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How to Finish Concrete

The primary purpose for finishing concrete pavements is to remove any small surface imperfections and seal the surface of the slab. Allow all of the water to disappear before…

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What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring.

The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.

There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer-lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look.

Do you want the look of natural stone pavers, but also want something that’s more affordable? Then stamped concrete could be exactly what you need for your driveway or patio. In this post, we’ll go over what stamped concrete is, what it’s best for, and potential style options.

What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete replicates the look of natural stone by stamping the design on poured concrete. There are a variety of different designs and colors that can be used. This is a more affordable option for those who want a similar look to natural stone pavers.

Ideal Use

Stamped concrete is versatile and can be used for driveways, patios, and walkways. Stamped concrete can be slippery when wet and has less traction than brushed concrete,, because of the sealer that must be applied to stamped concrete. So, it may not be the ideal choice for around a swimming pool. However, it is possible to add a nonslip additive to the sealer and give more traction to the surface.

Maintenance and Lifespan

It’s typically recommended to seal stamped concrete at least twice a year. This will help prevent color fading and protect the concrete from the elements. Other than that, it’s not a high maintenance option. Sweeping the surface and hosing it off when necessary will keep it clean. Properly installed stamped concrete will last as long as regular concrete, which is typically 25 years or more.

What kind of styles can I choose?

The style options for stamped concrete can seem nearly endless. There’s a wide variety of color and style combinations you can choose. Our team can work with you to pick the right color and design to match your home. Here are some possible stamped concrete options:

Natural Flagstone Stamp

Garage Entry

Natural flagstone stamp on colored concrete. Offers the look of natural stone, but without the hefty price tag. The stamp can be applied to any number of colors to create the desired look. Also looks great on medium to large driveways.

European Fan Pattern

Walkway

Perhaps you like the look of pavers in a European Fan pattern, but prefer a more budget-friendly option? If so, this elegant stamp on colored concrete is a perfect solution.

Square Tile Slate Stamp

Courtyard

When a modern look is desired with a bit of texture added, this square tile slate stamp is a good solution. It’s a great combination of sleek minimalism and natural stone texture and works with a variety of cool and warm color tones.

We hope this helped you get a better idea of what stamped concrete is and how it can be used for your hardscape needs. If you live in the Vancouver Area or Lower Mainland and liked any of the above styles, click here to request a free driveway installation quote. You can also view our other driveway and patio options here.