Coloured Concrete vs Natural Grey: What’s Popular in Melbourne Right Now?
Image Source: sunburyconcrete.com
Concrete has come a long way since the boring grey slabs many homeowners will remember. It is colour that has come to play a far bigger role in the final look of Melbourne properties using concrete for driveways, paths, patios, and entertaining areas.
Most of the time, one has to choose between grey in its elemental state or coloured concrete. The optimal choice is based on the design of your house and its surroundings, because while each have their benefits, you can get a better end product with one versus another.
Why Natural Grey Still Works?
Natural grey concrete is popular because it is easy and versatile. The versatile neutral tones work in with various brick, render, timber, and contemporary landscaping.
Similarly, it offers a polished less ostentatious look that does not compete with other focal attractions across the property.
For the practicality-minded individual looking for an alternative to concreting in Sunbury, natural grey can actually be a nice alternative where they want a surface that is classic and will not feel dated quickly.
The Appeal of Coloured Concrete
Concrete that is coloured gives homeowners greater control over the appearance of a new surface. Pigments create earthy tones, warmer shades, and other finishes that blend with the existing property.
Some common choices: charcoal, sandstone, terracotta, and neutral browns. A good colour will either cause a driveway or patio to sink into the background and not be seen on its own as additional landscaping in an area, above.
For a unique result, coloured concrete can also be combined with decorative finishes.
Which Looks More Modern?
There is no single answer. Both options tend to suit modern Melbourne homes.
Natural grey complements clean lines of minimalist designs and strong architecture. Coloured concrete is also appropriate for homes that are built with warmer brickwork and timber features or a well-established garden.
The grade of material surrounding the concrete is equally as priority.
When trying to make concreting Craigieburn, research the roof, exterior wall, fencing, and landscaping before finalising a colour. A cute drawing by itself might not translate to the final site.
Maintenance and Fading Matter
Colour is not only an aesthetic choice. Outdoor concrete is highly exposed to sunlight, rain, dirt, and daily traffic.
Dust and certain marks may be more visible under darker surfaces while lighter finishes can highlight stains. Regardless, good installation and maintenance will keep the look of either.
Before you proceed, speak with your concreter about sealing and the usual care taken at this point.
What About Resale Appeal?
Dark neutral colours can have wide appeal. Because natural grey complements most design styles, it may be a safer option if you plan to sell your home in the future.
This doesn’t mean that coloured concrete is a bad investment. It is a good colour that the way you can see and your entrance with an outdoor area for dinner, but you choose properly.
Just try to make sure it isn’t a colour too jarring against the rest of the property!
Consider the Entire Outdoor Space
You don’t need to select concrete in isolation! Think about how the surface will interact with garden beds, paving, fences, and outdoor furniture.
As an example, a warmer colour toned surface might work great with timber decking and greenery. Away from say black fencing and with modern landscaping natural grey should work a lot better.
A professional concreting can also offer advice on finishes and colours that fit the features already existing at a site.
Compare Samples Before Deciding
Shades can appear vastly different given the conditions and materials around them. Where available, always physically check samples.
Observe them outside − at varying times of the day. This will give you a more realistic idea of the potential appearance of your finished concrete.
Schedule the appropriate finish beforehand instead of having to do so in the last minutes before placing. If you are hiring contractor for concreting in Craigieburn, then discuss it beforehand with your contractor.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Natural grey continues to be a favourite choice for homeowners chasing that clean, adaptable, and timeless finish. You will have a lot more character and can be done in colours that work with what’s on site already.
Neither is automatically better. Choose carefully according to the home architecture, long-term plans, and maintenance requirement.
These options will, given the right preparation and some expert concreting in Craigieburn, provide an impressive finish that is aesthetically pleasing, robust, and suited to a Melbourne residence.
