How much can I save by resurfacing my concrete driveway?

Are you in desperate need of a driveway makeover but afraid of the cost? Ripping up old concrete and starting from scratch can be expensive. Let's do the maths on how much the Dulux Avista Resurfacing System can save you.

Rip up and re-lay
Installing a brand new driveway involves a number of steps. If you have an existing concrete driveway, the first cost will be ripping it up and disposing of the debris. According to hipages, this can cost between $35 and $50 per square metre. The base may also require significant repairs before the new pour can start.

From there, hipages estimates you'll pay $65 to $85 per square metre for a plain cement pour, and $75 to $95 for coloured versions. Stencilling, stamping and pebble mix can add an extra $100 to $150 to each square metre, and a sloping surface will add another $10. You could easily end up pouring lots of dollars into your project as well as the concrete!

Resurfacing
Alternatively, resurfacing can be done for as little as $45 per square metre. As a guide, we advise home owners to expect to pay between $45 and $75 per square metre. The cost is mostly dependent on the condition of the existing surface. Small cracks can be filled with epoxy but larger defects may need a bit more work. The substrate is ground and pressure cleaned before the resurfacing compound, texture coats and sealer are applied.

Let's do the maths
To compare the costs for your own driveway makeover, you first need to calculate the square metres involved. Let's say you have single-car driveway with a 160 square metre surface. We will also base our estimate on using colour to add depth and style to your driveway, as most homeowners now prefer.

New pour (160sqm): The concrete alone will cost at least $12,000-$15,200 (with colour), plus $5,600-$8000 to rip up and dispose of your old concrete. That's a total cost of $17,600-$23,200, plus any base repairs that may be required.

Resurfacing (160sqm): A driveway makeover with colour and texture will cost between $7,200 and $12,000 depending on repairs required. Remember, there are no demolition, disposal or base repair fees with this solution, which is where the savings soar.

A Dulux Avista Accredited Applicator can visit your home to discuss your options and provide an accurate quote. In particular, they can look at the condition of your driveway and help you understand the best approach: resurfacing or new concrete. Sealing with colour may also be an option, which is cheaper again.

Endless design options
Resurfacing offers a world of design choice. Some home owners choose to resurface with a single colour while others add one or two coats of fleck colours, which can replicate the look of stone or exposed aggregate. Dulux Avista also offers a range of stencils, if you would like to use edging or tile patterns in your design.

Faster and earth friendly
New concrete driveways take more than seven days to complete, while resurfacing can be done and dusted in as little as two days. And because the existing concrete is utilised and saved from landfill, you'll be making the earth friendly choice.

Inspiring designer options
Resurfacing is an opportunity to add colour, texture and pattern to your driveway to complement the style of your home. Choose from a large range of designer colours, use stencilling to mimic hand-laid paving, or use stamping to get the look of real stone. We can mix in flecks and aggregates to add texture that resembles granite or pebble mix. Visit our Inspiration page to gather ideas and find the right design for your home.

Contact our Dulux Avista customer service today to get your project started.