Concrete Ribbon Driveway: Advantages & Disadvantages
drivewaygeek.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Looking for an unique driveway idea that will boost the curb appeal of your home, without breaking the bank. A concrete ribbon driveway might be just what you need.
Not only does a concrete ribbon driveway have a charming visual appeal, it also offers a range of functional benefits.
Not that many homeowners think about installing a concrete ribbon driveway, so if you go for it, you sure have a winner!
I am sure you want to know more about this fantastic option so let me get started with the basics.
So, What is a Concrete Ribbon Driveway Anyway?
A concrete ribbon driveway features two strips of concrete, with gravel or grass running through the center. Each concrete strip is typically 2-3 feet wide and runs the length of the driveway.
A concrete ribbon driveway is terrific design idea. The concrete strips bear the weight of the car, while the grass or gravel strip allows water to effortlessly drain through them and into the ground.
With this basic design concept a concrete ribbon driveway can be customized and personalized to suit your home and your décor preferences.
For example the concrete strips could be stamped or stained to create a variety of patterns and colors. They could also be made with exposed aggregate for a more textured look.
5 Most Popular Concrete Ribbon Driveway Ideas
While you are free to let your creativity run amok when designing your very own concrete ribbon driveway, here are the 5 most popular concrete ribbon driveway ideas for inspiration.
1. Concrete Ribbon Driveway with Gravel or Grass
This is the classic design for a concrete ribbon driveway, with a strip of gravel or grass down the center and concrete strips on either side.
The gravel or grass adds aesthetic appeal and also helps rainwater to effortlessly drain through them and into the ground.
Customize it by having more gravel or grass on the edges. The concrete strips can be left plain or brushed to create interesting patterns such as checker board or herring bone.
2. Stamped Concrete Ribbon Driveway
Stamped concrete is a popular option for adding visual interest to a concrete ribbon driveway. It is very similar to the above mentioned concrete ribbon driveway with gravel or grass.
The curb appeal is boosted several notches by stamping the concrete strips to look like a variety of materials, including brick, stone, and wood.
A stamped concrete ribbon driveway can give your home a luxurious and upmarket look. It is sure to add value to your home.
3. Concrete Ribbon Driveway with Exposed Aggregate
A concrete ribbon driveway with exposed aggregates is another way of adding texture and visual interest to your driveway.
To create the exposed aggregate look, the top layer of the concrete is removed before it has time to fully set. This creates a rough, rustic, textured finish.
For enhanced visual appeal beautiful, multicolored small stones or pebbles are used in the top layer of the concrete pour.
A concrete ribbon driveway with exposed aggregates can be a great option for homeowners who want a driveway that is durable, safe and stunning.
4. Paver Ribbon Driveway
Pavers can also be used to create a ribbon driveway, with two strip of concrete pavers to take the load of the car tires and gravel or grass down the center and on either side as well.
Pavers come in a variety of materials, colors and patterns, so you can create a unique look that complements the style of your home.
5. Ribbon Driveway with Curved Design
A ribbon driveway with a curved design is a terrific choice for homeowners looking to make a truly impressive statement, right at the entrance.
The concrete strip can be curved to follow the contours of the landscape of your property.
It has an opulent look and pairs well with villas in the country side that have huge, ornate front lawns or gardens.
Overall, there are many different combinations and designs for concrete ribbon driveways, each with its own unique look and benefits.
By choosing a design that complements the style of your home as well as your own lifestyle and specific needs, you can create a driveway that is both functional and gorgeous.
Benefits of a Concrete Ribbon Driveway
A concrete ribbon driveway is the epitome of the best design principles as here form and function combine synergistically.
Environmental Benefits
Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt driveways, which are completely impervious, a concrete ribbon driveway allows rainwater to seep into the ground through the pervious gravel or grass strips.
This helps to reduce runoff and prevent water from pooling on the surface of the driveway.
By reducing the area of impervious surfaces, concrete ribbon driveways help to prevent flooding and protect local waterways.
High Durability
Concrete ribbon driveways are also highly durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
The concrete strips on each side of the driveway are reinforced with steel mesh or rebar, which helps to prevent cracking and ensure that the driveway stays level.
The gravel or grass in the center can also help to absorb some of the stress from heavy vehicles, reducing the likelihood of cracking or damage.
Low Maintenance
A concrete ribbon driveway has relatively low maintenance requirement.
The poured concrete strips or pavers are durable and only need to be sealed periodically. The pervious gravel or grass strips ensure that the concrete strips do not have any water accumulation on top.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio
A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.
I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.
The gravel or grass strip can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged or worn.
Disadvantages of a Concrete Ribbon Driveway
While there are many benefits to installing a concrete ribbon driveway, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of as under:
Concrete Cracking, Heaving, Sinking
While ribbon driveways are reinforced with steel mesh or rebar to prevent cracking, they can still develop cracks over time, especially if they are exposed to extreme temperatures or heavy vehicles.
The strips are not wide enough to provide sufficient rigidity and resistance to stresses caused by ground movement.
It is not unusual to find the concrete strips misaligned, twisted or cracked after a few years. Heaving or sinking is a more difficult problem to resolve.
Of course, regular concrete driveways crack too! The cracks can be repaired with a concrete patching compound or flexible sealant.
Low Maneuverability
Not every one likes driving on two strips of concrete rather than a wide concrete driveway. This could be even more treacherous if the you have chosen to install a concrete ribbon driveway with a curved design.
If the concrete ribbon driveway is somewhat long then arranging for two cars to pass each other could be a challenge. The same can be said for larger vehicles that require more space to turn.
Cost of a Concrete Ribbon Driveway
The actual cost of a concrete ribbon driveway can vary significantly based on the design.
However if you compare like to like, then a concrete ribbon driveway will likely be half the cost (or less) as compared to a full concrete driveway.
The reason is of course that gravel or grass is significantly cheaper than a poured concrete slab for the same area.
Specialized finishes will, of course, add to the cost. For example, stamped concrete driveway costs between $12 and $28 per square foot, which is more expensive than standard concrete but less expensive than pavers, brick, or stone.
While ribbon driveways can be less expensive than traditional concrete driveways, they can still be more expensive than other types of driveway materials, such as gravel or crushed stone.
Bottom Line
Overall, while there are some potential disadvantages to installing a concrete ribbon driveway, many homeowners find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
By choosing a reputable contractor and properly maintaining your driveway, you can enjoy the many benefits of this durable and environmentally friendly driveway option.
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
