Stamped & Decorative Concrete

You do not have to choose between beauty and durability. Decorative concrete gives you both. Stamped and decorative finishes transform plain concrete into surfaces that mimic expensive materials like natural stone, slate, brick, wood planks, or tile. The difference is striking, but the cost is far less than the materials being replicated. You get a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Beyond appearance, decorative concrete offers practical advantages. It provides the same strength and longevity as standard concrete while requiring less maintenance than the materials it imitates. Real flagstone develops weeds between joints and shifts over time. Wood decking rots and requires annual sealing. Decorative concrete stays solid, stable, and beautiful for decades with minimal care. The color goes throughout the surface or penetrates deep with stains, so normal wear does not reveal plain concrete underneath.

Decorative concrete works for driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and entryways. You can create custom designs that complement your home's architecture and landscape. Choose from hundreds of pattern and color combinations to achieve exactly the look you envision. The result is a unique surface that enhances your property's curb appeal and value while delivering reliable performance year after year.

We offer several decorative techniques to create the perfect look for your project:

Stamped Concrete

This popular technique uses specialized stamps to imprint patterns into freshly poured concrete. The stamps replicate the texture and appearance of natural materials with remarkable accuracy. Popular patterns include cobblestone, slate, flagstone, brick, wood planks, and tile. We apply color before or after stamping to enhance the realistic appearance. The surface is then sealed to protect the finish and add depth to the color.

Colored and Stained Concrete

Color can be mixed directly into the concrete for consistent hue throughout, or applied to the surface with acid stains or water-based dyes. Integral color provides uniform appearance and never wears off. Stains create variegated, natural-looking tones that mimic aged stone or leather. You can combine colors for custom effects or use multiple colors in stamped patterns to simulate mortar joints and natural variations in stone.

Exposed Aggregate

This finish reveals decorative stones within the concrete by removing the top layer of cement paste. The result is a textured, slip-resistant surface with natural beauty. You choose the aggregate type and color, from river rock to crushed granite. Exposed aggregate works well for pool decks and areas where traction is important. The texture hides minor imperfections and provides visual interest without elaborate patterns.

Engraving and Scoring

After concrete cures, we can cut decorative patterns into the surface using specialized saws. This creates designs like tile layouts, geometric patterns, or custom logos. Scoring is more affordable than stamping and can be added to existing concrete. Combined with stains or dyes, scoring transforms plain surfaces into decorative features.

Creating beautiful decorative concrete requires skill, timing, and the right materials. Here is what you can expect:

• Site Preparation: Same thorough prep as any concrete project, including proper excavation, base material, and drainage.
• Concrete Placement: Fresh concrete mixed with color additives if using integral color. Poured and leveled to proper thickness.
• Timing and Application: Decorative work happens when concrete reaches the right consistency. Too soft and patterns blur. Too hard and stamping becomes impossible.
• Pattern Application: Stamps are pressed into the surface, creating texture and pattern. Release agents prevent sticking and add subtle color variations.
• Coloring: Additional color can be applied before or after stamping using dry shakes, stains, or dyes for depth and realism.
• Sealing: After curing, we apply a quality sealer that protects the surface and enhances color. This step is critical for longevity and appearance.

Maintenance is straightforward. Sweep regularly and rinse with a hose. For stains, use mild detergent and a soft brush. Reseal every 2 to 3 years to maintain protection and keep colors vibrant. Avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure washing that can damage the finish. With proper care, your decorative concrete looks beautiful and performs reliably for 20 to 30 years or more.