LEARN ABOUT STAMPED CONCRETE

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2019/9/6 Read:335

By imprinting patterns in freshly placed concrete, you can achieve the high-end look of stone or brick pavement-and often at a lower cost

Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick and even wood. The wide variety of pattern and color choices make it popular for beautifying patios, pool decks, driveways and more. Additionally, it’s an affordable paving option that requires less maintenance than other materials.

IS STAMPED CONCRETE RIGHT FOR ME?

Considering stamped concrete? Compare the pros and cons below to decide if it's right for you.

Pros:

· Is more affordable than natural stone, brick or pavers

· Enhances outdoor spaces and adds to your home value

· Offers nearly limitless pattern and color choices

· Slip resistant when treated with a non-skid additive

· Is durable and long-lasting

· Easy to maintain when sealed

Cons:

· Not very DIY friendly

· Can develop minor cracks

· Needs periodic cleaning and resealing

· Can be damaged by freeze/thaw cycles and deicing salts

· Repairs can be difficult

DESIGN OPTIONS

From an aesthetic standpoint, stamped concrete is hard to beat when it comes to pattern and color options, which are virtually unlimited. Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape or home's architectural style and choose patterns and colors that blend with existing stone, tile or textured concrete elements. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme with a simple brick-patterned border, or choose a pattern and color scheme that ties in with your surrounding landscape.

Patterns:

Natural stone patterns such as slate, flagstone, and fieldstone are the most common, followed by brick, cobblestone and wood. Patterns can be pressed into the concrete even in complex projects with steps and fountains.

Colors:

The most popular colors tend to be grays and earth tones; however, brick patterns are often colored in red or russet hues. Colors can be mixed, layered or antiqued with stains or tints, creating a virtually endless list of possibilities. Multiple colors can be used within the same project for realistic stone coloration, decorative borders or a contrasting color pattern.

Other:

Stamped concrete can also be used in conjunction with other decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate or acid staining.

Stamped concrete can also be used in the following ways:

· To get similar looks for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, family rooms or basements in new homes.

· Stamped overlays enhance walls or fireplaces or rejuvenate existing concrete floors.

· Stamp patterns can be imprinted on concrete countertops for an added design element.

WHAT DOES STAMPED CONCRETE COST?

Stamped concrete can be expensive depending on the costs for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job, but the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” really holds true. With stamped concrete, you’ll get a surface that lasts longer and requires less maintenance than most other materials, which can add up to big savings over its lifetime. You’ll also add curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment. Basic stamped designs with one color and pattern run $8 to $12 per square foot, mid-range jobs with borders or contrasting patterns can be $12 to $18 per square foot, and high-end custom projects $18 or more per square foot.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO STONE OR OTHER MATERIALS?

When compared to similar options, stamped concrete excels in many categories:

· Customization: No other surface offers the numerous pattern and color choices and complete customization that is possible with stamped concrete.

· Maintenance: With minimal maintenance, stamped concrete can last for decades, while other surfaces such as precast pavers or natural stone need ongoing maintenance to keep weeds from growing between them and to keep the joints filled with sand.

· Installation: Stamped concrete installation is faster than setting natural stone or precast pavers.

· Price: Pouring stamped concrete will usually cost considerably less than installing natural stone surfaces; and although some lower-end paver options may initially have a lower price than stamped concrete, they may end up costing more in the long run for maintenance, repair or replacement.

Can I do it myself?

We don’t recommend installing stamped concrete as a DIY project, and the main reason is that you only have one chance to get it right. You can’t finish it later if you run out of time and you can’t take it apart and re-do it. With all of the things that can go wrong from sub-base preparation and concrete mix, to gauging the proper time to start stamping and actually finishing before the concrete hardens, and everything in between, it’s really a job best left to the pros. What’s more, the stamping tools and materials you’ll need can cost hundreds of dollars and aren’t really worth the investment unless you plan to use the tools on multiple projects.