We love the ever-changing landscape of what’s trending in the gardening world. With the human mind at the helm, you never know what sort of design or aesthetic is going to take-off next. In today’s blog, we’re going to explain what we think our predictions are for garden trends this year and how some of the designs match exposed aggregate driveways or paths.

Big emphasis on sustainability

We mentioned in our last blog that sustainability is the way of the future – and it’s true. We think (and hope) that more people will be looking to establish a sustainable garden – especially the younger generations. This can be through a vegetable patch or even just by employing more organic gardening methods in general. There are many benefits to something like a veggie patch, for example, such as saving money and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Next time you look at redesigning your garden – consider a more sustainable approach to things.

 

Turn your garden into a retreat

Everyone loves to feel like they’re on holidays – which is why we’ve got a good feeling about this prediction. Think of exotic and unusual plants and flowers that will make your garden feel a little less like home and more like a getaway. Of course, it’s not just the plants, but the arrangements as well.

Structure and plant them in unique and creative ways instead of uniform, generic garden beds. If you want to do something really special, then you can border your exposed aggregate driveway with tall exotic plants, so they surround you every time you drive into your property.

 

Carefully crafted outdoor living spaces

The outdoor living room is nothing new, but we feel like more people are starting to look for more quality products nowadays – and that might reflect in this year’s garden trends. Stone tables and high-quality furnishings that are made as well as they look. This will be fantastic and encourage more outdoor time throughout the year.

This may also prompt you to update your outdoor coverings as well, making it possible to relax outdoors during the rainier weather. Once you have a solid outdoor living area, the possibilities are endless with what you can do. You could install an outdoor fireplace or even a second kitchen.

 

A succulent garden

The last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of succulents – and we don’t believe that will slow down anytime in 2020. A succulent is a type of plant that is usually quite thick – the easiest example of a succulent would be cacti. They’re thick because they’re able to retain water and moisture quite well. They should be watered roughly around once a week where you should soak the soil quite thoroughly.

Succulents commonly come as small pot plants and can be arranged creatively in your garden by hanging them from rope or chains – suspending them above – or even by creating a dedicated succulent rack. Succulent racks – and small pot plant racks in general – are pretty popular already so we think people might be favouring the more vertical option of the two – adding a dynamic layer to your garden.

 

Bordering your driveway

People are always looking for more ways to spice up their lives and the things in it – and exposed aggregate driveways are no exception. Bordering your driveway is nothing new, but this year we might see an increase in stone and rock borders. Instead of leafy green patches – pebbles with larger rocks placed throughout the bordering beds may take the spotlight.

At the end of the day, Australia is predominantly a desolate and dry country – so having a border like this is not entirely out of character. It’s also a lot easier to maintain. You can even plant succulents around it if you’d like.

 

Interested in exposed aggregate driveways?

We think 2020 is going to be a great year for garden design and can’t wait to see some of these predictions come to life. If you’re looking at replacing your driveway – or need a new one – and aren’t sure what material to choose, then A Better Driveway can help you sort that out.

Exposed aggregate driveways are unique, durable, slip-resistant and look fantastic. With an endless amount of combinations to choose from, exposed aggregate driveways are versatile and can suit any home. There are no better experts to bring your driveway dream to life than those at A Better Driveway.

If you’d like to know more about our concrete driveway services, then please get in touch with us by calling (03) 9308 6112. You can also contact us by filling out the enquiry sheet on our website.

Sustainability is the way of the future and with more people realising that there are also more people looking to adopt more sustainable practises wherever they can. Growing a vegetable patch is one way to do this as it’s a clean and green way to grow your own vegetables – saving you money, giving you a hobby and also supporting an ethical practice. Today, our Melbourne-based concrete driveway experts are going to show you just how you can organise your veggie patch to get the most out of it.

 

Plan the style

You’ll want to decide first off if you’re going to have a traditional patch at ground level or something that’s raised. The area you choose doesn’t have to be a big one either – as depending on what you’re looking to plant you don’t necessarily need a large area for your veggie patch.

You don’t want the patch to be too wide as it’ll be harder to get to the centre of it – so usually, two rows just over a metre in length are sufficient. If you really want to go any wider – then we suggest placing planks between the rows for you to walk on to get to the hard to reach areas.

You could also model the patch in a 2×2 square style – with each square containing four vegetables that are separated briefly from the other squares. This is also an aesthetic move as this may look better for your front or backyard.

 

Pick what you want to plant

The easiest way to pick your vegetables is to think about what your favourites are – as well as what’s expensive to purchase at the supermarket. You’ll want to avoid planting as much as you can in the first year because you’ll inevitably be biting off more than you can chew. Also, think of the size of your patch and how big the vegetables you’re looking to plant are as they’ll need to have sufficient room to grow.

 

The art of companion planting (and dealing with pests)

Generally speaking, insects and pests will attack plants of the same variety if they’re all grouped together. It’s for this reason that professionals will not plant the same type of vegetable together – but separate them to confuse pests. This will greatly work to your advantage. It’s important to note, however, that some vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower will need to be grown together under nets, for example, to protect against caterpillars.

Certain types of flowers will naturally attract insects – in turn distracting them from your patch. This works as an organic deterrent. Some of the flower varieties include calendula and daisy.

 

Study what you’re planting

It’s all well and good to pick what you’re planting, but you should really be researching everything there is to know about planting that specific vegetable, so you know when to harvest it. You should be able to look at it and see how it’s going by its aesthetics and by touching it.

This is the key to a successful harvest. Know if it prefers sunlight or the shade – or how often it needs to be watered. Lower areas of the garden will retain more moisture so it’s best to plant the vegetables that need more water in those lower areas.

 

Create shade

If you plant tall and climbing vegetables – then it can create shade for the plants that stick lower to the ground. This is a highly desirable and smart move to make if some of your vegetables won’t survive in the hot sun. This is also more sustainable than erecting artificial shade as you’re still adding to your garden.

 

Are you looking for a concrete driveway in Melbourne?

Veggie patches are fantastic things to strive towards. They’ll save you money in the long run and teach you to care more for the outdoors – the entire hobby is a sustainable practise that should be adopted by more people.

After you’re done with your veggie patch, why not get a new concrete driveway installed as well. A Better Driveway are the masters of concrete driveways in Melbourne and can help you to pick one that best suits your home as well as install it with ease and efficiency.

Our trained and fully qualified contractors are equipped with the knowledge and tools to bring your dream driveway to life – whether it be with the ever-versatile exposed aggregate or with coloured concrete.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to find out more about our Melbourne-based concrete driveway services, then please call (03) 9308 6112. You may also fill out the contact sheet on our website.

Summer isn’t over yet – which means there’s still heaps of time to take advantage of the hot sun and good vibes. And one of the best ways to do that is to relax in your backyard. You’ve probably already got an exposed aggregate driveway – but what about the concrete in your backyard? In today’s blog, we’re going to be listing some fun features that’ll turn your backyard into the best location for any summer party or hang.

Shade

Whilst the sun can be great, it can also get pretty hot sometimes. This is why organising shade is important. This can be in the form of a marquee, an umbrella or even a more permanent fixture like a gazebo or concrete roofing.

The type of shading you organise will obviously depend on the size of your backyard as well as your budget – as a permanent structure will cost significantly more than an umbrella that you can just pack away. This solution will ensure that maximum comfort is achieved for you and your guests and also reduce the risk of sunburn –remember to still keep the sunscreen handy, though.

 

Water features

Whilst a pool is probably the ultimate backyard feature for summer, they can be quite costly and take a while to install. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper and quicker alternative, then why not look at inflatable pools to cool your feet in or even sprinklers. These features can still offer fun in the summertime for your friends or kids (dogs love them too) and are inexpensive to maintain.

If you’re adamant on a pool, however, then you there are endless possibilities when it comes to designing the surrounding areas. You can use exposed aggregate like your driveway to ensure the concrete around it is slip-resistant, for example. The pool itself can also be shaped and sized to suit your backyard – as not all pools have to be large and rectangular.

 

Lounges and outdoor seating

Chairs, lounges and other sorts of furnishings are essential to relaxation in an outdoor environment. There are several styles you can look at making it easier to match to your exposed aggregate concrete whilst also finding something that’s comfortable. Place these under shaded areas or in the sun for some sunbathing (just be sure to use sunscreen).

If you want to do something a little different, then why not consider a hammock? Some people think you can only install a hammock if you have two strong trees close to each other. But, in reality, you can always install the bases of the hammock manually if you don’t have any trees that meet the requirements. Sure, it won’t look as natural or like they do on television, but it’s the same principle.

 

Decks

Building a deck in your backyard adds a great aesthetic as the natural wood finish complements most other surfaces – as well as being extremely practical. Decks are the perfect place to relax in summer (and even every other season for that matter) and the ideal location for an outdoor living room. Before you know it, you’ll be spending most of your time on your deck rather than inside. Depending on the size, you can also install an outdoor kitchen or BBQ with a fridge – truly making it the ultimate space to relax.

 

Outdoor speakers

With technology at the stage it is, it’s so easy to control music from your phone and have it play anywhere in the house or even on a portable speaker using Bluetooth. If you’re outside a lot, consider installing outdoor speakers that you can control via Bluetooth or Apple Airplay. Just be sure to cover the speakers and cables appropriately to protect them against unwanted weather.

For a smaller-scale alternative, you can just use a portable Bluetooth speaker – the sound quality won’t be great, but it will be portable, which has its own benefits. Music is a key ingredient in social gatherings and even helps some people relax.

 

Do you need an exposed aggregate driveway installed?

A Better Driveway are the masters of exposed aggregate driveways. But we also believe in summer fun, so we hope you can gain some backyard inspiration for the last few weeks of the season. If you need an exposed aggregate driveway installed, then our experts can help you realise your vision and also help you select the aggregate combinations – as there are so many – to ensure you’re more than pleased with how your driveway will turn out.

If you’d like to get in touch with us, then please call us on (03) 9308 6112. You can also contact us by filling out the form on our website.

Bonsai trees are an ancient and gentle plant that promote peace and prosperity. Whilst they were made famous in the west by the Karate Kid movies in the 1980s, they have existed in Japanese culture for almost a thousand years. Not only are they a great hobby to get in to, but they also look fantastic.

Here at A Better Driveway, we believe that a great complementary element to a bonsai tree or garden is Melbourne exposed aggregate concrete. The endless possibilities and varieties that are available when it comes to exposed aggregate mean that you can match it to your bonsai garden in several different ways. For today’s blog, we’re going to be looking at the elements required to craft a bonsai garden in your own backyard.

1.    Landscaping

Whilst some people say that it’s enough to have a rough idea of how you’ll want to set everything out – it’s important to keep in mind that the more detail and knowledge you know – the easier it’ll be to do it. That being said, some people get their best inspiration and ideas whilst they’re doing a job, so it’s really up to you on how you want to approach it in that sense.

The easiest style of bonsai garden you can do features exposed aggregate concrete with multiple pedestals holding individual bonsai plants. With this open concept, you’ll want to ensure the plants and the pedestals are firmly secured though to combat any winds or intense rain that may knock them off.

The other approach is to create a scenic garden with waterfalls and bonsai trees planted amongst it all. Think about the miniature scale bonsai gardens – it’s sort of similar to that but on a larger scale. A bonsai garden such as this will take a lot more time and effort, however.

 

2.    Pick your bonsai

There are several different styles of bonsai that you can choose for your garden – each with their own perks. Bonsai varieties that are suited for the outdoors include Japanese maple and Juniper bonsai. Because bonsai trees are generally planted in such small pots, they don’t have much room for nutrients. So, this needs to be taken into account when selecting your trees as they’ll be needing a bit more care out in the elements.

 

3.    Acquire materials

Depending on the style of garden you’re going to go with you’ll need different things. If you’re looking at crafting a more elaborate garden with water features such as a waterfall or pond – then you’ll need to organise the appropriate plumbing and hardware to facilitate that. For these more elaborate gardens you’ll need to dedicate a lot of time to perfecting it and won’t be as easy as a simple, pedestal bonsai garden.

If you’re looking to secure your pedestals to the ground, then you can either have them made from scratch on the exposed aggregate surface – which is the more costly option – or, you can secure them into the concrete with bolts. Using bolts or ground screws is a lot cheaper but won’t look as seamless or as aesthetically pleasing – which is something to keep in mind if you know that’ll bother you.

 

4.    Putting down the base and planting

Now that you have all your materials, you can have a professional from A Better driveway lay down your exposed aggregate concrete base. With thousands of different combinations to choose from you’ll be able to match your concrete floor to your garden perfectly. Once the concrete base is down, then you can get to work on the rest of your garden. Bonsai need special types of soil that can effectively feed it nutrients as well as provide excellent drainage. The right soil will go a long way in ensuring your bonsai lives a long life.

 

5.    Maintenance

Bonsai trees require heavy maintenance on their own – but if you’re planning to create an ecosystem for them outside then they’ll require even more attention. Be sure to trim your bonsai tree accordingly. When it comes to watering them, routines are not advised. You should only water a bonsai tree if it looks like it needs it. This could mean a few days without water.

 

Are you looking for Melbourne exposed aggregate concrete?

Here at A Better Driveway, we understand the importance and serenity that comes with a bonsai garden. That’s why we believe that every Melbourne bonsai garden should have an equally as amazing exposed aggregate base to complement.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to talk about exposed aggregate solutions for your yard or driveway, then please give us a call on 03 9308 6112. You can also contact us using the enquiry form on our website.

When we talk about an exposed aggregate driveway, we like to think of high-quality, durable and stylish driveways. Those are the characteristics – but what about the driveway as a whole. What makes a perfect exposed aggregate driveway?

Is it how you match it to the rest of your house or is it the dimensions of it? The truth is, several elements factor into the equation and we’re going to be exploring them in today’s blog. So, strap yourself in as A Better Driveway establishes the elements for you.

How it’s planned

It all starts with a well-planned layout. Where are you going to place it? Will it be straight, or will it curve at all? Is it going into your garage? How wide is your car? You’ll want to make sure there’s at least half a metre (if you can spare it) on each side to allow for extra room. This is also a smart idea because you may get a larger car in the future or visitors may have larger cars.

Once you’ve established the physical position and dimensions of the driveway it’s time to look at the style of it. The defining feature of an exposed aggregate driveway is that there is an infinite amount of styles you can choose from. Because exposed aggregate combines colours and all types of aggregates you can craft a design that is true to your personality.

This also makes it easier to match to your home and the rest of your garden. These are all important elements that go towards achieving the perfect driveway because some people like their front yards to match and blend perfectly.

 

How it’s laid

A perfect driveway can’t be perfect if it’s going to crack after a few months. Make sure you hire experienced concreter contractors like the ones at A Better Driveway for any driveway jobs you need doing. You’ll want your driveway to be laid efficiently and properly to ensure a long-lasting driveway.

A good exposed aggregate driveway will last for a couple of years before it needs to be resealed – which is a pretty simple process and completely normal. When done correctly, a solid exposed aggregate driveway will be highly durable and also slip-proof. It’s defining feature, the exposed stones and aggregates, give it a great shine and aesthetic that varies depending on what stones and colours you’ve chosen.

 

How it’s maintained

Maintenance is a big part of keeping your driveway perfect. You don’t want to have any oil spills left on it, for example, as that can lead to things like spalling and abrasion. If you fail to seal your driveway every two years, then water can leak into it and cause cracks to start forming. This is because the concrete contracts and expands due to the excess water – literally pulling the slabs apart.

Every now and then it should be swept and cleared of dirt and other yard fragments with a hard brush. The reason for this is that the extra debris could get caught in the driveway. Because of the raised aggregates, it makes it easier for dirt to nestle in against these parts and slowly degrade the driveway over time. Remember, a clean driveway is a healthy driveway.

 

How you feel

The most important element that contributes to a perfect driveway – is how you feel about it. A well planned, laid and maintained exposed aggregate driveway is something that should be considered – and are all factors you should ensure are looked at and enforced. But if you don’t like how it feels at the end of the day then it’s not really a perfect driveway.

This is why the planning stage is so important. You need to ensure that everything you want is realised and achievable, so you won’t have any surprises later down the track. Everyone has a different idea of what a perfect driveway should entail to them ­– so as long as you’re happy with it, then it’s perfect.

 

Do you need an exposed aggregate driveway laid?

A Better Driveway are exposed aggregate driveway specialists. Our portfolio includes several exposed aggregate jobs and our contractors are familiar with the intricacies that come with laying down this unique style of concrete. With literally endless possibilities and combinations of aggregates and concrete to choose from – your own, unique exposed aggregate driveway is just a phone call away.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to chat about our concrete services, then please give us a call on 03 9308 6112. Or, you can fill out the contact sheet found on our website.

As we move deeper into December the Christmas charm is well and truly starting to be felt. Already you can see houses completely decked out with extravagant light shows and decorations – but how’s your yard going? We know how it goes, every year you want to dress up your house and embrace the festive spirit but you’re not sure where to start – well, we can help you with that. Today’s blog is going to be concentrating solely on how you can turn your coloured concrete driveway into a Christmas wonderland.

Prepare your yard

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that your front yard is in tip-top condition. Prune your bushes, neaten up your flowerbeds and mow the lawn. Ensure that no miscellaneous objects are lying around either.

This will obviously help to improve the appeal and image of your yard – but also make it safer. If you’re planning on going all out – which we absolutely think you should – then you’ll want to make sure the rest of your yard is clear for when you need to navigate it.

 

Buy the right decorations

There’s no point in purchasing something that you can’t use – so make sure that you plan ahead before you go out shopping. Roughly measure the length needed for Christmas lights you’re planning to hang or drape around your yard and mentally mark the spots that you’ll be placing large-scale models in – such as light-up reindeers or a Santa.

When working with electrical decorations – which a lot of them probably will be – make sure that they’re properly rated to withstand the elements and be left outside. Even so, you’ll still have to take extra care and protect your power outlets and cables from any rain or unwanted weather – especially seeing as Melbourne can be quite temperamental.

Avoid leaving your cables on the ground if you can and instead run them over an elevated surface – whether it be a bush or along the side of a fence. This is to ensure that if it does rain, the cables won’t be left in an area where water can pool up and become dangerous.

 

Take advantage of your natural environment

If your garden has large bushes and trees, then you can absolutely use that to your advantage. Hang tinsel and lights around them to turn them into real-life Christmas trees. You can even sprinkle a bit of fake snow around them – but the clean-up can be a bit difficult.

If your coloured concrete driveway is a bold colour, then you can match it to some of your decorations in a contrasting manner to add some depth to your little wonderland. Decorations such as fake lanterns can also look great when hanging from branches – just be sure to not use real flames as that can cause some unwanted issues.

 

Grouping

You should’ve already had a rough idea of where you’d want to position things before going out to purchase decorations – but sometimes you just see something that you have to have, and it can alter your original plans a little. This is why you should always plan the layout of your decorations to have sufficient space in between them. We also recommend selecting one-three “centrepieces” that you can work the rest of your decorations around.

You should aim to highlight these centrepieces to ensure that they stand out and draw the most attention. An example of this would be a large light-up sled and reindeer piece with smaller snowmen around it and lights hanging above. It’s not just about size, but also making sure that the other decorations don’t clash.

Try not to clutter your garden too much – however, as then it can just become a mess. On Halloween, it might have been acceptable to just place objects randomly around your garden – but with Christmas, you should take a bit more care and finesse when planning placement.

Try grouping Santa’s little helpers in one section and snowmen in another – or mix it up if you want but try to stick to little grouped sections instead of random placements. This will also make the garden easier to navigate when you have to do maintenance.

 

Looking for a coloured concrete driveway?

Here at A Better Driveway, we excel at custom driveways. From coloured concrete to textured and exposed aggregate – we’ve got all your driveway needs covered. Our experienced and professional contractors will be able to help you with whatever queries or concerns you may have.

So, if you’re looking at getting a coloured concrete driveway done before Christmas hits, then give us a call on (03) 9308 6112. You may also contact us through the enquiry form on our website.

Whilst a lot of people see bees as pests that annoy you during the summer, the facts are that they’re actually integral to our ecosystem. Whether you’ve seen them buzzing past Melbourne driveways or sunflowers, it’s important to understand just how they affect our environment. In today’s blog, we’re going to take you through the importance of honeybees and share some things that you can do in your own yard to help shelter and protect them.

Are bees really important?

Yes, bees are very important. Other than the fact that they produce honey, beeswax and propolis – which is a widely loved delicacy – they’re also responsible for pollinating three-quarters of the plants that produce 90% of our food. This makes sense as there are actually more honeybees than any other bee – as well as any other pollinating insect – in the world.

Foods like avocados (yes, that means no smashed avo without bees!), celery, cucumbers, peaches, cherries, melons and many more all require pollination. Bees also pollinate crops such as cotton, flax and almonds – just to name a few. Bees are highly essential to our agricultural industry as well – as pollination effectively increases the quantity of produce as well as the quality of it. It also hardens crops against pests – making them more resilient.

 

How does pollination work?

Basically, pollen is produced in a flower’s stamen – commonly known as the male part of a flower – and makes its way up to the stigma – which is the female part of a flower. This is the pollination process within a flower or plant. Cross-pollination, however, is when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant’s stigma. This produces stronger plants – provided the two plants are the same type – and is helped along by bees.

 

The relationship between bees and flowers

It’s a common misconception that bees actually produce pollen. The facts, are though, that when bees land on flowers, the pollen sticks to them. They actually collect the pollen purposely along with nectar to feed their colonies. Pollination with other plants is just a by-product of a honeybee’s daily duties.

Flowers also supply bees with nectar – which is a sweet liquid that they produce to attract bees and other animals in the first place. When combined with enzymes and oxygen over a week, the nectar will become honey.

When bees drink the nectar, it is stored in an internal pouch for transportation to the colony. During the nectar retrieval process, pollen sticks to the honeybee’s body. As they land on other flowers to collect their nectar, the pollen from previous flowers is released onto the new one.

Because plants are disadvantaged in terms of being immobile – they’re unable to find mates. It’s because of this that they rely on external agents – known as vectors – such as honeybees to do the matchmaking for them. The male genetics are carried within the pollen, which is why pollen must travel to the female part of a plant in order for fertilisation to occur.

Provided both the plants are of the same species, a strong offspring will be produced thanks to the cross-pollination assisted by bees. Reproduction would be basically impossible for several species of plants if it weren’t for bees. The same logic also applies to fruit and vegetables – two types of food that we consume on a daily basis.

 

How can you support them?

There are a few things that you can do in your own yard to help honeybees along and encourage them to continue to pollinate and feed their colony.

• If possible, try to avoid using chemicals when servicing your garden as they can be harmful to the bees and the pollination process.
• Consider planting a diverse array of plants in your garden to entice honeybees and encourage pollination by giving them a wide selection.
• Mowing your grass very short constantly can take away food sources and habitats for bees so it’s worth leaving it a bit longer.

Need a company that can handle Melbourne driveways?

A Better Driveway is an experienced concrete company specialising in Melbourne driveways. Our highly trained contractors know what concrete works best and will work with you to ensure that your vision and dreams are met in a timely and professional manner. Whether you’re looking for exposed aggregate, coloured or textured concrete, we’ll be able to sort out your driveway in no time.

So, if you’re looking for a company that can handle driveways in Melbourne, then get in touch with us by calling (03) 9308 6112. You can also contact us via the form on our website.

Garages are fantastic additions to concrete driveways in Melbourne. Whether they’re independent units or attached to your house, the right garage can have enormous benefits – the obvious one of which is a place to keep your car.

But there are several other ways that you can use your garage that go beyond storing your car. That’s why today we’re going to be looking at five alternate uses for your garage to ensure that you’re getting the most out of it.

1.    Storage Space

Whether you’re a small or large family, you may end up hoarding a lot of items. This is especially the case if you have children as clothes and toys will be outgrown and deemed unnecessary quite quickly in their early days. If you don’t feel like donating or passing it on to a friend just yet, then you can store it away.

To avoid unnecessary expenses, use your garage. Depending on the size of your garage this can be really easy and even fun to do. There are a variety of DIY guides to help you install shelves and drawers to efficiently store things. This is a much cheaper option than hiring out a storage container – it also avoids unnecessary travel if you’re going to be accessing the storage frequently.

 

2.    Tool garage

If you’re someone who likes to do a lot of work around the house and is constantly on the hunt for the next DIY project to tackle on the weekend – then you might want to consider turning your garage into a tool space. Compile and arrange all your tools neatly so you can find them easily.

Use the wall space to hang your frequently used tools up for easy access and install workbenches and any hardware you’ll need like vices or jigsaws. Put some rubber mats down near your workbench for a better grip. You can get some pretty cool stuff done in a decently sized garage space.

 

3.    A recreational room

This type of room really comes in a variety of different iterations. You can go the classic “man cave” route and deck it out with a bar, pool table, some cool neon signs and dark walls. You can even put up a large TV with some comfy couches and bean bags. The possibilities are endless.

The goal is, though, to create a recreational room that you feel comfortable in and is a place where you can wind down and do the things you can enjoy. If you have a hobby – like building scale models – then set up a little workbench area to the side where you can do that in a fun environment.

The best part about this is that you can really go all out with the decorations to turn the garage into your style. Sitting on the inside you won’t even realise that it’s a garage.

 

4.    Home gym

Fitness nut or not, a home gym can come in handy. Space can be an issue, however. Depending on how invested you want to get into it, certain gym equipment can be quite large and take up a lot of space. This is where turning your garage into a gym can be ideal.

Having a dedicated room with the space of even a one-car garage can mean fitting a few of the essential equipment pieces in there. Lay down some rubber mats on the floor and you’re ready to go. You can even install some speakers around the room to keep yourself motivated and driven during workouts.

 

5.    Home cinema

Soundproof your walls, put in some carpet, install some reclining leather seats with cupholders, get yourself a large TV or projector with an amplifier and speakers and you’ve got yourself a home cinema.

You can even put in a minibar with a microwave so you can make some popcorn and drinks to have during the movies. This is also great for when you want to have some friends over.

 

Do you need help with Melbourne concrete driveways?

Figuring out what to do with your garage is one step of completing your home’s front yard. As experts of concrete driveways in Melbourne, A Better Driveway can help you with the rest. Our highly-skilled and qualified contractors will advise and help you work out what the best type of concrete is for your Melbourne driveway – whether it be exposed aggregate, coloured concrete or textured concrete.

If you’re looking to upgrade your concrete driveway in Melbourne, then please give us a call on (03) 9308 6112. You can also get in contact with us by filling out the enquiry form on our website.

Halloween is an exciting time of year for some. Dating back 2000 years to the Celtic people, what we know as Halloween today was originally the festival of Samhain. The Celtics believed that on the 31^st of October, when summer ended and harvest began, the barrier between the living world and the dead were blurred and weakened – allowing spirits to pass into the living world.

Today, though, most people just dress up in their favourite horror or pop-culture outfits and go to parties or – more notably – go trick or treating around their neighbourhoods. That’s where your exposed aggregate driveway comes into the mix! Today we’re going to be talking all about how you can spook up your driveway and front yard to get more involved in the festivities.

1.    Cleaning the yard

First and foremost, you’re going to want to get your yard and driveway into tip-top condition. That means mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges and cleaning your driveway. The fantastic thing about an exposed aggregate driveway is its non-slip surface makes it the best option for young trick or treaters to be walking on after dark. That being said, you should still do a sweep of the yard to make sure there are no tripping hazards. Once you’ve sharpened up your yard, it’s time to start with the decorations.

 

2.    Pumpkins

An iconic staple of Halloween all around the world – pumpkins are a fantastic first step in transforming your yard into a Halloween haven. If you’re feeling particularly artsy, then you can carve them out and light candles inside of them to give them a scary effect – or even carve images into them. Consider using battery-operated flames to reduce the risk of any fire hazards. Place them around your yard and driveway to guide the way for trick or treaters.

 

3.    Gravestones

An especially fun and affordable idea is to get some fake grave headstones to place around your lawn. You can put the names of famous horror characters on them for even more detail. If you can get some fresh soil from Bunnings, then you can pile it in front of some of the headstones to make it seem like they were just freshly buried. Decorate the headstones further by sticking white streamers shaped like ghosts around them and on your trees and windows.

 

4.    Light the way

We mentioned that the pumpkins with candles can be placed on your driveway to light the way for the trick or treaters, but you should add more lighting to your repertoire just in case. If you have any outdoor lighting on your porch or in your garden, then take full advantage of them.

Even with daylight savings, there’s no guarantee that people won’t come after the sun sets – so be sure to place lanterns by your doors (again, best to use battery-powered candles if possible) to illuminate the area. This will also advertise to trick or treaters that you are participating in the fun.

 

5.    Fog machine

This is for those people that want to go that extra step further. A fog machine can be a lot of fun and give some great effects when combined with lights in a dimly lit environment. It’s also a lot safer than dry ice whilst still giving a similar effect.

 

6.    Have fun!

Don’t forget to dress up yourself and have that bowl of candy ready for when your guests come past. Be sure to be friendly and enjoy yourself. Halloween isn’t only for children – and with your exposed aggregate driveway complimenting your set-up, you’ll be the most popular street in the neighbourhood.

 

Are you interested in an exposed aggregate driveway?

Here at A Better Driveway, we specialise in exposed aggregate driveways. Our contractors will work with you to find out exactly what you need. With years of experience, our qualified contractors will work around you to ensure that the job gets done in a timely and efficient manner.

Some of the other types of concrete that we specialise in are coloured and textured. Whether you’re after a touch-up or a brand-new driveway – A Better Driveway has you covered.

If you’d like to know more about our exposed aggregate driveways or other services, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (03) 9308 6112. You can also fill out the enquiry form found on our website.

Entering the second month of spring there’s no doubt that everyone’s enjoying the steady transition into warmer, sunnier weather. You don’t have to go to a park or café to enjoy the nice weather though. Before summer hits, make that patio you’ve always thought about getting a reality. Whether it’s in your back or front yard, there’s a myriad of ideas you can go with. If you’re looking to stand out in Melbourne though, why not consider an exposed aggregate patio? Let’s take a look at four designs that’ll get you excited and inspired.

1.    The multi-levelled patio

This design is quite exciting as it opens up a range of possibilities not just for relaxation, but also for gardening as well. This can be done in two ways. The first is where you place your furnishings and barbeque on the ground level, and then create a few smaller levels going up that can act as raised garden beds with concrete planters.

The other way is the reverse. The top-level is your recreational area and the garden levels are built on a decline. This works especially well if your backyard is on a natural decline already. Mix it up by making each level a different colour with the large selection of colours and aggregates available when choosing exposed aggregate concrete.

 

2.    The hybrid patio

Whether it’s with grass and concrete or wood and concrete, mixing it up is always great fun. A classic idea is large, rectangular exposed aggregate slabs with well-trimmed grass in between. The steps leading down from the patio would be made of exposed aggregate as well.

Similarly, you can use pebbles or medium-sized stones to fill in the gaps between the concrete slabs. Using exposed aggregate as your patio concrete of choice also gives you the added benefit of a non-slip surface.

Alternatively, you can create a wholly concrete patio and border it with wooden planks – or even flip it around and border a wooden deck with concrete slabs. The dark wood will contrast beautifully with the classic, cool grey of concrete and you’ll end up getting the best of both worlds.

 

3.    The concrete roof patio

This is quite a unique idea. Whatever style of patio you decide to go with on the ground level, you can build a matching – or contrasting – concrete roof above it. This works particularly well for patios that are not directly attached to the exterior of the house.

This can be a basic square roof, or, you can try for a curved or geometrically shaped roof to give your patio a unique personality. The entire patio does not need to be covered either, you can only cover part of the patio and leave the other section bare for those days where you just want to soak up the sun.

 

4.    The haven patio

A haven-styled patio gives off a very European vibe. The prime characteristics of this type of patio are the walls that essentially make it a closed-off little haven. They feature single (or multiple if you prefer) arches that lead to the rest of your yard. If it doesn’t clash too much with the rest of your house and landscape – we recommend painting the concrete walls white.

This little haven is great for a more private outdoor oasis. Dress it up with some potted plants and banana lounges and it’ll be just like relaxing on the Greek islands. Feel free to add some features to the walls with some circular or diamond-shaped holes. This acts both a design aesthetic but will also let a bit more sun in during the early rising and late setting phases.

Interested in exposed aggregate solutions in Melbourne?

Whether you’re looking to have a concrete patio or driveway built, A Better Driveway is the business for you. With years of hands-on experience, our highly trained and qualified contractors can supply you with quality exposed aggregate solutions in Melbourne. We also specialise in textured and coloured concrete services and will take the time to work with you to ensure that the project is exactly how you want it to be before any physical work is started.

So, if you require an exposed aggregate patio or driveway in Melbourne, then please do not hesitate to give us a call on (03) 9308 6112. Alternatively, you may also fill out the enquiry form on our website.