Stamped & Decorative Concrete

What Makes Stamped Concrete Different

Stamped concrete lets you get the look of expensive natural stone, brick, or pavers without the cost or maintenance hassles. We pour and finish regular concrete, then press textured stamps into the surface before it fully hardens. Add color, and you get a custom look that mimics premium materials.

The practical advantages go beyond appearance. Unlike individual pavers that shift, settle, and grow weeds between joints, stamped concrete stays level and solid. You get one continuous surface that won't heave during freeze-thaw cycles or require constant re-leveling. Maintenance is simple: sweep, occasional pressure washing, and resealing every few years to maintain the color and protection.

Your Design Options

We offer dozens of stamp patterns that replicate different materials and styles. Popular choices include:

• •Slate and flagstone: Natural stone patterns with irregular shapes and texture
• •Cobblestone and brick: Classic European street looks or American brick patterns
• •Wood plank: Realistic wood grain texture without the rot or maintenance
• •Ashlar slate: Large rectangular stone pattern popular for patios and walkways
• •Random stone: Irregular pieces that look like natural fieldstone

Color choices range from earth tones that match natural materials to grays, tans, reds, and browns. We can use single colors for subtle effects or multiple colors for more realistic stone appearance. You can also combine stamped concrete with standard finishes to create borders, accents, or distinct zones in larger areas like driveways or patios.

How Stamped Concrete Installation Works

Stamped concrete requires more skill and timing than standard concrete work. We start with the same proper base preparation and reinforcement that all quality concrete needs. Then the specialized work begins.

After pouring and initial finishing, we apply color hardener to the surface. This adds both color and extra durability to the top layer. Then we press textured stamps into the concrete while it's still workable but firm enough to hold the pattern. Timing is critical. Too soft and the pattern won't hold. Too hard and we can't get proper impression depth.

We often add release agent in contrasting colors that create natural-looking variations and highlight the texture. After the concrete cures, we wash off the release agent, clean the surface, and apply sealer to protect the color and make the surface easier to maintain. The entire process takes specialized tools, materials, and experience to get professional results.

Keeping Your Stamped Concrete Looking Good

Stamped concrete needs basic maintenance to keep its appearance. The sealer protects the surface from stains, water damage, and UV fading. You'll want to reseal every 2-3 years depending on traffic and weather exposure. This isn't difficult - pressure wash, let dry, and roll on fresh sealer.

Daily care is simple. Sweep regularly and clean spills promptly. Avoid harsh chemicals or de-icing salts that can damage the surface. Power washing works great for spring cleaning, but use appropriate pressure to avoid damaging the sealer. With proper care, your stamped concrete will look great for decades while requiring far less work than natural stone or pavers.

Common Questions About Stamped Concrete