Stamped Concrete Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is stamped concrete?

Stamped concrete is basically concrete that is made to look like other materials such as bricks, wood, natural stone, tile, slate or even natural materials like shells, leaves, or fossils with the help of embossing or “stamping” concrete with various molds while it is still not fully cured. This method provides for a multitude of textures, patterns, and colors for decorative concrete resurfacing. The stamped concrete process can be used to resurface and beautiful any concrete surface such as patios, pool decks, walkways, sidewalks, and driveways. It is one of the most cost-effective concrete resurfacing solutions available. 

2. What is the process of applying stamped concrete?

Stamped concrete is made in three easy steps. First, you need to add a base color which is made by using a color hardener on the concrete. After this, you need to add an accent color. This color is used mainly to give texture to the stamped concrete and make it look like the kind of material you want- be it wood, stone or others. And finally, you “stamp” in the patterns with the help of certain molds giving you the kind of concrete texture that you want.  The concrete usually sets up in 48 -72 hours and then is sealed using a durable topcoat to protect the color of the patterns.

3. What are the benefits of having stamped concrete over pavers?

Stamped concrete generally lasts longer than pavers with minimal maintenance.  The installation is also less labor intensive as it is poured onto and existing concrete surface and then stamped.  Pavers must be laid individually.  The cost of the paver materials and labor usually outweigh the cost of stamped concrete. There are also more finishing options with stamped concrete – you can take the look of any building products such as flagstone, slate, or travertine as well as many unique natural products such as leaves, fossils, and shells. 

4. How does the cost of stamped concrete compare with other decorative concrete solutions like concrete overlaying?

Like it has been previously mentioned, stamped concrete can take the form and resemble any kind of material that you might use for paving your patios, pavements, swimming pool decks or driveways. They can be made to look like wood, or stone or marble or anything else that you want. Thus, when compared to other decorative concrete solutions like concrete overlaying, it is less expensive than using these real products. 

5. How durable is stamped concrete?

The durability of stamped concrete is perhaps, its most appealing factor apart from the fact that stamped concrete can be made resemble many building (brick, stone, travertine, etc.) or natural (shells, fossils, wood, etc) products. Stamping concrete has been around for decades.  However, with recent advancements in techniques, molds, and liquid hardeners, stamped concrete will outlast many other flooring options.  Whether you have a stamped concrete floor, stamped concrete patio, stamped patio driveway or any other type of stamped concrete flooring, with proper care and maintenance you can make them last decades.  It is recommended that you reseal the surface every few years to maintain the gloss and deep rich color of your stamped concrete product.  

6. What kind of colors, designs, and patterns are available for stamped concrete?

One of the good things about stamped concrete is that you can have them in almost any color, design or pattern. Some of the most popular colors are shades of greys, browns, blues, and whites and some of the most popular patterns and 3-dimensional textures include resemblance to slate, brick, flagstone, travertine, wood, or even stamped patterns of natural products such as leaves, shells, and fossils.  There are many options!

7. What are some of the other solutions for resurfacing concrete?

Some other solutions for resurfacing concrete include acid stain concrete, concrete overlaying, epoxy coatings, polished concrete, engraving, and water staining. 

Acid staining concrete uses an aqueous liquid solution to chemically react with the aggregates in the concrete surface.  This leads beautiful patterns and colors.  Water staining works similarly using an eco-friendly water solution instead of acid.  The result is a smooth, colorful surface.   

Concrete overlays are typically basic texturing of concrete surfaces.  Think of this technique of being used on pool decks to create that textured or knockdown look.  

Epoxy Coatings are usually used in commercial or residential garages or where resistance to chemical spills is needed.  There are simple DIY epoxy coating applications available or professional multi-coat systems that are more durable and expensive.  You can opt for a basic color or coating systems that use multi-colored flakes to add to the aesthetics of the finished flooring.   

Another option is polished concrete which is concrete that is processed with the use of increasing finer grit diamond pads used on rotary polishing machines to give the concrete a shiny and polished look usually suitable for modern or industrial spaces. 

Engraving concrete, although not popular compared to the other techniques, is where you cut various patterns and designs on your concrete flooring using industrial cutting saws.  Usually the patterns possible are simple and geometric.  The engraved surface can be sealed using a colorant.   

8.  Which areas do you service?

We service all of Broward County and the south Florida area including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield beach, Coral Springs, Pompono Beach, Miami, and surrounding areas.

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561-264-0304

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