Stamped Concrete

 

Stamped concrete is a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to other types of materials such as pavers, ceramic tile or brick. Stamped concrete can instantly boost the curb appeal of your home and provides the type of permanence and durability that most homeowners are looking for.

 

Because of its reputation for durability, it’s often chosen for high-traffic areas inside and outside the home and is also used to enhance public areas. Besides outdoors, we can install decorative concrete floors year round for your interior floors as well.

 

At Full Concrete Contractors, we offer a wide variety of stamped concrete styles, installation options, and designs for fire pit, walkway, pool deck, patio, sidewalk, retaining wall and more.

 

Stamped concrete is applied in the same manner as a concrete slab, with a unique finish designed to mimic flagstones, wood, slate, or another type of texture. Sealing stamped concrete is best done with an acrylic sealer, either solvent- or water-based. The modern concrete stamp is usually made of polyurethane, while older-style stamps used various types of metal. Stamped concrete gives homeowners more design options, which is what makes it more appealing.

 

Stamped Concrete Advantages

 
  • Stamped concrete is a more popular choice considering its durability, minimal maintenance needs, and the wide variety of style and color options available.
  • In most cases, decorative concrete is also the most budget-friendly option and one of the most durable choices with a lifespan of up to twenty-five years or more.
  • In terms of price, stamped concrete can cost an average of $2 to $18 per square foot.
 
 

Stamped Concrete Disadvantages

 
  • If you’re an avid DIYer, you will be disappointed to learn that laying a stamped concrete patio, walkway, or driveway is more complex than it may seem. If you’ve never worked with concrete before, it’s highly recommended that you leave this type of complex job to a pro concrete contractor.
 
 Stamped Concrete Decorative Patterns
 

The stamped concrete pattern you choose is just as important as the colors you’ll use. Fortunately, there are several patterns available, each of which can instantly enhance any type of outdoor space.

Natural Stone

This type of pattern utilizes several colors that create a realistic look. Soft browns, greys, and whites are often incorporated.

Brick

Most brick designs utilize shades of russet, reds, and browns. Faux grout lines are often incorporated into the pattern separately to create a more realistic look.

Wood

Wood stamped concrete designs incorporate a variety of earth tones that are layered onto the surface of the concrete to create the many colors found in wood grains.

Flagstone

This design gives a space a genuine stone look and it’s one of the most popular choices for patios.

Cobblestone

Cobblestone brings a charming small village feel right to your patio or walkway. This option gives you the simple village ambiance of classic stone pavers, without the high maintenance needs or potential tripping hazard.

Ashlar

Ashlar consists of a random configuration of rectangles and squares that’s designed to create a unique geometric pattern and seamless look. One of the most popular patterns is called “Ashlar Slate” which has a medium texture with a broken coarse Ashlar pattern.

Slate

Slate allows you to choose from a variety of colors and textures, ranging from smooth to heavily textured.

Stamped Concrete Colors

Once you’ve decided on a pattern, it’s time to pick the colors for your decorative concrete. Most stamped concrete patterns will consist of two colors: accent color and the base color. There are a couple of methods used to create the base color.

Color Hardener

This method utilizes a blend of fine aggregate, cement, and pigments, to create a durable, dense layer on top of concrete. Because this method doesn’t color the concrete, it will not be negatively impacted by the color of sand or cement used. This often results in colors that are more vivid and consistent. Compared to the integral color method, color hardener is more labor-intensive.

Integral Color

This method involves mixing the color into the concrete when it’s still in the truck. The color is added to the concrete on the site of the project before it is poured, or it’s added at the shop. The integral color option is the most common method used.

Release Agent Color/Accent Color

A release agent is chosen to prevent the stamp from sticking to the surface of the concrete during the stamping process. It also doubles as an accent color once the concrete has been washed and sealed. Typically, a darker release agent color will have a better effect compared to a lighter shade.

Multiple Colors Available

Most stamped concrete colors tend to lean more towards earth tones and are designed to imitate wood, brick, and natural stone.
Common colors used can include various shades of:
 
  • Grey
  • Brown
  • Camel
  • Beige
  • Red
  • Russet
  • Terra cotta
 
The colors can be custom mixed depending on the look you want for your project. If your goal is to design a surface with tonal variation and depth, you should avoid choosing a flat color. Fortunately, the experts at Full Concrete Contractors use a wide variety of mixing techniques that can make your concrete look like roman slate, brick, or any type of surface you have in mind.
 
 

How To Choose The Right Look

If you want to give your outdated outdoor space a new look, stamped concrete is an affordable, practical choice that offers many customization options. The experts at Full Concrete Contractors can help you choose the right color and pattern for your next project based on your vision for your outdoor space. Since concrete can last for years, you need to choose a color and pattern that blends well with your existing décor.
 
 

Factors to Consider

 
Before deciding on the right color and pattern, take into consideration your home’s environment and exterior color and design.
 
We can provide a color wheel that will help you choose hues that will work well with your home’s current colors, so the concrete will complement your existing décor and the shade of your house. This will prevent your home from looking washed out.
 
When choosing a new concrete design for your home, you should:
 
 
  • Speak to a professional concrete contractor
  • Choose a pattern
  • Textured surface
  • Consider incorporating a border
 
There are many patterns and colors available that work well together and complement each other. Placing a border around your walkway or driveway can make a pattern or color pop while creating more depth and adding a nice decorative touch.
 
If you don’t have any experience with stamped concrete, finding the right style and colors to complement your home can be a challenge. Speaking with one of the professionals at Full Concrete Contractors helps you choose the perfect design options for your home, one that’s long-lasting, unique, and practical.
 
 

Stamped Concrete Cost For Your Driveway, Sidewalk, Patio & More

  
The cost of stamped concrete per sq. ft. can range from $2 to $18. A stamped concrete project can increase in price, depending on some of the following factors:
 
 
  • Style
  • Texture
  • Number of colors used
  • Stamping patterns
  • Hand-applied chemical stain accents
 

Stamped Concrete Patio Cost

 
A stamped concrete front yard or backyard patio can cost $10 to $15 per sq. ft. The price of this project will depend on:
 
  • Size of the patio
  • Amount of excavation needed
  • Color
  • Site condition
  • Treatments available
  • Finish
  • Texture
 

Stamped Concrete Driveway Cost

 
The cost can be impacted by the choice of texture, the number of colors added, and the pattern. On average, the cost of a stamped concrete driveway can range between $9 up to $16 per sq. ft. This is a labor-intensive project that involves many steps, including:
 
  • Pouring a slab
  • Applying a release color
  • Adding more colors by hand
  • Applying a topcoat or seal to improve the driveway’s longevity
 

Stamped Concrete Walkway Cost

 
You can expect to pay an average of $6 up to $12 per sq. ft. The size and finish of the walkway will impact this project’s cost.
 
 
 

Stamped Concrete vs Pavers and Other Paving Materials

 
Stamped concrete, pavers, and exposed aggregate are all popular choices among homeowners. Each type of material offers its unique advantages and disadvantages.
 

Pavers

 
Pavers come in many patterns and colors and consist of separate cement, brick, or stone pieces that can be arranged to build a unique space.
There are several types to choose from, including:
 
  • Cobblestone
  • Concrete
  • Stone
  • Brick
  • Interlocking
 
 

Advantages

 
  • This material is versatile and durable.
  • On average, the cost can range from $1 up to $15 per square foot, depending on the type of material used. For example, stone can cost $1 to $14 per square foot, while brick has an average cost of $3 to $15 per square foot.
 
 

Disadvantages

 
  • Unfortunately, pavers are a very high-maintenance choice, thanks to weeds that often grow in between them or through any cracks in the pavers.
  • This type of material also tends to loosen over time, which can make them a serious trip hazard in your yard.
 
 

Exposed Aggregate

 
Exposed aggregate concrete is another popular choice due to its durability and decorative finish. This concrete material consists of small pebbles and stones that will give a sidewalk or walkway a more rustic look. Aggregate goes well with any type of landscape and can withstand almost any weight or type of element.
 
 

Advantages

 
  • Durability
  • The material’s non-skid texture makes it perfect for kids
  • Aggregate is a very affordable option, with an average price of $4 per square foot.
  • Low maintenance
 
 

Disadvantages

 
  • Stamped concrete is more versatile in terms of colors, styles, and pattern options available. Unfortunately, exposed aggregate concrete as a building material isn’t quite as versatile as stamped concrete, so you will be limited in terms of what you can do design-wise with this material.
  • Aggregate is mainly only used for sidewalks, walkways, and driveways.
 

Contact Full Concrete Contractors Today!

 

As you can see, there are many colors, styles, and design options available for your next stamped concrete project. At Full Concrete Contractors, our goal is to ensure you get the results you’re looking for at an affordable price. One of our team members can answer all your questions and help you choose the perfect pattern and colors for your next project.

 

Contact our office today to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable stamped concrete contractor and let the team at Full Concrete Contractors help you choose the perfect design option for your next project.