If you’re in the market for a new driveway, walkway, or sidewalk? Have you ever considered stamped concrete? Stamped concrete, also called imprinted or textured concrete is one of the more popular options. Stamped concrete comes in a wide variety of color and pattern choices. It also has the ability to replicate more expensive materials like flagstone, slate, tile, and wood.
Compared to other materials, concrete is more cost-effective and can provide a similar look. When properly maintain regular and colored concrete, it can last for years. Perfect for enhancing your outdoor spaces around the pool, patio, courtyard, and garden.
With all the options available, your imagination and budget are the only limitations. You can even use stamped concrete to design countertops and fireplaces or add texture to your interior walls. Kitchens, entryways, bathrooms, and basements can be rejuvenated, bringing your old home to life or making your new home unique and eye-catching.
Design Options
With concrete, you can create almost any color, hue, or pattern. You can use existing materials or landscape to inspire your design and color scheme to create a seamless look, with or without texture.
Colors can be limited to standard concrete tones of gray and earth tones, mimicking brick textures and hues, stained or tinted. Antiquing, layering, and mixing can also create the texture, style, pattern, and color scheme you’re looking for. You can use multiple color options to create borders, contrasting patterns, and realistic stone appearances.
Can I DIY This Project?
Unless you’re making a simple pattern in a small area, stamped concrete is best left to the professionals. That way you get your desired look and feel. Once the process begins, you can’t stop midway. In addition there are several steps go into stamped and colored concrete projects that start long before the pros come to do the work.
Depending on the pattern you want, stamps will have to be designed and created. The stamping tools and materials can also be expensive and are necessary to create the perfect look. Unless you’re planning on completing multiple DIY stamped or colored concrete projects, it’s probably not worth the investment to attempt it yourself.
What Does Stamped Concrete Cost?
The cost can vary by the pattern, texture, and colors you want. You’ll have to pay for the concrete slab, which can cost anywhere from $2-$8 per square foot. The stamped concrete is between $5-$20 per square foot, with most paying between $8-$12 per square foot.
You should also factor in the cost of maintenance. If you get colored concrete, it will fade over time and need to be touched up, which may not match precisely to the existing pattern if you are only doing touch-ups. You may need to pay for a new slab if it sinks or cracks, and putting furniture over stamped concrete can cause scratches that require repair.
Is Stamped Concrete Right for Me?
Again, If you are considering stamped concrete, weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros
- Can add to home’s value
- Minimal maintenance when sealed
- Lots of color and pattern choices
- Can be made slid resistant with a non-skid additive
- More affordable than natural stones or pavers
- Durable and long-lasting with regular maintenance
Cons
- Design could make it more vulnerable to chipping and freeze/thaw cycles
- More difficult to repair
- Needs to be cleaned and resealed every few years
- Difficult to DIY
Hiring A Concrete Specialist
Suppose you are considering a concrete project? In that case, the pros at 410 ASPHALT in Crofton, Maryland, provide quality work on which you can depend. We offer free estimates on all projects and can handle both residential and commercial concrete projects. Call us today at 410-ASPHALT (410-277-4258)!
