Are you contemplating on renovating your driveway or walkway anytime soon? You should consider including stamped concrete in your design ideas. If you do, you will most certainly transform your exteriors by the end of your renovation.
How It’s Made
Stamped concrete is also known as patterned or textured concrete. It is usually composed of water, stones, sand, gravel, and cement. Stamped concrete is common in landscaping projects to imitate tile, stone, or brick. You can use this type of concrete for driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and patios.
Here are the steps in creating stamped concrete:
1. Establish color
a. The primary color
• Should match the color of the structure
• A color hardener (powdered pigment), integral liquid, or an acid stain is used to color the concrete
• Most popular colors for stamped concrete are ash white, Venetian pink, walnut, dark red, and platinum gray
b. The secondary color
• Synonymous to accent color for making textures
• A non-stick pigment called color release is the common color used
2. Perform tests. This is a crucial method in making certain of the product’s quality. After the manufacturer colors the concrete, testing it ensures the level of plasticity by placing imprints on the surface.
3. Place the patterns
a. Stamping mats and molds are used
b. The process is known as concrete stamping
c. Designs usually show the architecture and style of the structure
4. Attention to detail
a. Using tools like the chisel helps add the finishing touches
b. Unevenness and non-uniformity should be spotted, evaluated, and rectified
5. Clean
a. Let the stamped concrete sit untouched for two to three days
b. Clean the concrete to remove residue and to achieve uniformity
6. Cure
a. Concrete curing compound is used for maintaining moisture
b. The compounds should develop the needed strength entirely
c. Sets the concrete’s end texture and color
7. Establish joints
a. Installation of the concrete joins is important
b. Joints help prevent the formation of cracks and breakage in the stamped concrete
c. These joints are made of plastic, steel, or wood
d. They make the stamped concrete appear pleasing
Price Estimates
There is a stamped concrete fit for your preferred design and type:
1. Custom
• Has several colors and patterns
• 10 to 15 USD per square foot
2. Simple
• Plain with one pattern and color
• 6 to 10 USD per square foot
3. Elaborate
• Has hand applications like borders
• 12 to 17 per square foot
Talk to your contractor about stamped concrete. Prepare yourself to have an entirely new exterior by the time your renovation is done.
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