Every imprinted concrete print and colour we offer, from ashlar slate and cobbles to timber effects and feature medallions. Compare them before your free survey.
Large slab prints give the look of natural stone or slate in one sealed surface.
Rectangular and square slate-textured slabs of mixed sizes in a running ashlar layout.
Larger rectangular stone slabs in an ashlar layout with a light riven texture.
Very large flagstones with a fine riven texture for a broad, calm surface.
Mixed rectangular stones with a soft, weathered texture.
Irregular rectangular flagstones with a natural riven texture.
Irregular crazy-paving shaped stones for a rustic look.
Long, narrow slate planks that suit paths and modern frontages.
Cobble prints suit period homes and give a traditional, textured finish.
Small square setts laid in straight rows.
Rounded, irregular cobbles with an aged look.
Small rough cobbles in loose, informal rows.
Medium rounded cobbles laid in courses.
Cobbles in overlapping fan-shaped arcs, a classic continental pattern.
Cobbles in concentric circles, often used as a centrepiece.
Small stones in tight concentric circles for a detailed feature.
Brick prints echo block paving, and a contrasting border frames any of the prints above.
Brick-shaped impressions in a 90° herringbone pattern.
A single-row brick-print border band that frames the main print.
Further prints, shown as examples on finished surfaces.
Large rectangular stone-effect slabs with crisp, modern lines.
Rectangular travertine-effect stones with a soft, pitted texture.
An all-over slate texture without set joints, for a natural stone look.
Stone-effect shapes in a woven, geometric arrangement.
Square cobbles in a tight, repeating layout.
Rounded, closely set cobbles in neat courses.
An old-world cobble layout with a slate texture.
Wood grain pressed into concrete, for decking looks that will not rot or splinter.
Weathered plank grain in mixed board sizes.
Boardwalk grain with planks of different lengths.
End-grain wood blocks laid in staggered rows.
End-grain wood blocks in a cobble-style layout.
A printed centrepiece for an entrance, a turning circle or a patio.
A compass motif set in a circle, often coloured to stand out.
A nautical anchor and compass medallion.
A large star feature set into a stone print.
Cool, modern tones that suit render, slate roofs and contemporary homes.
The darkest grey, close to black once sealed.
A deep blue-grey, like wet slate.
A strong mid to dark grey.
A balanced mid grey with a warm hint.
A soft, pale grey.
The lightest grey, bright and fresh.
Warm stone shades that sit well with Bath stone, Cotswold stone and buff brick.
A warm, golden sandstone.
A classic mid buff.
A honeyed, golden stone.
An olive-tinted natural stone.
A soft, light brown.
A pale, creamy buff.
A muted, greyish stone.
Earthy tones that echo red brick, terracotta and older homes.
A traditional brick red.
A soft, clay red.
A rich, strong red.
A muted, rosy pink.
A deep red-purple.
A dark red-brown.
A warm, deep brown.
A mid brown with an aged feel.
Stronger colours for patios, pool surrounds and garden features.
A muted green-grey.
A soft garden green.
A dark, steely blue.
A bright blue, often used around pools.
Sealer protects the colour and the surface. Over a few years it wears, mostly where cars turn and brake, and a clean and reseal brings the finish back.
Faded imprinted concrete with dull, worn wheel tracks where the sealer has worn away.
The same drive cleaned and resealed, with the colour restored and a subtle satin sheen.
Both can give a stone, cobble or brick look. They are built and looked after quite differently.
| Imprinted concrete | Block paving | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | One continuous slab | Individual blocks |
| Weeds | No joints for weeds to grow in | Joints need weeding and re-sanding |
| Repairs | A patch can look slightly different | Single blocks lift out and go back |
| Drainage | Falls to a channel or soakaway | Falls to a drain, or permeable blocks |
| Upkeep | Clean and reseal every few years | Sweep, weed and top up sand |
The layers under the surface matter as much as the finish. Depths, drainage and reinforcement are set for each site at the survey.
A reinforced concrete slab is poured over a compacted stone sub-base, coloured, printed while still workable, then sealed. Slab depth, reinforcement, drainage and joints follow the specification for each site.
A colour hardener sets the base tone, a darker release agent settles into the print to add depth, and a clear sealer protects the finish and brings out the colour.
Concrete moves slightly as it cures and with temperature. Straight joints are cut along the print lines so any movement happens there, neatly, rather than across the pattern.
Illustrations, not to scale. Layer depths and drainage are designed for each site.
A few things we talk through at every survey.
Cobble and York stone prints suit period homes; large ashlar, porcelain and slate prints suit modern ones.
Light, the release agent and the sealer all change the final colour. Look at a sample outside before you decide.
A contrasting brick or cobble border frames the drive and gives a neat edge to the print.
Sealer wears, mostly where cars turn. A clean and reseal every few years keeps it looking new.
FAQ
It needs less than many surfaces, but the sealer wears over time. Cleaning and resealing every few years keeps the colour rich and the surface protected.
Concrete moves slightly as it cures and with temperature, so straight control joints are cut to guide any movement along a neat line rather than across the pattern.
Small areas can be repaired, but a patch can look slightly different in colour and texture from the surface around it. That is worth knowing when comparing it with block paving, where single blocks can be swapped.
No. The print and colour images are illustrations made to show each option clearly, and the photos in the extra print sections are examples of each print on a finished surface. Photos of real driveways we have laid are in our recent work.
Free site visit, free written quote, no obligation. Smart Paving Bristol covers driveways, patios and paving across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Booking your free survey takes under a minute.
