You won’t find a more versatile hardscape choice than stamped concrete! It can imitate a variety of higher-end materials, from brick to wood to natural stone—at a fraction of the cost. That’s the key reason stamped concrete is exploding in popularity, as homeowners realize the possibilities it provides. In fact, you probably pass by stamped concrete every day and mistake it for the real deal. Quality Built Exteriors is getting more calls than ever for these kinds of installations.
Stamped concrete is ideal for just about any hard surface you could need: pool decks, patios, driveways, walkways, porches, and courtyards. Why? Let’s take closer look at the benefits of stamped concrete…
Design options
The choices seem endless when it comes to stamped concrete designs. With so many patterns, colors and textures to mix and match, you can create a truly custom look. However, most homeowners opt for earth tones and more natural styles, to avoid fads and achieve a timeless touch. According to The Concrete Network, the most popular patterns nationwide are slate, flagstone and fieldstone, followed by brick, cobblestone and wood patterns. There are also seamless stamps that create texture but don’t have joint patterns. Your concrete rep will be able to show you the different options available, and work with the crew to create the most realistic effect.
Affordability
For an economical way to extend your outdoor living space, stamped concrete offers the most bang for your buck. As for exact prices, that will vary by factors such as how many colors and patterns you want, any special effects or hand-applied accents, and of course, square footage. Here is a good ballpark range, courtesy of The Concrete Network:
BASIC STAMPED CONCRETE: $8-12 per square foot
A cheaper option featuring:
- One stamp pattern
- One color
MID-RANGE STAMPED CONCRETE: $12-18 per square foot
This option usually adds features like:
- Borders
- Contrasting patterns
- Multiple colors
HIGH-END STAMPED CONCRETE: $18+ per square foot
The most expensive, but most realistic looking. Expect features like:
- Multiple stamp patterns and colors
- Specialty scored designs
- Detailed hand-coloring
Since the average patio size is approximately 12×14’ (168 sqft), then using The Concrete Network’s ranges, you can estimate the average costs as:
- Basic: starting at $1,344
- Mid-Range: starting at $2,016
- High-End: starting at $3,024
But keep in mind that most contractors need to charge higher labor rates for smaller square footages (due to fixed costs like the concrete truck, workers, etc), and many contractors have a flat minimum rate.
Low maintenance
Stamped concrete is one continuous piece of material, which means it doesn’t have the multitude of spaces between tiles and pavers that are susceptible to weeds and moss. Pavers also have a tendency to shift and settle over time due to temperature and moisture changes. While stamped concrete can, like any concrete, crack or break, hiring a qualified concrete contractor means they will put the joints in the correct places to minimize this risk.
Finishing options
Staining is one of the key ways to replicate the look of real stone. You can match it to other elements on your home, opting for a single color or pattern of colors. While stamped concrete doesn’t always require a seal, some homeowners prefer a sealed surface because it can provide better slip resistance and protection. However, if you choose to seal, you are committing to resealing it every 3-5 years.
Shaping
Concrete can be poured to your precise shape specifications, opening up a limitless variety of curves and edges that would be difficult and expensive to achieve with pavers. In the Virginia Beach home above, Quality Built was able to curve all edges, with artistic waves along the right side, much to the homeowner’s delight. The patio was stained in a warm brown to complement the Trex deck the company also constructed.
Quick installation
A paver pathway can take days or weeks to prep, haul and individually place, brick by brick. But because stamped concrete is one continuous form, it’s less labor intensive. The concrete is mixed, poured and formed by stamp templates in a single day (allow 1-2 days after for washing, sealing and cleanup).
Experience is Essential!
With stamped concrete’s ease of installation, however, comes a large room for error. That’s why it’s essential to hire an experienced, well-reviewed concrete contractor like Quality Built Exteriors. Their pros are skilled at placing relief joints in just the right spots and ensuring the right concrete formula: if the mix contains too much water, you can end up with rough edges and a poor finish. If the mix is too dry, your hardscape will suffer bulging and premature cracking.
Ready for your free design consult on stamped concrete?
Contact Quality Built Exteriors!