Stamped Concrete
Concrete Driveways are strong, durable, somewhat flexible...and until recently have always been gray. No longer! With new stamping and coloring technology, concrete driveways, decks, patios and sidewalks can match any decor.
Stamped concrete - think of cookie dough
If you think of a concrete slab before it's hardened like you would a sheet of uncooked cookie dough, you'd be pretty close to understanding how professional concrete paving companies stamp concrete. There are three basic types of stamped concrete: driveways that look like brick pavers, walkways that look like slate or decks that resemble a tiled floor.
As technology changes and more stamping materials are created - options for concrete driveways, patios, decks and walkways become endless. With current stamping tools, you can make any concrete surface imitate stone, wood, slate and a myriad of other surfaces.
Colors, patterns and designs
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone, tile or pattern elements of the home. Complex designs incorporating steps, fountains, and courtyards can be achieved when patterns are pressed into the concrete. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate, and acid-etch staining. Concrete provides a perfect canvas for creating economical replica of more expensive materials, and yet still maintains a very natural and authentic look.
Where to use stamped concrete
In the residential market, stamped concrete is boosting curb appeal as a paving material for driveways, pool decks, walkways, patios and entryways, often as an alternative to brick pavers or natural stone. That's because no matter what the climate, properly installed decorative stamped concrete offers the same durability, strength and permanence as conventional concrete. With sufficient reinforcement, it also bears up well under vehicle and heavy foot traffic. Because of these qualities, stamped concrete is also a practical choice for enhancing public places, such as theme parks, shopping malls, lobbies, parking lots and zoos.
Cost considerations
The initial cost to install stamped concrete can vary widely, depending on the prices for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job. But in general, you'll pay about $4 to $8 per square foot more for basic stamped concrete (using just one pattern and color); elaborate multi-pattern designs with special coloring effects, such as hand-applied stain accents, will cost more.
While these costs may exceed those for asphalt or plain concrete, they are competitive with or sometimes even lower than the cost of installing natural stone and brick. The main reason is the labor component - some installers find it more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual pavers by hand.
And keep in mind that your initial outlay for a stamped concrete project is only part of the total cost equation. Don't forget to consider these important factors:
- Longevity and upkeep. Concrete generally lasts longer and requires less maintenance than most other paving materials, which can add up to big savings over the pavement's lifetime.
- Increase in resale value. Decorative stamped concrete adds curb appeal to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.
On a tight budget?
If you're on a tight budget, you can still achieve impressive results by mixing stamped concrete with fields of less-expensive plain concrete, such as a installing a driveway with only a border of stamped concrete. Or do the work in stages, maybe tackling the front driveway and walkway one year followed by your backyard patio or pool deck a year or two later.
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Richfield Concrete is an award-winning concrete paving company, serving Minneapolis St Paul since 1954.