Stamped & Decorative Concrete

The Beauty of Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete gives you the stunning appearance of high-end materials like natural stone, slate, brick, cobblestone, or even wood without the premium price tag. It's the perfect solution when you want your driveway, patio, or walkway to make a statement. The process involves pressing patterns into freshly poured concrete to create realistic textures that closely mimic the materials they represent.

What makes stamped concrete so appealing is that you get the best of both worlds. You enjoy the durability, strength, and low maintenance of concrete while achieving the aesthetic appeal of more expensive materials. Here in Salina, KS, we've transformed countless outdoor spaces with stamped concrete, creating looks that range from rustic and traditional to sleek and modern.

Stamped concrete is also more practical than the real thing. Unlike natural stone pavers that can shift, settle, or allow weeds to grow between joints, stamped concrete creates a continuous surface that stays level and weed-free. It won't crack like individual pavers can, and you won't deal with the maintenance headaches that come with wood or some natural stone materials.

Endless Design Possibilities

The design options for stamped and decorative concrete are nearly limitless. We offer a huge selection of patterns, colors, and finishes to create exactly the look you want:

Popular Pattern Options

• Ashlar slate for an elegant natural stone appearance
• Cobblestone for a charming old-world look
• Random stone for a natural, irregular pattern
• Herringbone brick for classic appeal
• Wood plank for the look of a deck without the maintenance
• Tile and geometric patterns for modern designs
• Seamless texture for subtle sophistication

Color and Finishing Options

• Integral Color: Color mixed throughout the concrete for consistency and durability
• Color Hardener: Surface coloring that provides rich, vibrant tones
• Antiquing Stain: Adds depth and highlights the texture of your stamped pattern
• Multiple Color Blends: Combine colors for a more natural, varied appearance
• Seamless Borders: Frame your stamped area with contrasting colors or patterns

We'll show you samples of different patterns and colors so you can see exactly how they'll look. We can also customize combinations to create a one-of-a-kind design that perfectly complements your home and landscape.

How We Create Stamped Concrete

Creating beautiful stamped concrete requires skill, timing, and attention to detail. Here's our process:

• 1.
  Site Preparation: Just like any concrete project, we start with proper excavation, base preparation, and forming to ensure a stable foundation.
• 2.
  Concrete Pour: We pour and level high-quality concrete, adding integral color if that's part of your design plan.
• 3.
  Color Application: We apply color hardener to the surface, which adds vibrant color and extra durability to the concrete.
• 4.
  Stamping: This is where the magic happens. Using professional stamping mats, we impress your chosen pattern into the concrete while it's still workable. Timing is critical at this stage.
• 5.
  Detail Work: We refine edges, add texture to grout lines, and ensure every detail looks authentic and professional.
• 6.
  Antiquing and Highlighting: We apply antiquing release or stain to add depth, contrast, and realistic variation to the surface.
• 7.
  Sealing: After curing, we apply a high-quality sealer to protect the color, enhance the appearance, and make maintenance easy.

The entire process requires experience and skill. Poor stamping technique or incorrect timing can result in patterns that look artificial or surfaces that don't perform well. Our team has years of experience creating stamped concrete that looks realistic and lasts for decades.

Where to Use Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete works beautifully for almost any outdoor surface:

• Driveways for impressive curb appeal
• Patios and outdoor living areas
• Pool decks and surrounds
• Walkways and pathways
• Entryways and front porches
• Courtyards and garden paths
• Commercial entries and plazas

Caring for Your Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is surprisingly low maintenance, but a little care keeps it looking its best:

• Clean with a pressure washer or hose periodically
• Reseal every 2 to 3 years to maintain protection and color
• Avoid harsh de-icing chemicals in winter
• Clean up oil and other spills promptly
• Use neutral pH cleaners when needed

With proper care, your stamped concrete will continue to look beautiful for many years. The sealer protects against stains, weather, and wear while enhancing the colors and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions