Your Guide to Stamped Concrete:

*ease of installation
*versatility and unlimited design options
*availability of colors
*durability
*lower price
*ease of maintenance
*reducing the likelihood of trips

Other materials, like brick and stone, are great. They do make beautiful walkways and patios, but they also cost more, take more time to install, are limited in color, and need more intensive upkeep. When you want a great look, as well as a great value, decorative concrete is an ideal choice. What Can You Do with Stamped Concrete? - What can't you do with stamped concrete? It is remarkably versatile. Common applications include: patios, stairs, walks, pool decks, porches, entry ways, and driveways, and since you can choose from an unlimited color palette and choose the look and feel of the concrete, you have an extraordinary range to create any type of outdoor decor you want. This is one of the best materials you can use for outdoor use because it is very weather-resistant, strong, and it is durable. It stands up to a lot of uses, and while it requires sealing every few years, your patio, walk, or deck will be maintenance-free. Besides outdoor applications, though, many people are starting to use stamped concrete inside their homes, and it's a great idea. You can update the look of your walls, floors, fireplace, countertops, bathroom vanities, and more. Again, because you can choose the look of your stamped concrete, it will not look like you have a patch of driveway on your countertop. It will, instead, look like marble or quartz, or whatever you choose. That is the beauty of decorative concrete.

Now What? How Stamped Concrete Works: If you want to use stamped concrete for an indoor or outdoor project, what's your next move? First, do a little research. Look at the area you want to work on and envision what you want it to look like. If you need ideas, look online, look at other patios and walks in your area, or look in home magazines. You will find any number of ideas, and remember, if you see a design you like and it's in brick or stone, no problem. You can recreate that look. So, first, know what you want. Second, know what you need. Measure your space. We recommend that you first brush up on your stamped concrete skills by reading Bob Harris' Guide to Stamped Concrete or Concrete Secrets: Stamped Concrete. This will help you with ideas, site conditions, troubleshooting, placing concrete, and much more. When you're ready, there are two ways to go. You can do it yourself or hire a concrete contractor. It is generally recommended that you have a concrete contractor pour your concrete and create the stamps that you want. It is possible to do it yourself, but it requires a great deal of know-how and skill, as well as specialized tools. Unless you have experience in this area, a contractor will give you a more polished, aesthetically-pleasing look. Here are the basic steps: *Mix your concrete. Make sure to follow the instructions because it needs to be the right consistency. You can add your color here or after you place the concrete. *Pour the concrete 4 inches or thicker in the area you are working on. *Add your color if you haven't already. If you choose to do it now, make sure you spread it evenly across the surface. *Apply the release agent. When you put the texturizing mats down, you want them to come back up, and the release agent does that. *Lay the mats. When one is finished, apply it to another area. *Let dry for 24 hours. *Pressure-wash the concrete so the release agent is washed away. *Apply clear sealing - this is essential for maintaining the look of your patio, driveway, or other project. At this point, you may be calling the concrete contractor now because this sounds involved. We won't discourage you; contractors are great, and many experts say that this is not a do-it-yourself project. If you are doing it yourself, though, you will need to know more about these areas - and where to go shopping when you're ready. Your first stop should be the ConcreteNetwork (http://www.concretenetwork.com/stamps-buyers-guide/). There is a Concrete Stamping Tools section that will be very helpful. Hiring a contractor will be worth the extra money so you are sure your new stamped concrete deck, patio, walk, or entryway is not only beautiful, but will be durable and strong as well. Look for a concrete contractor in your area and ask about design options and pricing.

How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost?: