All projects have to be properly prepared before any concrete can be poured. This entails excavating the existing surface to an average depth of around 200mm. Excavation machines are used where required. As you can see from the photographs, the old surface material and any debris will be neatly stacked and removed by “grab wagon”. We aim to use grab wagons wherever possible as in the majority of cases we are able to remove the debris from site the same day.
The required amount of hardcore, dependant upon the sub base we find on excavation, will be delivered to site and spread across the area before being compacted with a vibroplating machine. This will form a level, solid base on which to pour the concrete.
All shuttering, steps, flat top edges, drainage, gulley tops, manhole covers, etc. are installed during this preparation process. We also apply wall gel to any walls and doors, etc. to protect them from concrete splashes.
We are now ready to pour the concrete.
We use a fibre enmeshed, air entrained concrete which, on completion, is 25-30% stronger than a standard concrete. The fibres in the concrete enmesh together whilst the concrete cures; this is where the additional strength in the concrete comes from. The air entrainment chemical protects the concrete from any future frost damage.
As you will see from the pictures, the concrete is barrowed in from the mixer, "levelled" with rakes and floated. Once the concrete has been floated, a colour surface hardener is spread over the concrete in powder form and floated into the surface of the concrete. This is the primary colour and is what permanently colours your concrete driveway. Once the colour has been floated in, it is a case of waiting for the concrete to "go off" to the correct consitency for imprinting the pattern. Once ready, a second colour powder, called a release agent, is spread over the surface of the concrete.
This release agent allows us to place the texture mats on the concrete for imprinting the chosen pattern without the concrete sticking to the bottom of the texture mats while printing. Once the concrete has been imprinted with the chosen pattern, we set up bunting tape around the perimeter of the job to stop people from walking on it.
Concrete contracts and expands so, depending on the drying conditions, we will call back to site either the following day, or the day after that, to install crack control cuts into the concrete slab. The entire concrete slab and surrounds are then power washed clean.
Notice how we use wall gel to enable us to clean walls down thoroughly - these are the white marks around the bottom of the walls in the photographs. A chemical wash is also used on the concrete to give a thoroughly clean and dust free surface.
The tarmac pathway is "made good", and the driveway is now ready for sealing, but we have to wait for the weather! We need at least two dry days before we call back to site to apply the sealant.
Before we seal the pattern imprinted concrete, we will blow any loose debris from the surface and dry any damp areas, as necessary.
We will then add an anti-slip agent to the acrylic based sealant and apply the seal with brushes.
On completion of the sealing, we will once again tape the area off, so no-one walks or drives on it.
We recommend you keep your cars off the concrete for a period of four days after sealing to allow the sealants to set hard and bond properly with the concrete.
Homeowners choose Supreme Driveways for reliable workmanship, friendly service and long‑lasting results. From small touch‑ups to full driveway restoration, we provide honest advice, clear pricing and a finish that enhances your property’s kerb appeal.
Our team works with high‑quality materials and proven techniques to ensure every refurbished surface is strong, safe and visually appealing.