Today's homeowners are seeking more creative and decorative ways to pave their driveways. Dressing up your driveway with colorful concrete paving options will enhance the look of your entire home.

Decorative concrete comes in a variety of colors, textures and patterns. Natural pavers, such as cobblestones and brick, are also popular. A poured driveway is durable and is easy to clear of snow. Adding color and texture only adds a few dollars per square foot.

Following are decorative concrete options:

• Integrally colored concrete. With this, color is added to ready-mix concrete to provide tinting throughout the slab. Since the pigment may fade over time, it's important to apply a sealer to protect from weather, water and stains.
  
  

• Stamped concrete. This involves making imprints in wet concrete to create the outline and texture of brick, cobblestone, or other natural paving.
  
  

• Concrete scoring. With concrete scoring, shallow cuts are made in the concrete to give it the appearance of tile grout lines, or to create geometric designs and patterns.
  
  

• Concrete pavers. These are interlocking pieces of pigmented concrete. It is made to look like clay brick. Use a color sealant to protect against color fading.
  
  

• Exposed aggregate. Exposed aggregate involves pouring concrete then brushing or washing off the top layer of cement. This method exposes a rugged, non-slip surface. Various colors can be obtained. A sealer should be applied.
  
  

• Chemical staining. Chemical staining is a popular design trend seen on the floors of restaurants and stores, and also on driveways. Chemical staining involves special stains that react chemically with the lime in itto etch and bond color into the surface. This process can be used on new or existing concrete surfaces.

If considering decorative concrete, find a contractor that is trained and outfitted for pattern stamping and tinting exterior surfaces. Check the home improvement sections of newspapers or magazines, or your local phone book for potential contractors.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find home improvement tips and resources at http://homeimprovement.myguidesusa.com/

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