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Is stamped concrete good for patio?
Stamped Patios Because of its superior durability and weather resistance, colored and stamped concrete is the perfect choice to bring the high-end look of stone, brick, or wood to patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways and courtyards.
Is stamped concrete patio cheaper than pavers?
Stamped concrete is one of the most popular patio and deck materials worldwide. It is slightly cheaper than pavers and offers a variety of colors and patterns. Since stamped concrete is in fact concrete, it will crack at some point.
Is it hard to stamp concrete?
Stamping. The most unforgiving part is the actual stamping itself. A good stamped concrete job looks good, while a fair-to-poor stamp job looks horrible. Dealing with poor placement or poor finishing is one thing, but if the imprinting process isn’t done properly, it’s extremely difficult and expensive to repair.
How thick should stamped concrete be?
How 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.
What makes stamped concrete crack?
Answer: The crack in this stamped overlay is caused by a crack in the underlying concrete that reflected through to the overlay. The sticky gray material is the epoxy that was used to repair the original crack. The original colored and stamped concrete slab had developed cracks running through about 30% of the slab.
How long will stamped concrete last?
Provided it’s installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—about 25 years.
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 pour a concrete patio yourself?
You’ll save 40 percent to 50 percent by pouring your patio yourself. (Taking the DIY route also means you can be sure the technical details are done correctly.) You’ll save even more if you mix your own concrete instead of having a ready-mix truck deliver it.
Are pavers better than 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.
What do you seal stamped concrete with?
How to choose the best sealer for stamped concreteThe primary type of sealer used for exterior stamped concrete flatwork is a solvent- or water-based acrylic. Acrylic sealers are easy to apply, economical, and most important, breathable, allowing moisture in the slab to escape.
How much does a 12×12 concrete patio cost?
The average cost for a 12′ x 12′ concrete patio is about $1,700, or $12 per square foot. The typical range for a concrete patio depending on design, color, and texture is $6 to $16 per square foot, or $864 for a plain slab to a vibrant custom design that costs $2,300.
Why is stamped concrete so expensive?
So, why is stamped concrete so expensive? The client needs to pick out three things; the stamp design, the integral color of the concrete, and the color of the release which gives the highlights. The next step for the contractor depends on if the contractor owns their own stamps or needs to rent them.
What lasts longer concrete or pavers?
Pavers can last up to 50 years, in part because individual tiles are easy to replace with minimal dint to the wallet. Slab and stamped concrete can last as long as 25 years.
What are the pros and cons of stamped concrete?
The Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete Affordable Installation. Stamped concrete is less expensive than other paving options for two reasons. Personalized Aesthetics. Low-Maintenance Convenience. Cracking Issues. Difficulty Matching Colors. Compare Stamped Concrete With Alternative Methods Today.
At what point do you stamp concrete?
If you leave a clean imprint about 3/16 to 1/4 inch deep, you can generally begin stamping. Another test is to place a stamp on the concrete and step on it. The stamp should hold your weight and not slide around or sink too deeply into the surface.
What is the difference between stamped and textured concrete?
Textured concrete is similar to stamped concrete, but it has a less uniform look than stamped concrete. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, typically has the joints built into the stamp. The result is that textured concrete often looks more unique because it tends to be more irregular than stamped concrete.
Can you put a pavers patio over concrete?
With proper installation, concrete pavers can be installed over existing poured concrete slabs if they’re in relatively good condition. This is known as an overlay, and it can be a great, affordable option for many homeowners.
Does colored stamped concrete fade?
#2 – Stamped Concrete color will fade or leach out and color needs to be reapplied every year. Interestingly, colored concrete that needs to be sealed can appear to have a “chalky” or faded appearance. Once a fresh coat of sealer is applied, the concrete colors come back to life again!.
Are hairline cracks in stamped concrete normal?
At some point, nearly every stamper has seen crusting cracks near the joints in a stamped concrete slab. They usually occur along the stamped joints. The cracks are small, but there may be hundreds of them which make the overall job look unsightly.
Can you fix a crack in stamped concrete?
You can use MatchCrete™ Clear Concrete Repair Polyurethane to repair intregal color or stamped concrete. Remove dirt, loose concrete, repair materials or failed caulk. Use a diamond blade to slightly cut open the crack and clean out loose concrete and debris. Use tape to mask off the crack.
Is stamped concrete hard to maintain?
Like conventional concrete, stamped surfaces will provide decades of service when properly installed and maintained. Stamped concrete will require some routine cleaning and maintenance depending on exposure conditions and the type and amount of traffic it receives.
What does concrete stamping look like?
Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material.
