Stamped Concrete / Stamped Concrete Gallery
Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile- and even wood. Stamped concrete can be used to beautify pool decks, driveways, entries and courtyards, and patios.
Due to the wide array of patterns and colors available, and the cost of stamped concrete in relation to the materials stamped concrete is a substitute for, the choice of stamped concrete is becoming more popular and frequent.
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone or tile elements at the residence. Designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and built-in grills can be achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch staining. Stamped concrete is also very cost effective as it is usually 1/3 less the price of installing natural materials.Does Stamped Concrete Fade?
Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to.
We recommend resealing every 2 or 3 years. If you wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal your stamped concrete and the color will be as vibrant as the day it was installed. If color fades, there are ways to renew it, but keeping it sealed is your best defense.
Is stamped concrete durable enough to withstand a Seattle winter?
Again, installed by experienced craftsmen, stamped concrete is more durable and will last longer than any other type of masonry installation! Whereas traditional pavers and cobblestone settle unevenly during the freeze/thaw cycle of winter, stamped concrete is reinforced with wire mesh, right in the middle of the concrete. This reinforcement gives the concrete the necessary strength to resist the constant heaving produced by the freezing and thawing of the ground. Stamped concrete is also better than pavers and cobblestone in the Spring and Summer. Pavers and cobblestones are susceptible to joint deterioration if sand is not constantly brushed into all the joints. This joint deterioration results in ant hills, growth of unsightly grass and weeds and produces dangerous tripping hazards when the individual pavers settle unevenly. Stamped concrete is one monolithic placement of concrete eliminating full depth joints thus no ant hills or weeds to worry about! Salt eats ALL types of masonry installations including concrete. During the winter, use sand only.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed-aggregate concrete can almost be compared to a piece of granite or marble transformed by polishing: A plain, unremarkable surface has been stripped away to reveal the exceptional beauty lying beneath. In the case of concrete, that beauty is in the form of decorative aggregate, either natural or manufactured.The decorative process of exposing aggregate has been around since the early 1900s, well before pattern stamping, stenciling, and decorative overlays became trendy. But this method is far from being ready for retirement. An exposed-aggregate finish offers numerous advantages.
An exposed-aggregate surface is obtained by pouring concrete and then removing the outer layer of cement cream to uncover decorative coarse stone (either batched into the concrete mix or put onto the surface). Because of its durability and skid resistance, an exposed-aggregate finish is ideal for most flatwork including:
-Sidewalks
-Driveways
-Patios
-Pool decks
With an exposed-aggregate finish, you can achieve spectacular effects at a reasonable cost because few additional materials (other than the decorative aggregate) and tools are required. Here are some other notable advantages of exposed-aggregate finishes:
-The surface is rugged, nonskid, and resistant to heavy traffic and weather extremes.
-Many types and sizes of decorative aggregate are available to achieve unlimited color and texture variations.
-Exposed aggregate is highly versatile and contrasts beautifully with plain concrete or other decorative treatments such as stamping, stenciling, staining, and integral coloring.
-Little maintenance is required, other than sealing and occasional cleaning.
Applying a transparent concrete sealer to an exposed-aggregate surface can improve both its performance and appearance. These sealers--typically film-forming acrylic resins--can help protect against spalling, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness. When selecting an exposed-aggregate sealer, look for a product that:
-Is non-yellowing and UV resistant
-Will provide a high-gloss "wet look" that deepens and enriches the color of the aggregate
-Repels oil, grease, water, and stains
-Is recoatable
