What Is Coloured Concrete?
Yes, you can absolutely get coloured concrete for your project. Coloured concrete is regular concrete that has been treated or mixed with special pigments to create different colours and shades. Instead of the typical grey finish, you can choose from a wide range of colours including reds, browns, greens, blues and even black.
This type of decorative concrete is becoming increasingly popular for driveways, patios, garden paths and commercial spaces. It offers a way to make your concrete surfaces look more attractive whilst still providing all the strength and durability you expect from standard concrete.
How Is Concrete Coloured?
There are three main methods used to add colour to concrete, each with its own benefits and uses.
Integral Pigments
Integral pigments are mixed directly into the concrete before it’s poured. The colour goes all the way through the concrete, not just on the surface. This means that even if the surface gets scratched or worn over time, the colour remains visible.
These pigments are made from iron oxide and other minerals that won’t fade in sunlight. The colour you get depends on how much pigment is added to the mix. More pigment creates darker, richer colours, whilst less pigment produces lighter shades.
Acid Stains
Acid stains are applied to the surface of concrete after it has been poured and cured. The stain reacts chemically with the concrete to create natural-looking, mottled colours. Each surface is unique because the reaction varies slightly across different areas.
Acid stains typically produce earthy tones like browns, tans, blues and greens. The final colour can be hard to predict exactly, which gives each project a distinctive appearance.
Surface Treatments and Dyes
Concrete dyes and surface treatments work differently from acid stains. They don’t react chemically with the concrete. Instead, they sit on or just below the surface to provide colour.
These products offer the widest range of colour choices, including bright and vivid shades. However, they may fade more quickly than integral pigments, especially in areas with lots of foot traffic or sun exposure.
Popular Colours for Concrete Projects
Different colours work better for different projects. Here’s what customers typically choose:
| Colour Range | Common Uses | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Browns and tans | Driveways, patios, garden paths | Natural appearance, hides dirt well |
| Reds and terracottas | Decorative features, borders | Warm, inviting look |
| Greys and charcoals | Modern patios, commercial spaces | Contemporary style, versatile |
| Greens and blues | Pool surrounds, feature areas | Cool, calming effect |
| Buff and sandstone | Traditional settings, paths | Blends with natural stone |
When Should You Consider Coloured Concrete?
Coloured concrete makes sense for projects where appearance matters alongside function. If you’re installing a new driveway, patio or path that will be visible from your home or street, adding colour can significantly improve how it looks.
For driveways specifically, permeable concrete block paving in various colours can be installed using professional concrete pumping services, which helps with efficient placement whilst meeting drainage requirements set out by the Planning Portal’s guidance on paving front gardens.
Commercial properties often choose coloured concrete for car parks, pedestrian areas and outdoor seating spaces. The colour helps define different zones and makes the space more welcoming for customers.
Does Coloured Concrete Cost More?
Coloured concrete does cost more than standard grey concrete, but the extra expense is usually modest. Integral pigments add roughly 10-15% to the concrete cost, though this varies depending on the colour chosen. Darker colours typically need more pigment, which increases the price slightly.
Surface treatments and acid stains add to the total project cost because they require additional labour and materials. However, many property owners find the improved appearance worth the extra investment.
Maintenance and Durability
One major advantage of coloured concrete is that it requires very little special maintenance. You clean it the same way as regular concrete using water and a stiff brush for most dirt and stains.
Integral pigments are extremely durable because the colour runs throughout the concrete. The colour won’t wear off or fade significantly over many years. Surface treatments may need reapplication every few years in high-traffic areas, but this is a straightforward process.
Sealing your coloured concrete helps protect both the colour and the surface. A good-quality sealer keeps water and dirt from penetrating the concrete, which helps maintain the appearance and extends the life of your surface.
Combining Colours with Patterns
You can create even more interesting effects by combining coloured concrete with stamped or textured patterns. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of brick, stone, slate or wood whilst still providing the strength of concrete.
When planning concrete pumping for decorative projects, experienced contractors can help you choose colour and pattern combinations that work well together. They can also advise on the best timing for adding colour treatments to get the results you want.
Planning Your Coloured Concrete Project
Before starting any concrete project, check whether you need planning permission. For front gardens over five square metres, you’ll typically need to use permeable materials or direct water to a lawn or border. Coloured permeable concrete blocks meet these requirements whilst offering decorative appeal.
Think about the overall style of your property when choosing colours. Natural earth tones often work well with traditional homes, whilst modern properties can carry bolder colour choices. Sample boards help you visualise how different colours will look in your specific setting.
Getting Started
At Cardinalis Concrete, our expert advisers can help you choose the right mix and colour for your project. We serve properties across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Essex and Norfolk with flexible delivery schedules to suit your needs.
Whether you’re planning a coloured driveway, decorative patio or commercial concrete work, we can discuss your options and provide guidance on achieving the look you want. Our volumetric mixing service means we deliver exactly what you need without wastage, keeping costs down even for specialist coloured concrete.
Contact us to discuss your coloured concrete requirements and get expert advice on creating attractive, durable surfaces for your property.
