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Placing either a layer of mixed-size gravel or a paver base under your crushed concrete driveway is a good idea. The smaller pieces will compress and prevent the larger pieces of concrete from driving into the soil below, helping to avoid sinking over time under the weight of vehicles. For added protection from sinking and weeks, you can also install a heavy-duty weed liner beneath the gravel or paver base. Just be sure to use a permeable material to avoid drainage problems.

It is not advisable to pour concrete directly on dirt. Even compacted soil—known as a subgrade—is not strong enough to maintain the form of concrete. You can, however, pour concrete over concrete as long as the overlay has proper bonding agents and the slab below is clear of damage.

Concrete discoloration is when some or all of the concrete has a different color than its intended shade. It could be dirty, stained, or have issues from installation, such as improper curing or inconsistent finishing. You can fix concrete discoloration in various ways, such as cleaning the surface, painting it, or resurfacing it. To prevent concrete discoloration, hire a pro who has experience with your type of project, whether it’s a garage floor, patio, or porch.

The biggest downside of sealing concrete is that it needs to be resealed every few years. This routine maintenance can be laborious if you do it yourself and expensive if you hire a professional. Beyond that, sealing concrete can make the surface slippery, which can be dangerous with people with mobility issues, young children, or those with pools near their patios.