There are a host of considerations to factor when planning pathways from style and design to more practical decisions. This step-by-step guide has been created to simplify the process and allow you to focus on creating the perfect finish for your home and lifestyle needs.
STYLE & DESIGN
Thanks to the versatility of concrete and the various decorative colour and patterns available, homeowners can enhance their sidewalk to complement their home and lifestyle needs.
1) The first step in designing your pathway is to consider the purpose of your pathway. Is it practical junction, or will it also have a decorative function?
2) Does your pathway require council approval?
3) Try to keep the walkway design consistent with the style of your home. If your home boasts modern finishes, your pathway should reflect the same trend characteristics.
4) If your pathway is intended as a common access point, should you include a roof covering as part of your design plan? This is of particular importance if your covering requires ground mounted posts.
5) Consider slip resistant options including textured concrete, and anti-slip additives to sealers.
COLOUR
While coloured concrete brings life and vibrance to many home designs, here we explore various considerations to achieve the end finish you envisaged when planning your pathway.
1) Don’t assume a paint sample will replicate the exact colour when applied to concrete. Even if the colour sample is an exact colour representation, factors such as lighting and the number of coats applied will likely impact the end colour result. Therefore, it’s important to buy sample pots and paint a small section first.
2) Are you choosing the colour to be a focal point or a complimentary colour to your exterior?
3) Consider the fact darker colours absorb more UV than lighter colours.
4) Selecting a paint colour with the wrong hues. Consider if you wish to feature warm or cool tones.
5) Which coloured concrete method is right for you, concrete stain, dye, paint, tinted sealant, or an integrated colour.
6) Colour apps. Gone are the days of guesswork, use a FREE house colour app to simplify the visualising and selection process.
DRAINAGE
A well-designed drainage system is essential in the prevention of water-related damage to the home. Assess which drainage solution is right for your property:
1) SURFACE DRAINAGE. Surface drainage systems remove excess water from the land's surface through channels or ditches.
2) SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE. Includes PVC slotted subsurface pipes.
3) SLOPE DRAINAGE. Slope drains provide a potentially effective method of conveying water safely down steep slope away from the property.
BUDGET
List all possible associated costs including excavation, rubbish removal, concrete, drainage, paint/stain, sealant. To assess actual costs, you will need to measure your pathway specifications and finish and obtain quotes.
For quote requests and enquiries E: admin@piercretegroup.com.au
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