What is imprinted concrete?
Imprinted (or pattern imprinted) concrete is poured as one slab, coloured, then pressed with a pattern while it’s still wet. Once it cures and is sealed, it looks like cobblestones, brick, slate or flagstones. Popular colours include Classic Red, Charcoal and Buff.
What are the pros?
- No weeds: it’s one solid surface with no joints for weeds to grow through.
- Strong: concrete handles cars and heavy use well.
- Lots of looks: mix any pattern with any colour, in a rustic or modern finish.
- Easy to clean: a sealed surface wipes down easily.
What are the cons?
- Not permeable: rain needs to drain onto a lawn or border, or into a drain or soakaway, or you may need planning permission. In Wales, front driveways must drain to a permeable area.
- Re-sealing: the sealer wears over time and needs reapplying every few years to keep the colour rich.
- Repairs: if it cracks or a utility company digs it up, a patch is hard to match perfectly.
- Can be slippery when wet if the sealer is very glossy. An anti-slip additive in the sealer helps.
How long does it take to lay?
Most imprinted concrete driveways take one to two weeks, depending on the size and the weather. Concrete needs dry conditions to pour and imprint properly.
How do you look after it?
- Sweep and wash it regularly.
- Clean up oil and fuel spills quickly.
- Re-seal it every few years, or when the colour starts to look dull. We offer a sealing and re-sealing service.
Can an old imprinted drive be brought back to life?
Often, yes. A deep clean and a fresh coat of sealer can make a tired imprinted concrete drive look much better. If it’s badly cracked or sunk, though, it may be better to replace it, perhaps with block paving or a resin bound surface.
Is imprinted concrete right for you?
It’s a good fit if you want a patterned look, no weeds and a strong surface, and you’re happy to re-seal it every few years. If easy repairs or permeability matter more, block paving or resin might suit you better. See our comparison of resin and block paving.
