Stamped & Decorative Concrete
Transform ordinary concrete into beautiful surfaces that look like stone, brick, or tile at a fraction of the cost.
Get the Look of Expensive Materials for Less
Stamped concrete lets you create the appearance of natural stone, slate, brick, wood, or tile without the high cost of those materials. We pour regular concrete, then use special stamps and texturing tools to create realistic patterns and textures in the surface. Add color, and most people cannot tell the difference from the real thing.
The best part is durability. Real flagstone can crack and shift. Brick pavers settle unevenly and grow weeds between the joints. Wood decking rots. Stamped concrete gives you the look you want with the strength and longevity of concrete. It stays level, does not need constant maintenance, and lasts for decades.
We use stamped concrete for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and entryways. The process works on any concrete surface, and the design options are nearly unlimited. Whether you want a rustic stone look or a formal brick pattern, we can create it. This is one of the most popular decorative concrete services we offer in Leavenworth.
How Stamped Concrete Works
Creating stamped concrete takes skill and timing. The process is more involved than regular concrete finishing, which is why it costs more. But the results are worth it. Here is what goes into quality stamped concrete work.
The Stamping Process Step by Step
- Pour and level the concrete just like any other project
- Apply a color hardener to the surface while the concrete is still workable
- Broadcast a release agent that prevents the stamps from sticking
- Press pattern stamps into the concrete surface with consistent pressure
- Carefully remove the stamps to reveal the textured pattern
- Clean the surface once cured and apply a protective sealer
Timing is critical. We have to stamp the concrete when it is firm enough to hold the pattern but still soft enough to accept the stamp. Wait too long and the stamp will not impress properly. Rush it and the concrete is too soft. This is where experience really matters.
We work as a team when stamping concrete. One person manages the color and release agent, while others place and remove stamps. The whole crew has to move quickly and precisely during the working window. Good communication and practice make the difference between a professional result and a messy one.
Pattern and Color Options
The variety of patterns and colors available for stamped concrete is amazing. You can replicate almost any natural material or create geometric patterns that would be difficult or impossible with real stone or brick. Here are some of the most popular options.
Popular Stamping Patterns
Natural stone patterns like ashlar slate, random stone, and fieldstone are very popular. These mimic irregular flagstone with realistic texture and joint lines. They work great for patios and walkways because they look organic and natural.
Brick and cobblestone patterns create a classic, formal look. We can stamp running bond, herringbone, or basket weave patterns just like real brick or pavers. These patterns work well for driveways and entryways where you want a traditional appearance.
Wood plank stamps create the look of a wood deck without the maintenance. The stamps include realistic wood grain and nail holes. You can choose wide plank or narrow board patterns. This is popular for porches and pool decks where real wood would rot.
Color Techniques
We use two main methods to add color to stamped concrete. Integral color gets mixed throughout the concrete before pouring. This gives you a base color that goes all the way through. Color hardeners are applied to the surface and create a more intense, varied color.
For the most realistic look, we often use multiple colors. A base color goes down first, then accent colors are applied to create highlights and shadows. This color variation makes the stamped pattern look more natural, just like real stone with different shades and tones.
Earth tones are the most popular choices because they blend with natural surroundings. Browns, tans, grays, and terra cottas all work well. But you can go with brighter colors if that fits your style. We bring samples to show you exactly what the finished product will look like. For simpler applications, check out our standard concrete patio installations.
Common Questions About Stamped Concrete
Homeowners in Leavenworth ask us these questions most often about stamped and decorative concrete.
How much more does stamped concrete cost than regular concrete?
Stamped concrete typically costs about 50 to 100 percent more than plain concrete. If a basic broom-finish patio runs $8 to $12 per square foot, stamped concrete will be $12 to $18 per square foot installed. Complex patterns with multiple colors can go higher.
The extra cost covers the specialized materials like color hardeners and release agents, the stamping mats themselves, and the additional labor and skill required. Stamping takes more time and requires experienced workers who know the proper technique.
Even with the higher cost, stamped concrete is still much cheaper than natural stone or pavers. A real stone patio might run $25 to $40 per square foot installed. Quality brick pavers cost $15 to $25 per square foot. So stamped concrete gives you a similar look for about half the price of the real materials.
Does stamped concrete need special maintenance?
Stamped concrete needs a bit more care than plain concrete, but it is still low maintenance compared to most alternatives. The most important thing is keeping the sealer fresh. We seal stamped concrete after installation, and you should reseal it every 2 to 3 years.
Sealer protects the color from fading in sunlight and prevents water from penetrating the surface. Water penetration can cause the color to fade and the concrete to spall or flake in freeze-thaw conditions. Resealing is easy and inexpensive. You can do it yourself or hire us to handle it.
Regular cleaning keeps stamped concrete looking its best. Sweep off dirt and debris, and wash it with a mild detergent and hose when needed. Avoid harsh chemicals and pressure washers set too high, as these can damage the sealer. With basic care like this, your stamped concrete will look great for many years.
Can you stamp an existing concrete surface?
We cannot stamp existing concrete the way we stamp fresh concrete. The stamping process requires soft concrete that will accept the pattern impression. Once concrete has cured, it is too hard to stamp.
However, we can create a stamped look on existing concrete using overlays. We apply a thin layer of special concrete topping over the old surface, then stamp and color it while fresh. This gives you the stamped appearance without tearing out and replacing the entire slab.
Overlays work great on older concrete driveways and patios that are structurally sound but look dated. The existing concrete needs to be in decent shape without major cracks or damage. If your concrete is badly cracked or sinking, we would recommend replacement instead of an overlay. We evaluate your existing concrete and let you know if an overlay is a good option for your situation.