Calgary Concrete Pros
Stamped Concrete Calgary
If you’re considering stamped concrete for your home in Calgary you’ve come to the right place. On this page we’ll briefly go through what stamped concrete is, why you should be considering it, and what some of the implications are for stamped concrete including long term maintenance.
In the past, imprinted concrete was usually limited to a mason scoring a flagstone-like design freehand, or embedding sticks, leaves and even coffee cans into the surface to achieve a desired effect. Today, the leading edge of concrete is a process called pattern-stamping. This process involves "stamping" or "impressing" three dimensional patterns into colored concrete with special stamping tools. When the stamping is complete, the product is then sealed, highlighting the colors and providing greater stain and weather resistance. The result is a surface that combines the beauty of masonry with the durability of concrete. Some of the most common pattern choices include but are not limited to: slate, brick, granite, cobblestone, tile, flagstone, seamless texture, and more. It is also a common practice to use multiple patterns and colors together with custom bandwork, edges, and centerpieces. Like all forms of decorative concrete workmanship, the design choices are only limited by your design tastes and
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What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is basically what it sounds like… New concrete is poured and allowed to set to the correct consistency. Once it is ready, the concrete can be colored and stamped with any number of amazing patterns. Once the pattern is laid the concrete is finished up with detail work and contraction joints for a long lasting patterned concrete.
While stamped concrete is usually done with newly poured concrete, it is possible to do a stamped concrete overlay on concrete that is in good condition. This can be a good cost saving way to get the look of stamped concrete without having to tear out and rapport existing concrete. We would be happy to assess your current concrete if that is something you are interested in. There are many factors that affect how feasible it is to do an overlay including age and condition of concrete.
What designs and colors is Stamped Concrete available in?
SO MANY!
That’s one of the truly wonderful things about stamped concrete. There are so many artistic options out there. The most popular are generally made to replicate the look of natural stones such as slate or flagstone. Also quite popular are patterns mimicking brick and even wood. Yes, concrete that looks like a wood floor but with the durability of concrete.
Coloring can be done to many colors. Natural earth type colors tend to work the best for the look of slate or flagstone, but brick and wood colors work well too.
While there are a lot of options for patterns and colors, the thing to remember is that the more wild you get, the higher the cost and skill of the stamped concrete contractor. This is an art form and experience and skill play a big part in the final result.
What’s bad about Stamped Concrete?
As with anything there are pros and cons. The thing to remember is you have to compare it to something. If comparing stamped concrete vs regular concrete, it will be more expensive and more complex. But if you compare it to what you are mimicking- brick, wood, or stone -the cost is significantly less, with less upkeep and increased durability.
DIY Stamped Concrete?
In our professional opinion, DIY stamped concrete is probably not a good idea. Of course that depends entirely on your project and skill level, but many things can go wrong with stamped concrete. From preparing the base and actually pouring the concrete to laying out the design and colors. You only have one shot at getting it right and, trust us, you don’t want to try and tear out concrete because the pattern isn’t what you thought or there was a miscalculation in the project planning.
Stamped concrete is a skill and an art that gives great results when done right. It’s worth it to give a call or fill out the form to schedule a consultation with one of our stamped concrete contractors in Calgary. We are committed to ensuring you end up with the right product, pattern, color, and top quality results for your home or business.
Where to use Stamped Concrete?
Short answer is anywhere.
Look, we’re big fans of stamped concrete so we can always find uses for it. Most popular is on
driveways,
pool decks, and
patios. But concrete is making a move to the indoors as well. Living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens are great spaces for stamped concrete or stamped
concrete overlay. Anywhere you want the durability of concrete with the beauty of a stone, brick, or wood pattern is a great place for stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete can also be mixed with other types of concrete such as exposed aggregate for truly remarkable and striking combinations. We can design and install many different decorative concrete options.
Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete
Pros:
- More affordable than most natural stone, brick, or wood.
- More affordable and durable in the long run than most pavers
- Non-slip surface due to texture and can have non-slip texture easily added
- Incredible array of colors and patterns available
- Durable and long lasting- especially when compared to what it is mimicking
- Easily maintained when properly sealed
Cons:
- Installation is not DIY friendly. You need a good stamped concrete professional
- Periodic cleaning and sealing is necessary for long life and protection from the weather
- De-icing solutions are harsh but can be mitigated by proper maintenance
- Repairs can be difficult but not impossible with proper concrete repair process
What is stamped concrete used for?
Stamped concrete is versatile and can be Stamped concrete is used for both residential and commercial applications, such as driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and interior floors.
How much more is stamped concrete than regular concrete?
Stamped concrete typically costs $4-9 more per sq ft than a regular grey broom finished pour. Factors such as total sq ft, concrete colouring and the stamp chosen all factor into the pricing of your stamped concrete. You can expect to pay $13-18/sf for stamped concrete which is still more affordable than pavers or stones.
How long does stamped concrete last?
Stamped concrete can last for decades if it's installed and maintained properly. Factors that affect its lifespan include installation quality, usage, and maintenance.
How often should I reseal stamped concrete?
It's recommended to reseal stamped concrete every two to three years. Resealing too often can add sealer where it's not needed, and resealing too infrequently can cause the seal to come undone.
How do you color the stamped concrete?
When we pour stamped concrete, we add the colouring directly to the mix. This assures all of your concrete is coloured through the entire slab incase you were to get a chip or a crack. This way you will never see any grey coming through should your concrete get damaged. We add a second colour with a pigment release technique. This goes on top of your colored slab bringing out a more detailed look. We recommend using a darker colored release for the most dramatic look.
What colors can I use for stamped concrete?
The most popular colours are grays and earth tones, but you can also use brick patterns in red or russet hues. You can mix, layer, or antique colours with stains or tints to create a variety of looks.
How does stamped concrete compare to natural materials?
Stamped concrete can look realistic because most concrete stamps replicate actual materials, and the colour variations closely resemble natural materials.
Is stamped concrete slippery?
Stamped concrete can be slippery if you have a smooth stamp that gets wet. Most of our stamps are not slippery and actually have more texture than a standard broom finish. In areas that get wet often, we add a non-slip additive to the sealer. This anti-skid product is not visible to the eye and acts as an extra form of grip to prevent slipping. If slipping is an issue, just mention the concern to our team and we'll make sure you have the additive in your sealer.
What type of reinforcement should be used in the stamped concrete slab?
We recommend you use a rebar grid in your stamped concrete. Since stamping concrete is more expensive than regular broom finished concrete, you should protect your investment. Rebar is stronger than wire mesh and will keep your concrete from shifting or pulling apart.