If you're looking for a way to give your concrete driveway a new look without having to tear it out and replace it, talk to a concrete contractor about your options. They might discuss staining, stamping, and exposed aggregate. Any of these choices make your driveway look new and fresh. Here's how these decorative concrete choices compare.

1. Staining Is A More Affordable Option

Staining can be done on top of the existing concrete. It doesn't need an overlay like other decorative concrete options. A stain goes on similar to paint so your driveway takes on a new color. Earth tones are popular choices for stained driveways. Depending on the type of stain, your driveway could be a solid color, or it could look variegated or mottled.

After the stain is applied, the concrete contractor will probably seal your driveway to protect it from stains, water, and UV damage. You might want a glossy sealcoat so your driveway always has an attractive wet look that accentuates the stain.

2. Exposed Aggregate Provides Interesting Texture

Exposed aggregate requires an overlay. The contractor puts down a thin layer of cement and before it gets too hard, they put shells, broken colored glass, or gravel in the cement and press it in. Then they hose off the surface layer of cement before it hardens. This leaves the aggregate fully embedded so it isn't sharp or too hard to walk on.

The exposed aggregate gives your driveway unique visual appeal, and it's more attractive than old, stained concrete. It's also fairly easy to install, although it does cost more than staining.

3. Stamping Gives Your Driveway A New Look

Stamping gives you a lot of options since there are many shapes the concrete contractor can use to stamp into your driveway. Plus, the concrete has color added, so you can make your driveway any color you like too. This gives you the chance to create a red brick, brown flagstone, or pink shell driveway.

You can create nearly any design you like, so you'll want to work with the concrete contractor to choose the right shapes, colors, and placement for your designs.

Stamping also requires an overlay, and the designs and color have to be added before the new cement gets too thick and hard to manage. When finished, your driveway won't even look like it's made from concrete since it takes on the stone or brick look from the stamp design. Your concrete contractor may finish the job with a sealcoat that is either shiny or matte according to what you prefer.