Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways

[LBerry]

Hi there,

Does anybody have any views, good, bad or otherwise, on pattern imprinted concrete driveways. I have paving stones at the moment on a c.75 sq. mtr driveway area, and wanted a 'lift and re-set' due to spreading and loosening of the slabs. However, everyone that comes to quote ends up recommending Pattern Imprinted Concrete. Is it the 'bees knees' that they say it is?

Many thanks in advance.

[WILLWONKER]

I have only seen this done once and it did look quite good it was done with a blue slate finish, in saying that i did not inspect it closely, my feeling is that it will only be as good as the workmen putting it down, i have seen some really bad jobs done with block pavers and some brilliant ones, its finding the right crew too do it for you, not easy, what i would do is keep your eye open when you are driving around if you see a drive that fits your bill stop and knock the door, be well mannered and ask if they would mind telling you who did the job for them, most people won.t mind

[Mr k]

I have Imprinted Concrete the only down side is when they seal it most use normal seal ask for anti slip seal as the other is slippery as hell when wet ..

[buildersmate]

They are perhaps suggesting it, because it is relatively cheap and you have maybe mentioned a budget? This is because concrete is cheap-as-chips and it takes little skill to lay it.
As with any surface, the quality of the sub-material drives whether it is going to move or not over time.
There are now some regulations in place that sometimes demand that you apply for planning consent on impervious surface - this is because in heavy rainstorms you may well flood your or a neighbour's property. It depends on the size you are laying.
It isn't the 'bees-knees' in my opinion - otherwise why has it only just emerged on the market, concrete having been around for over a century. It's a cheap immitation of the real thing - and it looks like it.