Stamped Concrete Process
- Coat the slab — Apply the color hardener. ...
- Cover the entire slab with release powder or liquid. ...
- Coat the polyurethane stamping mats with release powder. ...
- Make sure the concrete is ready — if your fingers leave a clean ¼” imprint in a few places, it’s ready.
- Begin stamping — Use the texture mats first and pre-texture around the edges of the slab.
What do you need to know about stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete can best be described as textured, embossed, or patterned concrete that has a resemblance similar to that of wood, brick, flagstone, slate, tile, and many other textures and patterns. It is commonly used on sidewalks, pool decks, driveways, interior floors, and patios. The reason why stamped concrete is a preferred alternative ...
How to do stamped concrete on an existing slab?
Stamped Concrete Step-by-Step Overview
- Subgrade Preparation. The subgrade makes a big difference in the overall performance and structural integrity of the slab.
- Placing the Forms. Forms, made from wood, metal or plastic, are attached to stakes to contain the concrete in the area desired.
- Installing Reinforcement. ...
- Placing the Concrete. ...
- Screeding and Finishing the Concrete. ...
- Applying Color. ...
Can stamped concrete be applied over existing concrete?
Stamped concrete overlays can be used on new or existing concrete and on interior or exterior surfaces. They can even be applied to walls and other vertical surfaces. They are especially popular for refreshing the appearance of existing driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and floors. Before opting for a stamped overlay, consult a professional to determine if your concrete can be resurfaced successfully.
How to install stamped concrete?
When having stamped concrete installed, here's what to expect:
- Site preparation and formwork
- Concrete pouring, placement and initial finishing
- Application of hardener and release agent
- Stamping the texture into the concrete
- Additional coloring, detail work, touch ups and jointing
- Curing and sealing the concrete
What is the process for doing stamped concrete?
Traditional Stamping StepsForming. Form the area you plan on pouring and stamping accordingly.Adding Color. ... Bull Floating Concrete Surface. ... Applying Release Agent. ... Stamping Concrete. ... Washing Off Excess Release Agent. ... Sealing Surface, Two Coats. ... Finished Stampcrete Surface.
What are the disadvantages of stamped concrete?
Cons:Stamped concrete WILL CRACK, many designers call this a feature.Only rated at 3,500-5,000 psi, should not be driven on.Will absorb moisture, not resistant to freeze thaw cycles.Quality control often an issue, multiple trucks on a job can produce unwanted variation in color.Must be re-sealed every 2-3 years.More items...•
How long after concrete is poured Can you stamp it?
“But, in general, when you can touch the concrete and not have any sand on your hand, it's about time, when that laitance is crusted enough, to put a release agent on there. Generally, it's within an hour or two.” Frazier recommends getting enough stamps to cover at least the width of the slab.
Is stamped concrete worth the money?
Many homeowners wonder if it is worth the cost to install a stamped concrete patio or driveway. The answer is yes, because it adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.
Can you power wash stamped concrete?
Can You Pressure Wash Stamped Concrete? Yes. If a mild detergent solution is not effective in removing tough stains from your stamped concrete, you can use a pressure washer to help remove them. A pressure washer is usually helpful in removing stains from leaves, grease spots, or tire marks.
Is it cheaper to do stamped concrete or pavers?
In terms of upfront cost, poured and stamped concrete tends to be the cheaper option. Concrete is fairly inexpensive, and you can cover a large plot of the land fairly quickly. Pavers are more expensive since each tile needs to be purchased individually. You will also pay more in labor costs for installation.
What happens if it rains on stamped concrete?
If the water just penetrates the topmost layer, you might get surface scaling. This means the top of the concrete can start to flake off and be washed away, exposing lower layers to the elements. How bad is it to pour concrete in the rain? You shouldn't even pour concrete when rain is predicted.
How thick should stamped concrete be?
four inchesHow thick is stamped concrete? Our standard slab is a minimum of four inches. Some situations will require us to pour six inches of concrete, and this would be discussed before the project takes place.
Can you pour a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete?
Yes, you can put new concrete over old concrete providing there are no issues such as significant cracks of frost heaves with your existing concrete. A new layer of concrete should be about two inches to ensure an even, strong coverage.
How much would a 20x20 concrete patio cost?
between $1,200 to $6,000A 20-foot by 20-foot concrete patio runs between $1,200 to $6,000, including labor and materials. Adding decorative finishes and colors could make the price even higher.
Does stamped concrete crack easily?
Stamped concrete is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines.
Is it normal for stamped concrete to crack?
Myth #3: Stamped concrete will start to crack and break down before you know it. Stamped concrete isn't going to last forever. It will, eventually, start to crack and break down just like any other kind of concrete.
Is stamped concrete hard to maintain?
Low-Maintenance Convenience While some cracking will occur over time, there's little you need to do to maintain your walkway on a yearly basis. Some stamped concrete features are sealed, which will require resealing after three to five years of use.
Does all stamped concrete crack?
Does stamped concrete crack? Stamped concrete is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines.
Which is better pavers or stamped concrete?
STRENGTH COMPARISON. Poured concrete is typically around 3,000-4,000 PSI on average, whereas pavers are 8,000 PSI or greater. Pavers are significantly stronger than stamped concrete and more resistant to the effects of freeze-thaw cycles.
Does stamped concrete scratch easily?
It is important to be careful when building stamped concrete because under a heavy load it easily cracks and scratches. For a driveway and any place where cars are driven or parked, stamped concrete is a poor choice.
What is the purpose of curing stamped concrete?
Curing Stamped Concrete The goal when curing (or allowing your concrete to dry) is to retain sufficient moisture content for a long enough time to allow the necessary properties of the concrete to develop. With proper curing, concrete becomes denser and less permeable, resulting in an overall increase in strength and durability. Read more about concrete curing.
What does concrete curing do?
With proper curing, concrete becomes denser and less permeable, resulting in an overall increase in strength and durability. Read more about concrete curing. Installing Joints Cutting contraction joints (also called control joints) can help to prevent conspicuous cracks.
Why do you need reinforcement on a slab?
The main reasons to include reinforcement in the slab is to help control cracking, provide structural capacity, increase impact resistance, and reduce joint maintenance. Read more about reinforcement for large slabs such as driveways.
Why are stamps pre-textured?
Typically, the edges are pre-textured first because later when the larger stamps are used, they may overlap the forms and won't be able to be fully depressed into the concrete. The concrete should then be stamped in the ...
Can you put stamped concrete on a slab?
Installing stamped concrete is challenging. You may be able to manage pouring and placing the concrete with minimal issues, but if you don't get the imprinting process just right , you'll be left with a permanent slab that can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Do you need to seal stamped concrete?
Sealing Stamped Concrete No decorative stamped concrete installation is complete without the application of a sealer. This is the final step and one of the most important. A sealer will help enrich the color of concrete, will add a sheen to the surface (ranging from satin to high gloss), reduces the chance that efflorescence will discolor the surface, and blocks penetration of stains from dirt, chemicals, leaves, etc. Read more about sealing colored concrete.
How many patterns are there for stamped concrete?
On our website you will find over 75 stamped concrete patterns to choose from, each with its own unique color combination. Assuming you have chosen a basic location for your stamped concrete, you can now focus on your vision of the final product. Stamped concrete can be broken into five basic pattern types: Brick, Stone, Slate, Wood and Texture. Obviously these are just basic categories, but using these as a reference will help you narrow which patterns to look at first. One basic element to consider is to compliment your existing hardscape or interior decor rather than trying to “match” existing surfaces.
What are the different types of stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete can be broken into five basic pattern types: Brick, Stone, Slate, Wood and Texture. Obviously these are just basic categories, but using these as a reference will help you narrow which patterns to look at first.
How to stamp concrete with release agent?
Immediately follow the application of the release agent, your contractor will begin the stamping process by tamping the stamping tools into the concrete surfaces. The texture and/or pattern is created as the tool is pressed into the concrete. As the imprinting tool is pressed into the concrete surface, a portion of the colored release agent is embedded into the textured surface of the concrete.
What color is stamped concrete?
Most stamped concrete has two colors: a base color and an accent color. There are two ways to create the base color for new concrete: integral color and color hardener. With either method the end result of your stamped concrete will emphasize this color. Integral color is mixed into the concrete in the truck.
How long does it take to cut concrete?
Your contractor will wash and cut the concrete slab once the concrete is ready, which is usually 12-24 hours after the concrete is poured. Although you may not want saw cuts, as they may take away from the natural look, they are absolutely necessary. Be sure to discuss the location of saw cuts with your contractor prior to pouring the concrete so that you are prepared once the process begins. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, you will see the integral color with accents of the release color. However, final colors will not appear until the concrete is sealed and fully cured.
When do you see the color of concrete?
Once the area is thoroughly cleaned , you will see the integral color with accents of the release color. However, final colors will not appear until the concrete is sealed and fully cured.
Does stamped concrete need to be sealed?
Surfaces that will be subjected to car traffic, de-icing salts or chemical exposure may exhibit wear more quickly. In most cases stamped concrete does not need to be sealed every year.
What to check before stamping concrete?
Test to see if the concrete is ready Before you begin stamping, check to see that the concrete has reached the right stage of plasticity. If you begin stamping too soon, the concrete won't be firm enough to support the weight of workers or hold a well-defined imprint.
How to make concrete look plastic?
1. Apply color hardener After the concrete reaches the right stage of plasticity (generally when no bleedwater is on the surface), broadcast the color hardener by throwing it onto the surface from waist level or a bit lower to minimize the amount of material that drifts into the air.
What to do before stamping?
Before stamping, pretexture along the perimeter of the slab with a texturing skin or flex mat.
What happens if you start stamping too late?
If you start stamping too late, not only will stamping require more effort, you'll produce little or no texture with the stamps, especially as you reach the end of the job . Press your fingers into the concrete surface at several locations on the slab.
Why is it important to place the first row of stamps on a straight line?
It's important to place the first row of stamps on a straight line because that will serve as the benchmark for the rest of the job. If it's not perfectly straight, the rest of the rows will be out of alignment as well. Use a string line as a guide, especially for aligning stamp patterns that are square or rectangular.
How to align stamps?
Use a string line as a guide, especially for aligning stamp patterns that are square or rectangular. For notched or irregular stamp patterns, you can check alignment by using the edge form as a reference point (assuming that it's square). Use a string line or tape measure and run it from the edge of the form to the top and bottom edges of the stamp mat to make sure the tool is running square relative to the form.
How to apply liquid release agent to concrete?
To apply a liquid release agent, use a pump-type sprayer to apply the release in a uniform layer onto the surface of the concrete right before you stamp . If you plan to use a tinted liquid release agent, add the tint a day or two beforehand if possible. This will allow the pigment particles to fully dissolve. 3.
HOW IS STAMPED CONCRETE INSTALLED?
There are many steps involved in stamped concrete that must be executed carefully and quickly to achieve uniform results across the entire slab before the concrete sets. The pattern must be pre-planned and diagrammed, tools and labor ready to go. After the concrete is poured and allowed to set to the proper consistency, color hardeners and release agents are applied. The concrete is tested again before applying the stamp patterns. Finish work, detailing and cutting contraction joints finish the project.
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick and even wood. The wide variety of pattern and color choices make it popular for beautifying patios, pool decks, driveways and more. Additionally, it’s an affordable paving option that requires less maintenance ...
Why is stamped concrete better than real concrete?
If anything, stamped concrete looks better than the real thing, because you won’t get weed or moss growth in between the joints, and it won’t rot or splinter if you are mimicking wood planking.
What is done after concrete is poured?
The concrete is tested again before applying the stamp patterns. Finish work, detailing and cutting contraction joints finish the project. Most often, stamping is done on newly poured concrete.
How much does stamped concrete cost?
You’ll also add curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment. Basic stamped designs with one color and pattern run $8 to $12 per square foot, mid-range jobs with borders or contrasting patterns can be $12 to $18 per square foot, and high-end custom projects $18 or more per square foot. For more pricing information, see our stamped concrete cost chart .)
What are the different types of stamped concrete?
The most popular types of stamped concrete are natural stone patterns such as slate, flagstone, and fieldstone. Brick, cobblestone and wood patterns follow closely behind. There are also seamless stamps that provide texture, but without joint patterns.
How to find a decorative concrete contractor?
Some decorative concrete contractors have showrooms with all their samples on display. Another option is to visit the contractor’s website, where you’ll often find photos of their projects and a description of the types of decorative concrete they specialize in.
What do you do after concrete sets?
After the concrete sets, more work must be done, including installing joints, doing detail work, and applying a sealer.
What is important before a concrete job?
Even before the work begins, good planning and preparation are necessary to make sure everything goes smoothly. This is particularly important on large stamped concrete projects. Here are some important dos and don'ts to adhere to on every job: Stamping dos:
How deep should concrete joints be cut?
Do make sure stamped concrete pavements are properly jointed to control cracking. To be effective, joints must be cut to a depth of at least one-quarter the slab thickness. (For more details, read Be Active in Deciding Where Control Joints Will Be Placed .)
Why do you need reinforcement on a slab?
For many slabs on grade, reinforcement (in the form of steel bars or welded wire mesh) is necessary to augment strength and help to control cracking. This is especially true for driveways and other surfaces that will support vehicle traffic.
Is stamped concrete easier to install than brick?
Although stamped concrete is often faster and more convenient to install than brick or stone, it's still a complicated process requiring the right tools, materials, expertise and jobsite conditions to ensure a successful outcome. A lot of steps are involved in stamping concrete, and crews only have a short window of time to complete them before ...
Does water affect cement?
Adding too much water dilutes and weakens the cement paste, making it less durable and more porous. (For more information on water-cement ratio and concrete performance, read Primary Issue Affecting Concrete Quality .) Do use a dry-shake color hardener, which will produce a denser, more impermeable surface.
Can concrete stand up to freezing?
Do insist on the use of a concrete mix that can stand up to the anticipated exposure conditions, such as freezing and thawing and deicing chemicals in northern climates and wear and tear from foot or vehicle traffic. Pay special attention to the water-cement ratio, or the amount of water in proportion to the cement.
How long does stamped concrete last?
When applied properly, a stamped concrete coating should last for years. It will help add strength to an existing surface, while also updating the look. Much like a newly poured patio, your overlay will need to be sealed every few years to maintain its appearance and protect it from damage.
What is stamped concrete overlay?
Stamped concrete overlays allow you to duplicate the beauty and texture of natural stone, brick, slate, wood, and other materials without having to replace your concrete. A stamped overlay can be used indoors or outdoors to recreate the look of natural stone, brick, slate, or even wood.
What is overlay concrete?
An overlay acts in a similar fashion to new concrete, in that it has a limited time available for it to be stamped. A contractor can complete the job on time, without error, and with a final finish you will enjoy for years to come.
How to change the color of a sandpaper?
Here is a quick guide to the color adjustment levels: 1 For minor color adjustment use an impregnating stain or diluted acid stain 2 For medium color adjustment use a full-strength acid stain, dye, or tinted sealer 3 For complete color change use an acrylic or solid-color stain
Can you resurface concrete with stamped overlay?
Before opting for a stamped overlay, consult a professional to determine if your concrete can be resurfaced successfully. If the concrete is in bad shape, with large cracks or severe settlement, resurfacing may not be a viable option.
Can you refinish stamped concrete?
If you already have a stamped concrete surface that is suffering from cracks, spalling, or settling it may be a candidat e for restoration and resurfacing . Some refinishing options include:
IS A STAMPED OVERLAY A DIY-FRIENDLY PROJECT?
While it is possible to complete some concrete projects as a DIY, we recommend hiring a professional. You can find a resurfacing contractor near you in our directory.
Is stamped concrete the best option for long term?
Stamped concrete is typically one of the less expensive options up front, however there are some long-term factors to keep in mind before you make your decision.
Is stamped concrete hard?
One major problem is that stamped concrete cracks and chips, especially in harsher climates that experience frost. Here in New England our winters can be especially hard on concrete surfaces. Not only is it aesthetically unappealing, but it can also become a safety issue with tripping hazards.
