Stamped Concrete Saves Money And Time

Stamped concrete is the process of pouring a slab of concrete to create a patio, walkway or driveway, for example, and then pressing in a pattern and texture before it dries. You can make it look like cobblestone, seashells, wood, pavers or brick. You can add color to it to accentuate the look. It is better than individual pieces that could move due to weather conditions like frost or changes in the underlying foundation.

This method has been popular in California for quite some time and is gaining popularity all over the world. It began with people using tools to create designs in their concrete, these tools resembled cookie cutters. The idea has caught on so well that you can now choose from many different patterns.

Working with a level surface, concrete is poured and reinforced with rebar to avoid cracking. Bricks, cobblestone and pavers all have problems with weeds growing between them that you have to maintain making more work for you in the long run. Nothing can grown between the patterns of the stamped concrete installation and you will have a clean surface that requires no maintenance.

It is not recommended that you do the work yourself as concrete work is an art in itself. Special tools are needed and a crew of people to use them. It's best to find a company that has experience in stamped concrete. When you are done it will look almost as good as laying bricks or pavers and in some cases better as you can add color and texture to it and make it your own design.

When pouring your stamped concrete it should be no less that 4 inches thick. You can add color into the concrete before it is poured or afterwards depending on the effect you are after. These methods are called integral coloring and broadcast or surface coloring prospectively. Spreading the color over the surface in an even manner is how broadcast or surface coloring is accomplished. Apply a release agent so that the texturizing process doesn't lift any of the concrete and mess up the pattern.

Texturizing mats are laid until all the pattern is done. You can also broom finish the surface. Freshen old slabs with acid staining, overlay them and stain them with colored sealers or a splatter finish. Allow them to dry for 24 hours. Curing the concrete appropriately for the climate you live in is critical. Pressure wash the release agent and apply a clear seal to finish.

In the early days of stamping the patterns were done in a shallow manner for fear the concrete would crack. Today patterns are stamped deeper with no problems. Concrete is a durable construction material used for many years. If not not by a professional, though, it can have problems like scaling, cracking, dusting, shrinkage, discoloration and blisters.

To ensure you don't run across problems make sure you have the best concrete mix for your needs. Take steps to ensure that you use the right techniques to reduce the chance of problems. When you understand the nature of stamped concrete you will encounter fewer issues.

Looking for polished concrete or patio designs? Artevia specializes in concrete driveways and a wide range of backyard landscaping projects.