also use charcoal for our McDonald’s and KFC drive-thru’s. We are finding that more and more customers are choosing black for their pattern imprinted concrete driveways.
Post Date: | 25th March 2013 |
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Tags: | Blackpool, Charcoal, concrete art, Driveway Design, pattern imprinted concrete driveway |
Testimonial And Case Study
Finished Pattern Imprinted Driveway
Last month we received a lovely testimonial from a customer whose pattern imprinted concrete driveway we installed in Denton in December. It came via our partners at The Best Of Bury, who gather reviews about local businesses and show them on their site. The review from Karen H reads:
‘Professional and friendly service, workers tidy and on time. My new driveway looks fabulous and I’m getting a lot of compliments from friends and neighbours. I just wish I’d had it done sooner.’
New Drainage System Being Installed
For the installation of the driveway, first the existing driveway was broken up and dug out. Next a trench was dug on the left hand side of the drive for the new drainage system. Pipework was laid in this trench, which connected the existing drains to the front of the driveway where the new Aco drainage was to be fitted. The whole area was then levelled, and the Aco drainage fitted and connected. A new brick wall was built at the front of the property complete with two pillars at either side, new fencing was erected, and a small step was installed at the doorway using KL blocks. Concrete was poured into the step along with the rest of the driveway, which was then coloured, patterned and sealed, and a full clean was given to the whole area to finish.
We have made a full case study including pictures of the driveway in question, which you can see here.
Post Date: | 7th February 2013 |
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Tags: | Concrete Driveway Installation, driveway case studies, pattern imprinted concrete driveway, Satisfied Customers, Testimonials |