Stamped concrete in Vancouver, WA

How stamped concrete is made

Stamped concrete starts like any other slab. Once it’s placed and leveled, color goes into the surface, and while the concrete is still soft, large textured mats are pressed into it to leave the pattern. Timing matters. Stamp too early and the pattern slumps, too late and it won’t take. When the slab has cured, it gets washed and sealed.

Patterns and colors

Popular patterns include slate, flagstone, cobblestone, brick and wood plank. Colors range from light grays and tans to the dark charcoal you see in a lot of our work. A smooth border around a stamped field, like on the patios in our photos, gives the job a finished, framed look. Ask about patterns and colors at your estimate.

Keeping it looking new

Stamped concrete should be resealed every 2 to 3 years. Sealer protects the color from the sun, keeps water and stains out and brings back the rich, wet look the surface had on day one. On walkways and driveways, a non-slip additive goes into the sealer so the surface grips in the rain.

Where it works best

Backyard patios are the most popular place for stamped concrete, then front walkways and entries, where the pattern shows from the street. On steps and around a pool, a pattern with more texture is safer when it’s wet. On a driveway, stamping only a border or the apron keeps the cost down and puts the pattern where people notice it.

What stamped concrete costs

HomeAdvisor’s stamped concrete guide lists about $8 to $12 per square foot for a simple one-color pattern, $12 to $18 with borders or more detail, and $18 to $28 for several colors and custom designs. So a simple stamped patio can cost close to a broom finish one, while a detailed one costs more.

Stamped concrete usually costs less than real stone or a paver patio of the same size, and it’s one solid slab, so there are no joints for weeds or ants to come up through.