Browse Forums Paving & Concreting 1 Aug 20, 2013 10:19 pm Hi all, Long time reader, first time poster to this fantastic community. I've just built a new home in SE Melbourne (Vic) and looking at putting down a coloured concrete path/driveway. Someone mentioned to me that it may be possible to save cost by pouring half of the path in std concrete and finishing it off with the coloured concrete, effectively halving the cost of the coloured concrete. Just wanted to double-check if this method is any good? Areas to be concreted: 16210mm x 3260mm and 8350mm x 2000mm Many thanks. Re: Saving cost on coloured concrete 2Aug 21, 2013 1:49 pm HI , Your asking for trouble doing that . Reason being 2 separate pours of concrete at different thickness and curing rates . Your bond to the primary layer wont be as strong unless you use a tie coat or mechanical key ( scabble ) the surface to create a good enough bond between the 2 . Chances are it will delaminate quick failing that that smaller thickness of coloured concrete will need to hydrate out and you will loose a percentage of the colour .. Solution ... Place concrete as normal in Plain , Wait 1 month to hydrate and then Stain the concrete, not paint or coloured sealer stain it ... www.getnewlook.com.au. range of DIY options for around $ 10 per SQM Happy Days Re: Saving cost on coloured concrete 3Aug 21, 2013 4:27 pm What you save in cost will be more than lost in additional labour. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. brokers will also be in a position to get you a better rate than the advertised rate most times. 6 7533 To my understanding early saw cuts are to control shrinkage cracks, so doing them now would be pointless. Control joints may reduce ugly cracking during periods of soil… 3 9799 |