Concrete is no longer used just for construction. While it provides function, it can also serve as an aesthetic enhancement for many types of structures, including floors, patios, driveways, decks, porches, walls, hallways, and more. This artistic use of concrete is known as “decorative concrete” and is a specialized project that requires an expert skill set, as well as the proper inventory of tools and materials, to obtain quality, long-lasting results.
Converting standard concrete to a decorative pavement is accomplished by disturbing the concrete during the pouring process or after the concrete has finished curing. Common methods and materials include concrete staining, concrete overlays, decorative overlays, concrete countertops, and of course, concrete stamping or “printing.”
Stamping concrete has grown in popularity over the past 50 years and can be used in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications. And there are many more reasons to choose it for your next property upgrade or remodel! Read on to learn more about stamped concrete and how it can benefit your property.
Concrete stamping
Concrete stamping is simply the process of printing concrete with custom textures or colors. The intent of concrete stamping is to make regular concrete look like a decorative pattern, style, shape, design, texture, or color. In fact, this is one of the many benefits of stamped concrete.
Not only does stamped concrete provide long-lasting shine and durability, it is also very cost-effective as it can be built to resemble a wide variety of high-quality materials, such as brick, wood, stone, slate, bedrock, and more. It can even be designed to look like things in nature, like seashells, leaves, fossils, and more. Endless options make it one of the current owner’s most desirable and affordable new construction renovations and additions.
Installation
It is important to hire a general contractor or professional home remodeling company for printed concrete services. This is because it is a very complex and delicate project that requires practical experience and extensive knowledge of the installation and finishing of cement floors. There are many variables involved in such work, including foundation, water drainage, ground leveling, reinforcing grids, concrete formulation mixes, and much more.
When it comes to stamping concrete, the installation process generally involves the use of molds. Precast molds and templates are pressed into concrete while the material is still flexible (in a plastic state). Once the patterns and textures have been applied, the pavement can be finished by adding color and then sealer. Color is added through the use of one or more of the following products: dry shakes, color hardening agents, powder release, liquid release, acid stains, and whole colors.
Notable benefits
Printed concrete offers a wide range of benefits in terms of cost, performance, attractiveness, and value. Here are some of the most notable benefits that owners are happy with:
- Low cost
- Infinite options
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Less labor intensive
- Increases in property value
- Looks great