Your Guide to Stamped Concrete in 2020

Stamped concrete, sometimes referred to as textured concrete, is designed to replicate the look of stone, such as slate, flagstone, and cobblestone, tile, brick, and wood.This broad assortment of patterns makes it a popular and more affordable alternative for enhancing the look of patios, walkways, driveways, and more.

If you're considering having stamped concrete installed in or around your home, we have all the information that you need for this unique concrete flooring system. Continue reading to learn more in your guide to stamped concrete in 2020!

Stamped concrete is a tough material to beat when it comes to design options. With a practically limitless variety of patterns and colors to choose from, this concrete style can meet any design needs.

Many homeowners gather inspiration for their designs from their home's architecture or the landscape around their home. With this inspiration, it's easy to choose a pattern and color combination that will blend with the house's existing elements. For example, if your home's exterior is made primarily from brick, consider choosing a brick pattern that complements this architectural style.

Patterns

Some of the most common patterns for stamped concrete include natural stone patterns, such as slate, flagstone, and fieldstone. Brick, cobblestone, and wood patterns are also common patterns that are frequently stamped into concrete surfaces.

There are also many variations of some of these patterns that can be used either for design needs or personal preference. Some of these variations include herringbone for brick patterns and European fans for cobblestone patterns.

Colors

The most frequently used colors for stamped concrete tend to be variations of gray and earth tones. However, red and brown colors are typically used for brick patterns.

No matter the pattern, the possibilities are endless as colors can be blended, layered, or antiqued using stains or tints. Usually, multiple colors are used for the same project to create a more realistic coloring for the chosen pattern.

Several factors influence the cost of stamped concrete. Some of these factors include the square footage of your space, the complexity of the pattern, and the selected colors. Typically, the larger the square footage, the less the cost per square foot will be.

Basic stamped concrete designs with one color will cost between $8 and $12 per square foot. Semi-complex designs that include borders or contrasting color schemes can cost anywhere from $12 to $18 per square foot. The most complex designs that use multiple stamped patterns and colors will usually cost $18 or more per square foot.

Stamped concrete installation is an intricate process that requires careful planning and execution to achieve quality results that are uniform across the entire surface.

Once the fresh concrete is poured and left to set to the appropriate consistency, the color hardeners, and release agents are applied. Next, the stamp will be applied to the concrete before it sets completely. Lastly, finish work, detailing, and cutting contraction joints will be completed.

In most cases, concrete stamping is performed on freshly poured concrete. Although, it's possible to cover existing concrete with a stamped overlay, which provides the same look as regular stamped concrete.

Customization Options

As the concrete is poured on-site, there are many ways to customize this decorative concrete option's look and feel. It can be colored to match any design elements around your home or landscape. The pattern choices for stamped concrete are also nearly endless. With stamped concrete, you can create a surface that is completely customized to meet your specific needs.

Durability and Longevity

Stamped concrete is an incredibly durable surface material. It will not sink unevenly like other materials, and it's designed to handle heavy foot traffic. Stamped concrete can also handle a great deal of weight, impacts, and abrasions. Not to mention, you'll be able to enjoy your stamped concrete for many years. When properly maintained and cared for, it should last over 25 years!

Fast Install Times

Stamped concrete is much faster and easier to install than other conventional building materials, such as natural stone, pavers, or bricks. The installation is so much quicker because the concrete is applied as a solid slab rather than single pieces and doesn't require the same amount of labor. Your space will be out of commission for less time, and you'll be able to use your new surface in no time!

Ease of Maintenance

If keeping maintenance to a minimum is essential to you, stamped concrete is the way to go. Other than sweeping off dirt and debris and the occasional mopping as needed, the only crucial maintenance requirement is resealing. You should have your stamped concrete resealed at least once every other year to protect it from damage and keep its color longer.

Affordability

One of the most notable benefits of stamped concrete is its affordability. This surface is much less expensive than using high-end materials like brick, stone, or pavers. The labor costs for stamped concrete will be lower than these materials due to the labor-intensive process that high-end materials require.

Now that you've familiarized yourself with all the info on stamped concrete, you can decide if this versatile building material is for you! With unlimited color and pattern options, stamped concrete can meet all of your design needs. The only step left for you is to find a dependable contractor to install it for you!