Concrete stamping is the process of stamping a block of concrete with a polyurethane "concrete stamp" design. The ridges in the pattern, once pressed into the freshly poured and smoothed concrete, then scraped off, replicate the look of the substance that the patio should represent, whether it's slate, brick, flagstone, or any other textured surface.
The popularity of stamped concrete has grown in recent years as a result of the increasing demand for low-maintenance outdoor living spaces. Homeowners are looking for ways to create an outdoor oasis without having to spend a lot of time and money on upkeep. Stamped concrete is a great way to add color and texture to an outdoor area while also making it durable and easy to clean.
For a basic 12' by 14' concrete patio, you can anticipate to pay $2,500 for only the slab. This price increases with concrete stamping; most homeowners spend between $3,751 and $8,540 total.
Concrete Slab
$1,400 - $4,300
Concrete Slab with Stamping
$3,751 – $8,540
The average cost of a two-car concrete driveway ranges from $3,750 to $7,000. That is just for the slab. To stamp a 600 square foot driveway, expect to pay an extra $3,000 to $7 billion more than building a conventional 2-car driveway.
Between $6,750 and $14,200 is the total price of a 600 square foot stamped driveway.
A stamped concrete walkway costs between $0.50 and $6 per square foot, depending on the type of material used. On average, brick pavers cost between $3 and $15 per square foot, or about 50 cents each brick. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, may range in price from as low as $4 to more than $10 per square foot.
Concrete is the most cost-effective material for your patio when compared to other options. It's also one of the most long-lasting choices, with a lifespan of up to fifty years in hot climates. Its inability to retain and absorb heat is also beneficial in hotter areas.
Popular Stamped Concrete Designs
Because of the many colors, patterns, and textures of concrete available, you can duplicate almost any kind of stone.
The most well-known patterns include ashlar, which originated in the 12th century and includes quarry stone , old granite, Roman slate, travertine, and New England slate. The wood plank and herringbone brick styles are also popular choices.
The steady rotation of four- to six-inch-pushed rollers is a fantastic method to quickly imprint a border or edge. Some include a liquid release option that sprays a color release on the roller as it rolls the design into the concrete. When the concrete is softer due to lesser force, texture rollers must be used before stamping.
Edge or step liners are markings that may be used on patios with concrete steps leading off them. These create the illusion of cut stone on each step's vertical fall.
On-site, paint may be added to the concrete mix. Pavers or stones do not have to be moved. Stamping only takes a day and another day once set, to hammer and repair any chips or cracks. It's power washed and (usually) sealed after it's dry. Natural stone is more difficult since each piece has to be individually mortared and sealed, which can take weeks.
When choosing which design work to go forward with, speak with contractors who have a lot of expertise in concrete pouring and design.
If you want to keep animals off your concrete patio or eat outside there, it's a must that you seal it. Concrete is permeable and can absorb stains, so sealing it is strongly advised. Sealer will help protect your patio from wear and tear while also enhancing the color of stamped concrete.
Epoxy resins will yellow, regardless of the color. UV light does not affect virgin or pure acrylic sealer, but epoxies will. An acrylic spray-on cure and seal costs approximately 0.53 cents per square foot.
Because solvent-based sealers are more colorful, breathable, non-slippery, and give invisible protection, they are preferred. High-gloss sealers are not suggested since they may be slippery and stop moisture from escaping, resulting in fracturing, white hazing, or fogging.
After cleaning and drying the patio surface, the sealer is applied in thin applications (using a roller or sprayer, as directed) to allow the concrete to expand and moisture to escape. Work the sealer into the stamp pattern depressions but don't apply it too thickly or it'll puddle. It's only supposed to be thinly applied so that it only soaks into the concrete and not sit on top. A second coat may be necessary if the first one doesn't soak in well.
The seal should last for 1–3 years.
Depending on your region's weather and the amount of use on your patio, you may only need to power wash it once every few years. Another benefit is that no weeds can grow up through the solid concrete slab since there are no spaces between individual bricks.
Concrete may crack as a result of poor preparation of the sub base, low-quality or badly mixed concrete, or severe thaw-freeze weather.
If the current concrete patio is in good condition and has a solid underlay, you may cover it with ¼" or more of concrete and stamp over it. It's far less expensive than a full slab, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot.
If there are any cracks or holes in the existing concrete slab, you'll need to be especially careful when preparing it—make sure all cracks and gaps are plugged. If you're adding an overlay and the existing slab isn't level, you'll have to pump in some dirt and aggregate before you add the overlay.
The fresh layer of concrete is so thin, it will dry fast, and the stamping mats need to be put in place and moved swiftly or they'll get trapped in the drying concrete.
Mats vary in stiffness and include handles on some versions, while others are more flexible. The latter are useful for performing tasks such as slope management. The third form is thinner and even more flexible, making it ideal for patio edging work. Stamp designs should not be placed onto a wall that isn't connected to an active sprinkler system. When laying down tiles or utilizing other products, it's important to keep in mind that the vanity top is often covered with ornamental molding or trim pieces. To avoid damaging any of these components and protect yourself from lawsuits and fines, be sure you know the installation procedures of each stamp before use.
The greatest colored stamped patios are those that match in color with the surrounding earth tones/outdoor colors and brickwork of the property. Layering hues may give the impression that the stamping is more like natural stone.
Stamped concrete, while appearing to be extremely similar to genuine stone, will never deceive anyone into thinking it's the real thing. The material quality and type of base will be the primary factors in determining whether or not the concrete fractures. Relief joints can be sawn into the slab, which may help but may also destroy the slab's natural beauty. It might be difficult to match the color of patches to the original color that has faded naturally after a long period of time. Colors can fade with time. It's possible that a sealer would make it slippery. If you move your heavy grill, patio furniture, or anything else on the surface, scratch it. If the entire slab sinks and cracks beyond repair, a new patio slab must be installed. Read our guide Concrete Patio Cost for an in-depth examination of all the factors to consider regarding your concrete patio.
It's time to stamp the concrete once it's laid and compacted, the subgrade has been set in place and compacted, and the concrete has been poured and smoothed over, as well as hardened a bit. Expect a team of three or more people to perform this work since there is only a short time before the concrete hardens.
Keep in mind that you'll be paying a premium for each contractor if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
- Experienced
- Skilled in stamped concrete installation
You may also want to consider hiring a contractor who offers a warranty on their work. This type of guarantee can be reassuring, especially since stamped concrete is an investment.
Now that you know how to choose the perfect contractor, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on How to Hire a Contractor.