Stamped or patterned concrete flooring is very popular throughout Canada and it is with good reason.
There are many advantages to using this decorative coating for construction, including hardness, resistance, and attractive aesthetics that are lower in price. The wide array of colors and designs of concrete moulds gives homeowners many choices to achieve the desired results for home renovations.
Stamped concrete is a technique that uses stamping moulds on fresh concrete to simulate brick, stone, wood, slate, and other textures.
Are you currently renovating your garage, driveway, patio, or terrace?
You will find that stamped concrete is a great compromise with design and durability and competitive prices. Consider stamped concrete for your outdoor space with free and no-obligation offers from our renovation partners!
Top benefits of using stamped concrete
In the past, concrete for construction was boring and drab. Thanks to modern technology, concrete can now be functional and amazing as a design element.
The options offered by stamped concrete are limitless as far as colors, shapes, and textures are concerned. It can be customized to suit your preferences as it can imitate wood, stone, brick, or parquet very easily.
Aside from benefits related to design, stamped concrete also offers strength and durability. Facades, floors, and walls can use stamped concrete with a lifespan of 20 years or more.
Resistance & Durability:
Stamped concrete is very durable because it is resistant to traffic. For this reason, it is a preferred surface coating for parks, entrances, garages, and other outdoor spaces. It can also withstand temperature fluctuations and UV rays. Thus, it adapts to changing weather conditions.
With the right application, stamped concrete flooring can last for 20 years or longer.
Also, inorganic payments are used on stamped concrete that make them resist sunlight. This means your stamped concrete surface will not fade or lose color in the future.
Fast installation
Stamped concrete is fast and easy to install. Because it is mortar, the time of execution is shorter compared to other choices on the market. However, complex designs such as geometric designs can take more time.
A wide array of finishes
It is easy to customize stamped concrete since many textures, shapes, and colors from concrete moulds are available. You can use stamped concrete not only on floors but on walls and cladding, too.
Easy maintenance
Stamped concrete is also easier to maintain. Washing the surface is sufficient to prevent dirt from accumulating. Varnish can also be applied every few years, especially on surfaces with high foot and vehicular traffic.
Economy
Compared to bricks, stone, and wood, the price of stamped concrete is relatively cheaper. You can save money by using stamped concrete for your home renovation.
You can find specialists for stamped concrete among our renovation partners today! Just fill out the short online form on this page to receive FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes.
What are moulds for stamped concrete?
The most basic tool for stamped concrete is the mould. This decorative technique can be used on paving or vertical cladding to achieve a variety of patterns and textures.
You can find hundreds of concrete moulds offered by specialists to choose from. Shapes include cobblestone, brick, stone, and tile moulds.
You can let your imagination run free with many designs for stamped concrete surfaces to choose from.
Colors for Stamped concrete
All possible colors are available for stamped concrete – neutral colors like grey, beige, or black, and more intense or vibrant colors like blue, green, or red.
High-quality stamped concrete is resistant to UV rays and weather changes and can be used indoor or outdoor without any worries.
They are made with inorganic pigments that prevent unpleasant surprises such as fading or discoloration over time.
Where to use stamped concrete in the home?
Stamped concrete can be used for all types of home renovations as an alternative to traditional materials like stone or wood. It is cheaper in price and easier to maintain.
You can use stamped concrete as a decorative feature on walls or as concrete flooring for gardens, patios, terraces, driveways, pavement, porches, stairs, etc.
Because they are non-slippery, it is an ideal surface for swimming pool areas as well as the kitchen or outdoor dining area.
Stamped concrete for indoor areas has become more popular as commercial premises like coffee shops and bars have begun to favor it as well.
Vertical stamped concrete is also used on the walls of the home. It can make walls look spectacular with the contrast of textures and colors.
How to install stamped concrete
If you plan on using stamped concrete for your home renovation, the process seems relatively simple. However, it takes a certain expertise to achieve a smooth, pleasing, and durable finish. Thus, we recommend that you entrust this job to professionals.
This is how stamped concrete is installed:
- Surface preparation.
- Pouring of the concrete.
- Smoothing and leveling the surface.
- Sprinkling of the hardener.
- Troweling.
- Application of the release agent.
- Priming the mould.
- Removing the release agent.
- Clean the surface,
- Application of varnish.
The method of application also varies depending on the surface where you want to install it as a coating. Walls and floors don’t have the same treatment.
Refer to our experienced partners for stamped concrete installation using our short online form!
The cost to install stamped concrete by professionals
The most basic design for stamped concrete could cost about $10 to $15 per square foot. But more complex projects could cost around $20 to $25 per square foot.
Your final cost will depend on the materials and labor required based on the design and the size of the area.
The cheapest installation uses one pattern and color for stamped concrete while more expensive ones are intricate with special coloring effects, hand-applied stains or accents, and multi-patterns.
As you can see, it can be difficult to get an accurate quote without factoring in specific details such as the size of the area, the materials, and the design.
But to give you an idea, you can refer to the average costs below for illustration purposes:
Stamped concrete patios:
For an average-sized patio, a basic stamped concrete installation could cost from $2,600 to $3,800. A mid-range project will cost roughly $4,000 to $6,000 while a high-end installation could cost $6,000 to $8,000.
Stamped concrete driveway:
The cost of your stamped concrete driveway will depend on the square footage and the design of your surface.
For a basic driveway, the cost is from $6,000 to $8,500.
A mid-range driveway renovation could cost from $8,500 to $11,500 while a high-end project could cost around $12,500 or more.
Although the cost of stamped concrete is more than plain concrete or asphalt, it is cheaper than brick, pavers, or natural stone.
FAQS for stamped concrete installation in Canada
Are you considering stamped concrete for your project? If you have more questions, refer to our short FAQs to guide you in planning your renovation.
What maintenance is required for stamped concrete flooring?
Very little maintenance is required for stamped concrete flooring. The occasional washing with water is necessary to remove dirt. Applying varnish every few years will help to retain its shine and appearance.
Will my new stamped concrete patio fade?
After installation, your stamped concrete floor is sealed and cured to prevent fading. Most materials also have inorganic pavements that are resistant to sunlight to prevent degradation and discoloration.
Why is stamped concrete better than other materials?
First of all, stamped concrete is highly durable and is more aesthetically pleasing than asphalt or plain cement. It is also cheaper compared to stone or wood but you can achieve almost the same aesthetic benefits.
In addition, stamped concrete is easy to install and maintain so you can save more money. It is a very advantageous option that blends well with natural hardscape surroundings.
How long does it take for stamped concrete to set for walking on?
Generally, you can walk on stamped concrete after 5 hours but the general rule is to wait at least 3 hours after sealing before you walk on it.
Can stamped concrete be installed over existing concrete?
Under certain conditions, stamped concrete can be installed over existing concrete. Check with an experienced contractor for your renovation needs.
When is the best time for installing stamped concrete?
Installing stamped concrete must take into account the humidity, temperature, the condition of the subgrade, the content of the concrete, and the freeze-thaw cycle after installation.
A reputable contractor can work with you regarding the best time for pouring concrete. They can take the proper precautions and if done properly, concrete can set better in cool weather than in hot weather. Most homeowners, however, do renovations for patios and outdoor spaces in the summer and spring.
Professional installation will ensure that your stamped concrete is properly installed for durability and maximum functionality.
Find the best contractor for your stamped concrete installation using our short online form, free of charge!
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