Painted driveway questions
 

I'm curious to know more about painted driveways. I like the look but is it purely for aesthetic reasons folks have it done or are there other reasons to do it? What upkeep is required? How much do they typically charge to paint a driveway?

Painted driveways need periodic sealing and then seem to eventually fade anyway. I suggest you drive through the 7 - 12 year old neighborhoods to see what happens if not carefully maintained; or how most of them fade anyway (especially certain colors), how yesterday's hot trendy fad designs have become tacky and out of date, how the wrong color or bold pattern detracts from the house, etc. Above all, keep in mind an eventual resale, probably no one wants your initials, or the cute painting of your dogs, etc. so keep your design simple and tasteful..
Before you paint, think long and plan carefully. A lot can go wrong fast.
Cost is by the square foot so final price depends on the length and width of the drive and how fancy you get.
Research your potential painter. It seems to me that most of the driveway painters of a few years ago are no longer around; probably for good reasons! I suggest getting "4 to 6 year ago" references to see how their work and the material they apply really holds up!
Sprayed colored textured concrete seems to be the in thing today. Pretty expensive but so far it seems to hold color better than paint - with the proper annual sealing.
Pavers is also hot. But, The Villages paver applications are really only laying thin veneer bricks on a hard concrete base. All kinds of problems with that application. Real pavers are 4 to 6 inches thick and are laid in a soft bedding of sand or true-pack material for proper load dispersal, drainage and stabilization.

I agree about some do detract from the home. Go to the villages preowned web site and look at the pictures many drives to look at and wonder what were they thinking:confused:

slippery when wet
 

My 85 YO father slipped 2 times after a rain. I have spun tires backing in the garage during a rain.:22yikes:

Driveway applications are done usually for appearance reasons since the concrete used in these Florida driveways easily discolors and stains from almost everything; water leaves a rusty stain look, especially when the eaves drain onto the driveway, tires leave a black appearance, iron fertilizer leaves rust spots, etc. I tried the pavers in my first home and they are nice but problems often occur with edge pieces coming loose, cracks, etc. In my current home, I opted for the decorative concrete coating driveway which is absolutely beautiful and is sealed for lasting durability. All driveways must be sealed whether you opt for paint, pavers or coatings, but the concrete coatings lasts for a lifetime if properly sealed every 2-3 years ($100 max) and is far superior in appearance in my opinion and experience. Ram Custom Design did my driveway.

Textured driveway paintin
 

Hello. We would like to have our driveway painted to cover stains that seem impossible to remove. We like the textured look and don't want a slippery material. Does anyone have any suggestions for contractors and the approx. price? Thanks so much.

We had several quotes on painting our driveway and ended up going with the most expensive, since they were by far the best, and had great references over several years. I knocked on doors whenever i found a design i loved and they were always designed by the same company. Ram Custom Design is in a class by themselves and Carlos is a true artist.He also provides a maintenance program to keep your driveway looking as good as new, years down the road.There are sooooooooooo many scam artist trying to get their foothold in TV, it's nice to deal with a company that is customer service based, still has an adherence to a code of values, and has pride in their workmanship .Just remember if the deal sounds too good to be true............IT IS !!!!!

I agree with you. But I must be the other only person in TV who thinks this way.


I have seen only two or three driveways I truly, TRULY loved.

And...you don't have to have them done. Nothing bad is gonna happen to your driveway.

driveway
 

You will love the liquid concrete work application done by Florida Deck. I would never paint again.

Thank you for the suggestions, I will call both Ram Custom Design and Florida Deck to get some ideas and quotes.

I had my driveway painted at our first retirement home. We sold it and moved to The Villages. Maybe there is something new but I can tell you that the "old" way it was done (even sealing it every year or two) it faded out. This hot Florida sun will fade most anything and everything after a few years. Your roof that may be 25 year shingles will last about half that----if your lucky. Personally, I pass on a decorative driveway. Anything under roof where it doesn't get the direct sun is okay if that is your preference.

Pavers
 

Has anyone had bad luck with the pavers on driveways? They sure look great and seem like they would wear well. I'd love to have your comments as I am preparing to have that done to my driveway.

Never could understand this painting of the driveway.

Click on the link 'garage floors' in post above to see WHY we did ours.

Fred or Hank told me not expect to seal for about 7 years. They explained why (stain they use, blah, blah), but I was not paying too close of attention .

I check it every year. Two plus years old and looks like the day it was done to my eye. I have also seen driveways almost 4 years old that look the same.

Personal preference, I'd say. Kinda like why some people like certain cars and others don't, for example.

Bill :)