Gray is not your only choice. Colored concrete lets you pick a tan, brown, charcoal or red that fits your brick, your siding and your yard. The color is mixed into the concrete, so it is part of the slab and not just paint on top.
Concrete Kings installs colored concrete for driveways, patios, walks and pads around Fayetteville. We are locally owned with 5 years of experience, and we give free estimates, with real samples, so you can see the color before you say yes.
How colored concrete is made and why it holds up
There are a few ways to make colored concrete. The most common is integral color, where a pigment is added to the concrete as it is mixed. The color runs through the whole slab, so a small chip or scratch does not show a gray layer underneath. Another method is color hardener, which is broadcast over the surface after the pour and worked in with a trowel. A third is stain, which soaks into the surface.
For most homes, we like integral color for large areas like driveways and patios, because it is steady, durable and low fuss. Color hardener gives a deeper tone for special spots. Stain can add shading and a mottled, natural look.
- Integral color runs through the whole slab
- Color hardener gives a rich, dense surface layer
- Stain adds a soft, stone like variation
- Sealer protects the color and brings it to life
Picking a colored concrete shade that fits your home
Start with what is already there. Look at your roof, your brick and your trim. A warm tan or buff goes well with red brick. Charcoal and slate gray work with modern siding. Terra cotta and brown fit southern style homes with greenery around them.
Colors look different wet, dry, in the sun and in the shade, so we bring a color chart and sample slabs. Remember that concrete dries lighter than it looks when wet, and a sealer will deepen it a little. Fayetteville sun is strong, and very dark colors can show more dust and get hotter under bare feet, so we talk about that with you.
How we pour colored concrete the right way
Colored concrete is less forgiving than gray concrete. Water, temperature and finishing time all change the color. To keep your slab even, we order the mix from the plant with the same pigment load in every truck, we avoid adding water on site, and we finish the whole surface in one steady pass.
We also cure the slab with care. Plastic covers or curing compound used the wrong way can leave blotches, so we use products made for colored work. After the slab has cured, we seal it to protect the pigment from UV light, oil and dirt.
- Same mix and pigment load in every truck
- One steady pour and finish so the color stays even
- Careful curing with color safe products
- Sealer after cure to protect and enrich the tone
Colored concrete cost and where to use it
Colored concrete costs more than plain gray, but less than pavers or natural stone. The price depends on the pigment, the size of the job and any extras like borders or patterns. Walks, patios, pool decks and driveways all look great in color.
Call us for a free estimate and a look at samples. You can also read about exposed aggregate and sealing and staining if you want to mix finishes. When you are ready, send us a note through the contact page.
Colored Concrete questions answered
Does colored concrete fade over time?
A little, but good colored concrete fades slowly. Integral color is made from stable mineral pigments, so it holds up well in strong sun. The surface may soften in tone after many years as the top layer wears, and dirt can dull it. That is why sealing matters so much. A good sealer protects the surface from UV light, oil and stains, and it brings back some of the richness when you reapply it.
In Fayetteville, we have long hot summers, so we like to reseal colored concrete every two to three years. Light cleaning with a hose, a soft brush and mild soap helps too. Avoid harsh acids, which can eat the surface. With basic care, colored concrete in our area keeps its good looks for a very long time. Ask for a small sample slab if you are unsure. Seeing real color outdoors in your own yard is the best way to feel confident before you pour a whole patio.
Is colored concrete the same strength as regular concrete?
Yes. Pigment is a tiny part of the mix, and it does not make the concrete weaker when it is used in the right amount. The strength comes from the cement, stone, sand, water and how well the slab is installed. A colored concrete driveway needs the same base, thickness, reinforcement and joints as a gray one.
What can change is how the surface looks if the mix is handled poorly. Too much water can weaken any concrete and also washes out the color. That is why we control the mix and do not add water at the job site. The result is a strong slab with steady color. We pour colored concrete at the same four inch thickness for patios and walks, and four to five inches for driveways, based on how you will use it. Mention your exact plans to us when you call, because the way you use the concrete affects the color, the finish and the sealer we recommend for the long run.
Can I get colored concrete in a pattern or with a border?
Yes. Many homeowners like a two tone design, such as a charcoal border around a tan center, or a colored band that sets off a front walk. We can use two colors in one pour with a form between them, or we can pour in stages. Saw cuts and joint lines can also be laid out to make squares or diamonds.
If you want a stone or tile look, ask about stamped patterns. We can also combine a smooth border with a broom finish center for more grip. Show us a picture of what you like, and we will talk through what is possible and what it costs. A clear plan before the pour makes sure the lines come out sharp and the colors stay where they belong. If you can, send a photo of the front of your house. It helps us bring the right color samples to the visit so you do not have to imagine how they will look.
How long before I can use colored concrete after the pour?
Walking is usually fine after one or two days, but be careful with sharp heels and dragged furniture. For cars, wait about seven days. Heavier vehicles should wait closer to 28 days. Colored concrete cures the same as gray, but it can show marks more easily in the first few days, so we ask you to be gentle.
After the concrete has cured, we seal it, and the sealer needs time to dry before use. Rain right after sealing can cloud the finish, so we watch the forecast. We will tell you the exact date you can use your new slab. If you plan a party or a move in day, tell us at the beginning, and we will build the schedule around it so the surface is ready on time. Plan ahead if a party, a move or a big family weekend is coming. Color work needs steady weather, and we like to hold a few spare days in the schedule.
What colors work best with brick homes in Fayetteville?
Many homes here have red or brown brick, and warm tones fit well with them. Tan, buff, sandstone and soft brown look natural and bring out the warmth of the brick. If you want contrast, a deeper charcoal or slate gray can make the brick stand out. Very bright or very dark colors can feel out of place on older homes, so we like to keep the palette close to what is already on the house.
Bring us a photo of your home, or better yet, let us look at it in person. We hold samples against the brick, the roof and the trim in daylight. Then we pick two or three finalists. It takes a few minutes and keeps you from guessing. Color is the one thing you will see every day for years. Bring us pictures from magazines or neighbors yards if you have them. Real examples make it easy to understand what you like, and we can tell you quickly how to get close.
Does colored concrete cost much more than gray concrete?
Usually it adds a modest amount to the price. The pigment itself costs money, and the extra care in mixing, finishing and curing adds some labor. For a large driveway, the difference is noticeable, and for a patio or walk it is often small compared with the total project. It is still cheaper than most pavers and natural stone.
Ways to keep the cost in check include using color only on the areas people see most, choosing a standard pigment instead of a custom blend, and sealing with a basic satin sealer. We give you options in writing with your free estimate, so you can see the price for each choice. If you are on the fence, ask us for sample slabs, which help you decide if color is worth it for your project. We are always glad to explain price breakdowns line by line, so you can see where the money goes and choose the extras that matter most to you.
Ready for a free estimate? Call (910) 356-9849 or use the estimate form. Concrete Kings of Fayetteville is locally owned and has 5 years of experience.