Expert: Dan Griffin - 11/15/2008

Question
We moved into our new home in March of this year. We live in NC. The contractor pored the driveway in the winter-there was a lot of use of the driveway by various subs. When the weather got better in April there were many cracks and gouges in the driveway  The builder agreed and did take out certain sections and replaced.  However they are different colors and in the new cement there are different shades of gray.  They tried acid wash and it helped a little but there are still different colors of cement. We now have a gorgeous home with a a horrible driveway.  What would you recommend?

Answer
Jan, here a few facts.  Concrete from the same company with the same design mix and additives on different days can and usually will be different colors.  Rain in particular, sun, wind, and curing method all affect the color.  Rain on the slab jest as it sets will make it turn very white by comparison to other concrete.  It is really out of the control of anyone.  Once the concrete is several years old, color variations are negligible.  Look at parking lots and sidewalks that are old and have been patched and cut and repaired.  It almost takes an effort to find the color variations, or perhaps, I just don't notice them.  

Evidently the color variations are objectionable to you.  There are thin topping compounds that can be appled that will give a uniform color if installed on the same day.  There are acid and acrylic stains made to color the concrete in a mottled, leather-like look.  Here is some information and sample pictures:
http://www.thestampstore.com/
Bo to "gallery" then "acid stain" scroll to the bottom picture.
Also look at "stamped concrete" and "semaless texture" and "overlays"