WHAT IS PATTERN IMPRINTED CONCRETE?

 

 

Pattern imprinted concrete is a highly innovative method of imprinting the surface of freshly poured ready mixed concrete to give the look of stone, cobbles, brick, slate or even timber decking. Concrete is a sustainable building material that has very little impact on the environment compared to other building materials. Sand, cement, aggregates and water are the main components of concrete, we add colour, texture and creativity to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Building with concrete makes sense for you and the future of the environment.

 

 

Imprinted Concrete Driveways

Are you looking for a low maintenance driveway that does not require any more weeding? RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd have installed hundreds of pressed concrete or imprinted concrete driveways in Wrexham and Chester and surrounding areas.

With such a huge range of patterns, colours and with such little effort needed to maintain – concrete imprint driveways are here to stay.
At RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd we have become masters at installing pattern imprinted concrete through hard work, attention to detail and a wealth of experience and knowledge. All of our pattern concrete drives are guaranteed and carried out to the highest possible standard.

We focus on either following your design or helping you to create something bespoke and installing beautiful concrete imprint driveways exactly as planned, first time – every time.

There are various factors to consider when deciding on whether imprinted concrete is the best option for you. You can rest assure that choosing us comes with peace of mind and that all of your needs will be catered for and requirements and preferences dealt with professionally with careful planning and preparation.

 

Imprinted Concrete Patterns

 

As the name suggests concrete can be printed with a huge range of patterns.
These are split into four categories;
Cobble Patterns
Brick & Tile Patterns
Slate Patterns
Decorative & Feature Patterns
It is possible to combine a number of different patterns to design a completely unique driveway or patio.

Pattern Imprinted Concrete Colours

There are a huge range of colours available for pattern imprinted concrete driveways, which are all available in either a matt or a gloss ‘wet look’ finish. It is also possible to choose a different coloured border if you so require.

How are Imprinted Concrete Driveways Prepared?

If you are thinking about buying a new printed concrete driveway in Wrexham and Chester or the surrounding areas there are a number of factors to consider before installation, mainly drainage issues. Pattern imprinted concrete is non permeable which means that water cannot pass through the concrete. Imprinted concrete driveways usually require a line drainage channel so that there is not any standing water on top of the finished driveway.

Pattern imprinted concrete, unlike some other methods of paving, requires a full dig out. All of the existing ground must be broken and dug out to reveal the earth. Pattern imprinted concrete cannot be installed on top of a current surface. Digging out is time consuming and labour intensive but the process can often be accelerated by using a mini digger and a concrete breaker if there is suitable access for such machinery. However patio areas often do not allow sufficient access so must be dug out by hand which does increase installation time.

Once the area has been dug out to the sufficient depth which is usually 200mm deep the formwork must now be installed. The formwork is used to retain the wet concrete in the desired shape until the concrete sets. At this point the drainage channels should be installed and plumbed into a soak-away and adequate ‘falls’ or gradients must be calculated towards these channels to ensure that there is not any standing water on the driveway.
Now that the preparation work has been completed a sub-base must be installed before pouring the concrete. The best sub-base for imprinted concrete is Type 1 MOT which provides a strong and stable base for the concrete to be poured on top of.

How are Concrete Imprint Driveways Installed?

The driveway is now ready for the next stage which is to pour the wet concrete. This part of the job is absolutely crucial as any mistakes are virtually impossible to rectify and there is only a limited time to work with so careful planning really is important.
The ready mixed concrete will be spread evenly across the driveway. Once full coverage has been achieved the concrete must be worked using a variety of magnesium floats which will eventually create a flat, wet and smooth surface to work with.
Whilst the concrete is curing or setting a powdered colour hardener is thrown all over the driveway and a float is used to ensure that each area of concrete is fully coloured. At this stage the imprinting of the pattern begins a ‘release agent’ is thrown all over the driveway and the printing mats this serves two purposes – to stop the colour sticking and lifting from the printing mats and to create a two tone effect.

The RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd team must now use rigid mats that interlink together to form a pattern all over the driveway. Using a heavy stamping tool the mats will be pressed into the concrete to create an imprinted pattern. Any areas that have not been printed properly must be touched up by hand.
The release agent will be washed off to reveal the true colour which will change in time. Once the pattern imprinted concrete driveway has had sufficient time to dry out and cure it must now be protected by a sealant. Sealants also serves two purposes – to protect the colouring and to show the true colour of the driveway, this can be either a gloss ‘wet look’ or matt finish depending on personal taste.

 

 

Here are some of the before and after pictures of one of our Pattern Imprinted Concrete and Fencing job done in Wrexham/Chester area done by RDJ and Co (Wrexham) ltd. Carried out with the highest of standards.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

At RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd, we aim to provide you with a choice of fence panels so no matter what your garden fencing project, we will find you the ideal panels, gates and posts. We also offer all the accessories you need, from brackets and drivers to gravel boards and post caps, to make your fencing a success.

 

    

 

HIRING US

tarmacWhen hiring RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd to complete your pattern imprinted concrete project in Chester, Wrexham,Oswestry Shrewsbury, Anglesey, Cheshire, Rhyl, Holyhead,  And The North Wales area, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that we are qualified and hold the necessary insurances. We can provide you with a no-obligation free quote and advise you on design and structural considerations before the work commences.

 

FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL US TODAY ON: 01978 365665 OR 07920 112760