Colored Concrete Driveway Ideas: Beyond Gray

Can You Color a Concrete Driveway?

Yes. Colored concrete driveways use integral pigments, acid stains, or concrete dyes to create permanent color that won't peel or fade like paint. The most popular colors are warm earth tones—tan, brown, terracotta—that complement home exteriors without looking artificial.

Three Ways to Color Concrete

1. Integral Color (Mixed In)

Pigment is added to the concrete at the plant, so color goes all the way through.

• Cost: +$2-$4 per square foot
• Pros: Permanent, consistent, won't chip or peel
• Cons: Limited to earth tones, color can vary between batches
• Best for: New driveways where you want subtle, natural color

2. Acid Stain (Chemical Reaction)

Metallic salts react with concrete to create variegated, mottled color.

• Cost: $4-$8 per square foot (existing concrete)
• Pros: Unique marbled look, each slab is different
• Cons: Unpredictable results, requires sealing
• Best for: Existing concrete you want to transform

3. Concrete Dye (Penetrating Color)

Water or solvent-based dyes penetrate the surface for vibrant color.

• Cost: $3-$6 per square foot
• Pros: Wider color range, more predictable than stain
• Cons: Surface only, can fade in direct sun
• Best for: Bold colors or when you need exact color matching

Popular Driveway Colors

Color	Best Home Styles	Notes
Sandstone/Buff	Traditional, Mediterranean	Most popular, hides dirt
Terra Cotta	Spanish, Southwestern	Warm, inviting
Charcoal Gray	Modern, Contemporary	Sophisticated, shows less staining
Brown/Walnut	Craftsman, Ranch	Earthy, natural look
Slate Gray	Colonial, Cape Cod	Classic, timeless

Colored vs Stamped: What's the Difference?

Colored concrete changes only the color—surface remains smooth or broom-finished.

Stamped concrete adds both color AND texture/pattern to mimic stone or brick.

You can have colored concrete without stamping, but stamped concrete always includes color.

Maintenance Requirements

Colored driveways need sealing:

• Apply penetrating sealer every 2-3 years
• Resealing maintains color vibrancy
• Without sealer, color can fade 10-20% over time
• Sealing also protects against stains and salt damage

Cost Comparison

Option	Cost per Sq Ft	500 Sq Ft Driveway
Plain gray concrete	$10-$13	$5,000-$6,500
Integral color	$12-$17	$6,000-$8,500
Acid stain (existing)	$4-$8	$2,000-$4,000
Stamped + colored	$16-$24	$8,000-$12,000

Key Takeaways

• Integral color is best for new driveways (+$2-$4/sq ft)
• Acid stain transforms existing concrete ($4-$8/sq ft)
• Earth tones (tan, brown, gray) are most popular
• All colored concrete needs periodic sealing
• Colored concrete is NOT paint—it won't peel

Ready to upgrade from gray? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We specialize in colored concrete that matches your home and lasts for decades.