Stamped concrete otherwise know as Imprinted concrete or Patterned concrete, is a process were a pattern is pressed into freshly placed concrete. These impressions give the concrete a high-end look of stone, brick, and pavers at a substantially reduced cost. Stamped concrete is a fraction of the cost of flagstone, brick, cobblestone, slate, tile, stone, and even wood. Common places to see stamped concrete or patterned concrete placed are patio, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, courtyards, and entries. These imprinted concrete or stamped concrete surfaces can even be placed on top of existing concrete surfaces, transforming a boring and plain concrete surface into a realistic looking stone, brick, or wood surface. Stamped concrete will not only look realistic, but will add value to your home or business.
What makes stamped concrete valuable?
While the initial price of a decorative finish of stamped concrete exceeds that of asphalt or plain concrete, it is much more competitive than installing a natural stone, brick, or pre-cast paver. Stamped concrete or imprinted concrete is an aesthetic option for getting a high-end look of more expensive materials, for a fraction of the cost.
Coloring Stamped Concrete
Nelson Custom Concrete uses integral colors in all of our stamped concrete projects. Shake colors or color hardeners are other processes of coloring. Hardeners are applied to the surface of freshly laid concrete, getting 1/8th to 3/16th of an inch of depth into the slab actually colored. Thus when the surface is marred or scratched beneath this depth you will see grey concrete. That is why Nelson Custom Concrete use integral colors that color the entire slab of concrete, giving you a permanent, and sustainable color. When project using intregal color is scratched all you will find is more of the same color. Staining is also an option for coloring concrete. Stains can give a more detail oriented, area specific color to each stone. Creating a unique color pattern that is not possible using integral or color hardeners. However, stains are transparent and susceptible to UV light that makes them fade. The proper UV resistent sealer can help to preserve these stained colors for the years to come.
Easy Maintenance
Sealer is the protective layer that keeps stamped concrete beautiful for the ages. It helps protect your concrete from de-icing chemical, the harsh temperatures of winter, moisture penetration, and abrasions. Typically sealers will last 2-3 years and then need to be re-applied. We do offer a maintenance program designed to keep the look of your stamped or stained concrete in beautiful shape.
Why Stamped Concrete
In pavers weeds, grass, and debris can collect in joints. Reduced long-term maintenance and care. Over time, other surface materials such as pavers can become loose or settle, resulting in tripping hazards. Stamped concrete’s advantage is that it never needs resetting or replacing. It eliminates tripping hazards for parks, resorts, etc. Less labor intensive than other surface materials. Some installers find it more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual paving stones by hand.
- Increased longevity.
Your initial investment in stamped concrete is only part of the total equation. Concrete lasts longer than other materials, is durable in nearly every type of environment, and holds up better to traffic and wear. - Requires less maintenance.
Stamped concrete requires minimal maintenance than most other paving materials which can add up to big savings over the surface’s lifetime. Read more about stamped concrete maintenance. - Increases resale value of property.
Stamped concrete adds instant curb appeal and aesthetic value to a property. You can maximize the return on your investment by choosing stamped concrete over plain concrete.