The Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete

Jul 30

When the time comes to select a strong surface for your outdoor patio, driveway or sidewalk, it is most likely that you desire an item that is visually pleasing, durable and economical. Stamped concrete is favored choice because it can be made to imitate higher end products such as brickwork and stone pavers at a fraction of the cost.

Prior to making your final decision, nevertheless, think about the advantages and disadvantages of stamped concrete. Let's take a look!

Stamped concrete advantages

These are the most prominent benefits of stamping your concrete:

Low Maintenance

Concrete needs much less maintenance than natural stone, tile or brick. While minor cracking will take place in time, there's little required of you to maintain your concrete on an annual basis. A few stamped concrete features are sealed, which will need resealing after three to 5 years of use. Sealing concrete is a great means to halt water damage and staining, but ask your pro contractor about sealant choices and if this service is the best for your circumstance.

Make certain your concrete contractor produces relief joints in the concrete. A specialist uses a specific saw to cut lines in the concrete in locations that are simple to conceal. These relief lines offer concrete space to broaden and make cracks less visible as your concrete grows older. An experienced concrete expert will comprehend the environment problems in your area and produce relief lines that secure against cold temperature concerns.

Budget-friendly installation

Stamped concrete is cheaper than other paving options for 2 factors. First, concrete is more budget-friendly than natural stones or bricks. Second, setup costs for pouring and stamping concrete are considerably lower than brickwork, stone and other labor expenses. While it still requires expert knowledge for a perfect finish, stamped concrete needs less preparation, time and specialized devices.

Brick, stone and other products are time intensive. Setup specialists need to prep the area, the mortar and buy expensive materials for your outdoor patio or pool deck. While natural slate and brick may have more depth of color, they are substantially more expensive to buy, install and fix.

Customization

Compare the elegant stamped concrete setup choices to see how you can make your patio area or pathway your very own. A skilled concrete installation company has a range of stamps. Enjoy a sidewalk or seating space that looks like slate, brick, tile, or natural stone.

Almost any shape and texture is possible with stamped concrete. Every design enjoys the inexpensive expense and lasting durability of concrete. Deal with a professional specialist to delight in a large range of popular design choices.

Stamped concrete disadvantages

Now that you have learned about the benefits of stamped concrete, let's examine the downsides of the material.

Challenge matching colors

A big con when selecting stamped concrete is the coloring. Covering concrete is an economical choice, however it can be challenging to fix your sidewalk or patio with the exact original color. Coloring aspects are blending in each layer of your outdoor concrete space, which indicates that a patch might not have the ability to utilize the exact color of the original.

Cracking potential

Cracks are the most common concern with concrete. While stamped concrete may make fractures less obvious than a smooth surface area, they are still inevitable. With time, a concrete specialist may require to patch your patio area or sidewalk. While this maintenance is much less than other difficult surface areas, it's still a problem to think about when picking concrete.

Other considerations

Other minor disadvantages of stamping concrete include:

It cannot be driven on in most cases
It will absorb water and moisture, thus not resistant to freezing and thawing cycles
It should be sealed every few years
Can be very slippery when wet

Frequently asked questions about stamped concrete

Now that you know the pros and cons, here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding stamped concrete.

Is stamped concrete worth it?

There are many benefits to using stamped concrete, and depending on your needs, it may be the perfect choice. One of the most popular reasons to choose stamped concrete is its versatility. This type of flooring can be used in a variety of applications, including residential homes, commercial spaces, and even hospitals.
Stamped concrete also offers an attractive look that can complement any décor.

Additionally, this material is resistant to water damage and stains which makes it a good choice for areas that require high levels of hygiene or constant cleaning. In addition to its practicality and aesthetics, stamped concrete also has long-lasting qualities due to its low maintenance requirements.

If you're looking for a durable flooring option that will require little upkeep time or money spent on repairs/maintenance fees down the road, then stamped concrete might just be the perfect solution for you.

Is stamped concrete slippery?

Except when very wet, stamped concrete is not slippery. While it does have a slightly textured surface, this is because the cement powders are evenly heated and then quickly frosted over. This process creates a durable finish that resists water and other chemicals from seeping through the fabric of the stampedcrete to cause slip or skid ratings to be lowered.

How long will stamped concrete last?

Stamped concrete can last for many years in a fresh, sealed condition. However, like any other material, it may start to fade and crack over time if not properly treated.

To prevent this from happening, be sure to apply a sealant every few years and clean the surface with a diluted solution of vinegar and water once per year. Additionally, regular misting will help keep your stamped concrete looking fresh.

Can you use a pressure washer on stamped concrete?

It is possible to use a pressure washer on stamped concrete, but it is not recommended.

Stamped concrete is typically very low in water soluble chemicals and therefore susceptible to damage from powerful sprayers. The high-pressure jets can cause cracking or peeling of the surface layer, which may lead to drainage problems and even structural failure.

If you must use a pressure washer on stamped concrete, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.