When planning a renovation of the exteriors, while building a new home from scratch, or for the construction of a commercial property, stamped concrete can be incorporated as a part of landscape design.

Need Ideas for landscape design?

The exteriors have the potential to transform the whole outlook of your place. So, here is everything you need to know about stamped concrete.

Let us begin with the primary question:

What Is Stamped Concrete?

It is a textured or patterned concrete (a mixture of stones, gravel, cement, sand, and water) used for landscaping to resemble stone, tile, brick, etc.

It is commonly used for sidewalks, patios, pool decks, driveways, and so on.

Now that you are aware of what stamped concrete is, let us get to know how it is made.

What Are The Procedures Involved In Making Stamped Concrete?

The 8 steps mentioned below will guide you as to how to stamp concrete.

1) The base color

It is the primary color used in the process. It is chosen to complement the color of the building.
Concrete is colored by using a color hardener, a pigment in powder form, acid stains, or integral liquid.
Venetian pink, platinum gray, dark red, walnut, and ash white are a few of the most preferred stamped concrete colors.

2) The secondary color

Also known as the accent color, it is used to create textures. Color release, a non-adhesive pigment used to dye, is utilized to color the concrete.

3) Testing

It is vital to check the quality of the products. So after coloring the concrete, ensure that it has the desired plasticity by creating imprints on it.

4) Stamping Patterns

After adding colors to the concrete, patterns are formed using molds or stamping mats. This procedure is known as concrete stamping, and the resultant product is called stamped concrete. The patterns ordinarily reflect the style and architecture of the building.

5) Adding the details

In order to ensure that the patterns are explicit, finishing touches are added using a chisel and other appropriate tools. Moreover, it is advisable to inspect and correct any non-uniformity or unevenness on the stamped concrete.

6) Cleaning

After allowing the stamped concrete to sit idle for 2-3 days, it should be cleaned well to remove any residue in order to gain a uniform look.

7) Concrete Curing Compound

It is a precautionary method used to retain moisture and allows it to develop the required strength completely. It also finalizes the color and texture of the concrete.

8) Concrete Joints

The final step is to install concrete joints which will help avoid cracks in the stamped concrete and prevent it from breaking. These are various types of bulkheads made of steel, wood, plastic, etc.

The added advantage is that concrete joints produce an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Now that you are well aware of the stamped concrete procedure, the next question to pop in your mind will be:

How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost?

The cost of stamped concrete depends on its type and design.

Simple Stamped Concrete

A plain stamped concrete with a single color and pattern will cost around $6-10 per sq. ft.
Custom Stamped Concrete

A custom-stamped concrete with multiple patterns and colors would cost around $10-15 per sq. ft.
Elaborate Stamped Concrete

Elaborate Stamped Concrete that consists of borders and other hand applications with an amazing outlook would cost around $12-17 per sq. ft.

Now, let us take a look at the benefits of using stamped concrete for landscaping.