Last Updated on May 29, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Stamped concrete is also known as imprinted and patterned. Used on patios, pool decks, walkways, and even driveways, it’s a durable substitute for wood, flagstones, more.
Many different types of surfaces may be built out of concrete; it’s easy enough to take the extra step of dressing the surface up to resemble a multitude of more expensive finish surfaces.
When the concrete is stained, the resemblance of the end product to natural wood, cobblestones, clay brick pavers, bricks, or flagstones is uncanny.
Advantages of Stamped Concrete
Speed of installation. Concrete can be rapidly poured or pumped into place and finished after the concrete form is built. For example, compare that process to installing clay brick pavers.
With pavers, it’s necessary not only to do the prep work of trenching, compacting the soil, and spreading sand, but then each paver must by hand placed individually, carefully following the pattern, be it herringbone, basketweave, or stretcher bond.
Seasonal maintenance considerations. Unlike asphalt driveways or sidewalks that need an annual seal coating, concrete only requires periodic cleaning and sealing, every few years or so. Natural stone and pavers require weeding but concrete joints don’t have that disadvantage.
Number of colors and patterns. The number of colors and patterns with a custom imprinted concrete surface are limited only by the imagination. Custom logos or mosaics are available when working with a construction or installation designer.
Re-Surfacing Existing Concrete Surfaces
If an existing concrete patio, driveway, walkway, or swimming pool deck is cracked or just bland-looking, it can easily be resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of removing the old and starting from scratch.
Although each situation is different and unique, the process is fairly straightforward. The first step is to thoroughly clean the existing surface.
Next, the cracks are repaired. This involves priming, reinforcing with a special repair fabric, applying an elastomeric base coat, and the coating with a polymer concrete mixture. Finally, the entire surface is refinished with a polymer coat, textured or stamped to order, and sealed.
Related: 23 Best Concrete Driveway Ideas and Designs
Concrete is a Green, Sustainable Building Material
Concrete is green. Why? First, it usually only needs to be built once. There is no demolition and rebuilding because of termite damage or fires. Because of its thermal mass, it is very energy efficient with respect to heating and cooling. This makes it an excellent choice for interior floors.
For interior floor applications, it can be patterned and colored to resemble ceramic tile, natural stone like marble or granite, or even hardwood or laminate flooring planks. Maintenance on these floors is much less than it is on the materials they mimic.
In the long run, concrete might be the most durable, cost-effective surface available.
Here are 28+ best concrete patio ideas that will make your backyard pretty.
1. Concrete Cobble Stone Garden Path
2. Concrete Stepping Stone With a Cake Pan
3. Concrete and Redwood Bench
4. Modern Concrete Wood Planter
5. Concrete Bubbling Garden Fountain
6. Concrete House Number
7. Embossed Stepping Stone
8. Concrete Slab Flower Window Stand
9. Concrete Mushrooms in Stained Glass
10. Concrete Bowls
11. Concrete Candlestick
12. Concrete Flower Planter
13. Concrete Garden Pots
14. Concrete Fire bowl
15. Concrete Pumpkin
16. Concrete Light Stand
17. Concrete Plant Stand
18. Concrete Vase from bottle
19. Concrete Garden Bench
20. Large Concrete Planters
21. Concrete Garden Balls
22. Concrete Beverage Cooler
23. X-Brace Side Table Concrete Top Under $30
24. Concrete Fire pit
25-28. More Concrete Patio Ideas
