Stamped Concrete is simply concrete that has been stamped with a pattern or texture. The texture may be created by using hand tools like stamping machines or even a rotary tool. It may also be made electronically through the use of computer software. Stamped concrete has gained popularity as of late because it is more durable than regular poured concrete but not as attractive as natural stone or brick.
Stamped Concrete Denver features various colors that can be chosen to best match surrounding materials. Colors are generally offered in primary (pink, green, blue, black, gray), accent (red, yellow, orange, brown), and specialty colors. Per square foot, stamped concrete costs about half as much as normal poured concrete. Colors are available in almost any color imaginable-from cool and light to bold and dark. Some stamped concrete has unique, one-of-a-kind patterns such as zebra or tiger stripes. In addition, stamped concrete can be stained in many of the same colors as regular concrete to allow for color schemes.
There are a few significant advantages to using stamped concrete instead of natural stone or brick. First, stamped concrete has a very realistic texture that can even fool others. Because of this realistic texture, it is a popular choice for exterior and indoor architectural accents and even landscaping elements. In fact, stamped concrete looks so real that some homeowners feel they actually walked into a true-life replica of the exterior or interior floor. This very same texture and the reflective quality of the finished product make stamped concrete ideal for landscaping and flooring.
Because of its realistic nature, stamped concrete requires little maintenance once it is installed. Unlike with natural materials, little care is needed once a slab has been stamped with an original pattern or color. If a homeowner chooses to stain their concrete, a high quality trowel, water hose, and concrete paint will usually be enough to keep the color in tact. Sealing concrete once it has been stamped will help to protect the surface from damage caused by splinters and other types of accidents. Even with sealants, however, the color and pattern of the overlays will eventually fade to become the same texture as the surrounding soil. If homeowners decide to cover their overlays with an overlay pattern, it will still need to be resealed between every so often to maintain its look and durability.
One of the key benefits of stamped concrete is that it can be used in places where stone or brick is not possible. This includes driveways, walkways, patios, garages, poolside areas, and more. Stamped pavers concrete slabs have the same look and durability as other types of stone or brick, but because they are lighter in weight, they can be installed in areas where stone is not feasible. Many homeowners prefer stamped concrete over paving stones because they are easier to maintain, and they offer a cheaper price per square foot.
In order to install stamped concrete, homeowners must first select the pattern that they want. There are a number of pre-made patterns available through most home improvement stores. However, if homeowners have additional creativity or wish to add a unique touch to their project, they can create their own pattern using the available materials. Pavers, bricks, sand, gravel, crushed stone, tiles, and concrete blocks are commonly used in stamped concrete projects. Lifting the covers and arranging them properly can create patterns that will make any driveway or patio look luxurious and elegant.
Because there are so many benefits to be derived from stamped concrete, many homeowners choose to install them in their driveways and walkways. Some homeowners also choose to install this type of paving material in their pool decks because it offers improved slip resistance when wet weather does come. In addition to improved slip resistance, a pool deck with a stamped concrete surface will also be safer for children and pets. In fact, because of its slip resistance abilities, a heated pool deck will prove to be an even more enjoyable place to swim.
