Michael Holigan: If you don't like the traditional style driveway, you can go for different looks, brick or paving stone; there's a lot of different methods. Some people use stamped concrete. We're not doing that today. This great looking driveway is actually a faux brick. We've got a specialist with us, Merrick Pierce. Good to have you here Merrick.
M.P.: Good to be here Mike.
M.H.: Tell me about faux brick. When did this get started?
M.P.: Okay, the idea's an old one. It actually goes way back where concrete finishers actually used felt paper and cut it in strips and lay it in the wet concrete to create what appears to be a mortar joint.
M.H.: And it looks like you've got a...actually a paper template that you're putting in the concrete?
M.P.: Right, we actually have the templates cut in rolls to make it easier to do.
M.H.: And then you just put it down there and then roll it on top. And then how long does it take to set up in the concrete?
M.P.: In the summertime it goes real quick, maybe a couple of hours, but in the cooler parts of the year it make take up to seven, eight hours before the template's actually ready to be removed.
M.H.: How did you put the colors into the concrete?
M.P.: The colors are actually broadcast across the slab by hand and then worked in. On this particular driveway, we used our base color, which is a charcoal gray, and then we in turn, broadcast a second color on to give a highlight.
M.H.: How many different finishes can you do with something like this?
M.P.: It's really unlimited Mike. This particular one was done with a roller to make it look like an authentic stone. There are many other finishes. You can broom finish it, like a lot of concrete is done, or you can give it a steel trowel smooth finish.
M.H.: Merrick, how does the price with faux brick compare to stamped concrete?
M.P.: It's quite a bit less than stamped concrete. Generally about 35 percent cheaper.
M.H.: Merrick, what's left to do after you pull up the template?
M.P.: After the template's removed Mike, you just use an ordinary leaf blower, blow off all the trash and debris that's remaining. Then you use cure and seal compound which helps cure the concrete and also seals it against stains and so forth.
M.H.: Well it should last for years then. It looks great.
M.P.: Right.
M.H.: Thanks Merrick.
M.P.: Thank you Mike.
M.H.: Appreciate it.
Episode 023 1995 - 96 Season
| Concrete Driveways | Faux Brick Driveways | Pavestone Driveways | Hand Rubbed Finish | What is a Point? | LIST |
To order a Video Tape, call 1-800-TO-BUILD and ask for Episode #023.