Stamped Concrete

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Stamped Concrete

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WE HAVE COMPILED ALL THE INFORMATION ON STAMPED CONCRETE.

Learn About STAMPED CONCRETE

Stamping a pattern into freshly poured concrete can mimic the high-class look of other materials like stone or brick pavement at a much more affordable cost.

Stamped concrete has the ability to replicate stone, such as slate or cobblestone, brick, tile, and even wood. The broad array of patterns and color selection has made stamped concrete a conventional choice for driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks. Additionally, this is a cost-efficient method that requires less maintenance than other materials.

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Stamped Concrete Pictures

Check out our collection of photos showing the various applications of stamped concrete including pool decks, patios, and walkways.

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Stamped Concrete Patterns

Browse the numerous patterns available for stamped concrete, such as natural stone, brick, hardwood, and more.

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Stamped Concrete Colors

Read more about the broad assortment of coloring techniques and colors that can be applied to stamped concrete.

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Stamped Concrete Installation Information

Check out our collection of photos showing the various applications of stamped concrete including pool decks, patios, and walkways.

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Stamped Concrete Costs

Here you can find out what factors go into determining the final cost of this type of concrete project.

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Stamped Concrete Maintenance

When maintained properly, these surfaces can last for years. Here you can learn what maintenance for stamped concrete involves.

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Stamped concrete mimics the appearance of stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick, and even wood. The extensive variety of pattern and color selections make it popular for enhancing patios, pool decks, driveways and more.

Check the links below for design tips, ideas, and examples

CONTEMPLATING STAMPED CONCRETE?

IS STAMPED CONCRETE RIGHT FOR YOU?

As with every flooring surface, this type of concrete has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Before making a decision on your concrete surfaces, it’s important to examine these advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at the list of pros and cons we’ve compiled below to determine if this flooring is right for you.

Stamped Concrete Pros

The variety for coloring options and stamps available to have installed is quite expansive.
The installation for this concrete surface is less labor-intensive than authentic natural stone or brick installations.
Stamped concrete can accurately replicate almost any type of surface from slate and natural stone to brick and hardwood.
Stamping concrete is much more affordable when compared to installing natural stone or brick pavers.
This type of surface material is easier to maintain as it is one continuous surface. You’ll never have to worry about weeds growing up between joints.

Stamped Concrete Cons

Though stamped concrete closely resembles authentic surfaces, it’s rarely mistaken for being the real deal.
Some stamps will actually make the surface smoother, which can simultaneously make it more slippery.
Concrete is a tough surface, however, it’s still susceptible to cracking or chipping over the years.
In the event that damage does occur that needs to be repaired, it can be difficult to match the new color with the rest of the concrete.
In some cases, it may not be possible to hide the concrete’s relief joints in the stamped pattern.

Analyze all of the pros and cons we’ve listed to help you determine if this is the best option for you. Continue reading to learn more about the installation process for this type of concrete surface.

Stamped Concrete Installation Info

The process for installing stamped concrete is much faster and easier than brick or stone. However, it’s still a complicated project that requires the proper tools, expertise, and materials to ensure a high-quality result. The first step is to prepare the subgrade for the concrete. The subgrade determines the overall performance and structural integrity of the concrete. It must be well-compacted which will help limit drainage and restrict soil erosion beneath the slab. Forms, made from wood, metal or plastic, are then attached to stakes to contain the concrete and to produce sharp corners. It’s important that these forms are built to set the proper slope or grade for drainage.

Typically, rebar is then placed to provide structural support for the concrete slab. Once in place, the concrete will be poured into the form. Next, the freshly poured concrete will need to be smoothed out and made level to create an ideal surface for stamping. After smoothing out the surface, the color hardener is then applied to imbue the concrete with color. Now the time-sensitive process of stamping can begin. This is accomplished by placing the stamps across the concrete’s surface, then tamping them down to imprint the concrete. The concrete will then need time to properly cure. Control joints are cut into the concrete to help prevent cracking after it has cured. Lastly, a sealer is ordinarily applied once the concrete has been cleaned following the installation of control joints.

BROWSE THE VARIOUS

STAMPING DESIGNS

COBBLESTONE

Traditional cobblestone patterns have become quite popular for residential applications like driveways. This stamp replicates the roads commonly found in colonial America’s cities.

ASHLER SLATE

Ashlar is a random arrangement of squares and rectangles that produces a geometric design for your surface. A slate finish can be smooth or textured to meet your design needs.

If your concrete is uneven or has divots in it, but you’re looking for that polished concrete appearance for your space, an overlay can be polished to create the same effect.

FLAGSTONE

Flagstone is one of the most popular styles available, providing a realistic stone appearance. The flagstones can be sized and colored to suit your design.

EUROPEAN FAN

Another popular design, European fan stamps are similar to the traditional cobblestone, except the stones are curved to create a recurring fan pattern.

WOODEN PLANKS

Over time, genuine wood can dry out, splinter, discolor, and rot. With stamped concrete, you can have the look of wood with the durability of concrete.

BRICK

Brick is a versatile stamping choice that can be placed in straight or herringbone patterns. The concrete can also be colored to create a more genuine appearance.

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

The same as standard concrete, stamped surfaces are designed to provide decades of use when they’re installed and maintained correctly. In most cases, a protective sealer is applied to block damage caused by dirt, chemicals, oil, grease, and other abrasive materials. The color hardeners that are often applied also make maintenance easier by creating a stronger surface that’s more resistant to abrasions. Sealers also make the concrete easier to maintain and prevent color fading from UV exposure. However, even a sealed concrete surface needs some regular maintenance to keep it looking great and to make it last. Luckily, the maintenance required for stamped concrete is fairly simple and straightforward.

A broom, leaf blower, or hose can be used to keep the concrete clear of debris. Never leave debris to sit for extended stretches of time on the surface. If it is left on the surface, debris can cause stains that penetrate the concrete’s surface. There is an assortment of techniques to lift tough stains such as dirt, tire marks, leaf stains, and grease spots. In these situations, water may not be sufficient and more potent cleaning chemicals and scrubbing may be needed. Be sure to use a less abrasive cleaner to do this as harsh cleaning chemicals can also wear down the concrete.

In order to preserve the color and finish of the stamped concrete surface, a sealer should be applied to assist in preventing any color fading and to protect the concrete surface. Most often, you will need to have it applied every two to three years, depending on the traffic and usage of the concrete. By keeping up with these maintenance routines, you’ll be able to make your concrete last for years.

TAKE A LOOK AT

THE BENEFITS OF STAMPED CONCRETE

SIMPLE MAINTENANCE

The maintenance required to make stamped concrete last for years while looking great is easy to keep up with.

INCREASES PROPERTY VALUE

Stamped concrete adds immediate curb appeal and aesthetic value to any property. This will greatly benefit you if you plan to sell in the future.

FASTER, EASIER INSTALLATION

Compared to other types of materials, stamped concrete is much quicker and easier to install.

REDUCED LONG-TERM CARE

Over time, other surface materials, such as pavers, may become loose or sink, causing trip hazards. Stamped concrete will never require resetting or replacing.

LONGEVITY

These outdoor and indoor surfaces are designed to last for decades when correctly installed and properly maintained.

CUSTOMIZATION

The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to stamped concrete. The stamps and colors allow it to replicate almost any surface material around.

Frequently Asked

Questions & Answers

Is stamped concrete slippery?

Stamped concrete can be slippery if you have a smooth stamp, such as slate, and it gets wet. Most stamps are not slippery and actually have more texture than a standard concrete finish. In spaces that may get wet frequently, you can combine a non-slip additive with the sealer. This anti-slip additive is not visible and serves as an additional mode of traction to prevent slipping. If slipping is a problem, simply discuss the matter with your contractor and they’ll help you reach a solution to this issue.

What types of applications are stamped concrete used?

You can stamp concrete for both residential and commercial applications. Common surfaces that are stamped include patios, sidewalks, driveways, garages, and shop floors. In reality, essentially any concrete surface you wish to have a more decorative appearance, you can have stamped to achieve that goal.

How is stamped concrete colored?

There are several ways to color stamped concrete. These include staining, adding color pigments directly into the mix, and applying color hardeners onto the concrete after it has been poured. Color hardeners are one of the more popular methods of coloring for stamped concrete because they also add a layer of protection to the surface. However, if you have color pigments mixed in prior to pouring the concrete, you can ensure that the concrete is colored all the way through

Gallery For Design Ideas

Stamped Concrete Flooring

European Fan

Cobblestone

Wooden Planks

Flagstone

POPULAR COLOR COMBINATIONS AND TECHNIQUES

BELOW WE WILL COVER THE POPULAR COLOR COMBINATIONS FOR STAMPED SURFACES AND COLORING TECHNIQUES.

STAMPED STONE COLORS

Natural stone patterns frequently use multiple colors to create realistic appearances. Grays, whites, and soft brown hues are some of the more popular colors seen incorporated with these patterns. Despite these being the popular color choices, stone patterns are the most versatile selection for color combinations. Stone surfaces come in a myriad of colors in nature. Therefore, stamped stone patterns are able to utilize all these natural colors to mimic the genuine material. You’re not limited to replicating natural surfaces though. Stone patterns make an excellent canvas for incorporating vivid colors such as yellow, red, and cobalt blue.

STAMPED BRICK COLORS

More often than not, brick patterns are colored in shades of red, brown, or russet in order to replicate the color of genuine brick. It’s quite popular for homeowners with brick homes or other brick elements in their landscape to color the stamped brick pattern to match the existing brick elements. It’s common for the installer to color the faux grout lines in the brick pattern separately in order to make the surface seem more realistic. These are commonly seen in light brown and off-white colors or can be left uncolored to show the natural gray shades of the concrete.

STAMPED WOOD COLORS

Wood patterns are similar to stone in that they include multiple colors in order to create a natural appearance. Typically, several different shades of brown are layered onto the concrete’s surface to simulate the different colors of the grains. When it comes to professional concrete contractors, it’s rare to see a wood stamped surface colored with one, solid shade of brown as this makes the stamped concrete surface look fake and of poor quality. The broad assortment of colors that can be applied to the concrete allows homeowners to simulate many distinct species of wood.

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INTEGRAL COLORING

One fairly popular method of coloring stamped concrete is to use integral coloring pigments. In order to create a permanent color that permeates the whole slab and will not wear off or fade away over time. You can mix integral coloring pigments into the fresh concrete at the batch plant or on the job site, this is simply a matter of preference. Since the choices for integral color are normally limited to earth tones and pastels, this technique is frequently used in combination with surface-applied coloring methods to further enhance the color and provide variation in the surface.

DRY-SHAKE HARDENERS

Utilizing dry-shake color hardeners is often regarded as the most popular technique for coloring stamped concrete. Unlike integral pigments, which color the entire concrete, inside and out, color hardeners are spread onto the surface of the freshly poured concrete by hand and they only color the outermost layer of the slab. As the color is applied solely on the surface, it tends to be more intense than integral color. Dry-shake color hardeners enhance the durability and density of the stamped concrete surface and create a rich surface hue that helps to generate sharper patterns.

SURFACE-APPLIED COLORING

The last technique for coloring stamped concrete surfaces is through various surface-applied colors. These can include tinted liquid release agents, acid-based chemical stains, water-based chemical stains, and concrete dyes. Stamped concrete contractors will frequently combine integral color or color hardeners with these surface-applied colors in order to layer the different hues. This layering of color will create the realistic color variations that you would see in natural stone, brick, or wood. Out of the different surface application techniques, stains are the most popular to combine with the other coloring methods. As stains are transparent on the concrete’s surface, they provide the most natural-looking variations.

The Benefits of

Right Color

Choosing the right color for your concrete surface is a crucial decision. Concrete surfaces are intended to be permanent, so if you’re not content with the color you selected, you may be stuck with it. There are a few circumstances to examine when choosing the color for your stamped concrete. What will your space be used for? What type of surface are you trying to replicate? What other color schemes are in your space?

When choosing a color, consider how your space will be used. If it will endure large amounts of foot or vehicle traffic, choose a color that will conceal dirt and grime. Determine which you stamped pattern you want for your concrete surface and base your color decision primarily around that material, if you’re trying to mimic that element. You should also examine the other color schemes and designs that are in your home or business. If your project is outdoors, take the landscape design into consideration. Employing complementary colors with your existing color scheme produces an exceptionally attractive and pleasing surface.

Next, a floor grinder is used to resurface the concrete substrate. There are several methods to resurface concrete, but grinding is by far the most widely used method. Floor grinders are primarily used to resurface concrete and to remove existing concrete coatings, when necessary. A diamond grinding disk is the most commonly used abrasive disk for resurfacing purposes. The purpose of resurfacing the concrete is purely for ensuring that the epoxy resin bonds to the surface of the concrete base. Failing to properly clean, repair, and resurface the concrete prior to the epoxy application will result in a subpar floor that will not last nearly as long as it’s designed to last.

NATURAL COLOR OPTIONS

This seems to be the color option most often used for stamped concrete surfaces. Natural earth tones can be used to mimic the colors of the genuine materials the stamps are based on. Other than the potential to replicate other materials, these types of colors are excellent at hiding dirt and grime in areas where that may be an issue in between cleanings. Utilizing earth tones will keep your project more cost-efficient as well and will match well with a variety of different color schemes. These timeless color tones can be used for almost any type of stamped concrete project.

COMPLEMENTARY COLOR OPTIONS

Complementary colors are indispensable in decorative color schemes. These colors are defined as two colors opposite one another on the color wheel. The sharp contrast between the two colors produces a vibrant, appealing aspect to the room or surface. The most regularly practiced complementary color schemes are red and green, blue and orange, and purple and yellow. The application of complementary colors is at the heart of decorative design methods. It’s crucial to use one color more than the other as one needs to be dominant, while the other is meant to be a compliment. This idea works well no matter what pattern you stamp on the concrete’s surface.

VIBRANT COLOR OPTIONS

Bold, vibrant colors are another possible option for stamped concrete, though it’s a less popular color scheme for this type of surface. Bold colors can be used to make other decorative elements in your space pop if your color scheme is already rather bold. They can also be used to further assist in company branding for a commercial business, as most brand colors are vibrant, eye-catching colors that are known to attract customers. At times, bold color schemes can come off as overwhelming, nevertheless, in the right environment, they can make a room or hardscape stand out.

WHY COLOR STAMPED CONCRETE?

OUR EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION HAS POSITIONED AS A LEADER AMONG CONCRETE CONTRACTORS

REALISTIC DESIGNS

Some natural stones have a similar color to standard concrete, though that number isn’t high. By coloring the concrete to match the colors of other surface materials, you can create an extremely realistic design that can be almost indiscernible from the real thing. In turn, this will add value to your property and instantly increase curb appeal. Uncolored stamped concrete will look fake and of lower quality. This is one surface that is important to have colored.

COMPANY BRANDING

Colored concrete surfaces provide the capability to strengthen the brand for your commercial business. Every brand has a color scheme that’s affiliated with that company. Coloring the floors and exterior surfaces of your business is an invaluable means to promote that brand. With the broad collection of colors possible for stamped concrete, any brand’s color design can be represented.

HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS

If you expect your space will experience large volumes of foot or vehicle traffic, such as with walkways and driveways, you can color these surfaces to mask a portion of dirt and grime buildup. When this is going to be an issue for your areas in between regular cleanings, earth tones will work well for this purpose. By coloring your concrete, your surfaces will always look great, even if you need to delay cleaning for one reason or another.

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Natural stone patterns are the most versatile in terms of color. They are normally layered with color to mimic genuine stone variations but are also commonly colored with more vibrant tones. Brick patterns are regularly colored with red, brown, and russet hues. Wood patterns are most often layered with varying tones of brown to mimic natural wood. Integral coloring, dry-shake color hardeners, and surface-applied colors are the three most common techniques for coloring stamped concrete. These methods of applying color are regularly combined to create more genuine color variations. Choosing the right color is essential to creating an aesthetically pleasing surface. Natural color tones, complementary colors, and vibrant colors are all viable options for creating a surface that works with your design scheme.