stamped concrete contractors

concrete driveway warranty


Concrete is not the most attractive of building materials, though color-etching as well as stamping are possible. These decorative techniques, however, are more difficult to maintain and last less time than plain concrete.
Stamped concrete requires more care over time. It will be necessary to have the concrete resurfaced or renewed every 20-30 years by most homeowners to maintain its beauty.


Concrete stamped with poured concrete has a lower labor and installation cost than other options. First, workers will need to clear space and install drainage portals and frameworks. Next, concrete will be poured and stamped with desired textures and designs. This process may take only a few days.


It is possible to make a concrete driveway yourself, but it can be quite difficult. Concrete hardens very quickly once it is poured. This is why time is so important. Professionals are best able to excavate, prepare forms, pour concrete and finish the job quickly. The entire job can be completed by a professional crew in just a few days. A homeowner will need to spend a few days digging and preparation, then pouring concrete and finishing. A group of capable and willing helpers is crucial for the homeowner who wants to pour concrete his way.

homemade bull float


It is best to avoid using deicing sodium on stamped concrete, particularly during the first winter after installation. Deicers can cause major surface damage (primarily spalling and scaling) by forcing the thawing/refreezing of moisture. Concrete can be chemically attacked with ammonium and sulphates. Products that contain ammonium nutrites or ammoniumsulphates are particularly harmful. They will cause less damage than salt rock (sodium chlorineide) and calcium chloride but they can cause severe damage to plants and metal corrosion. Sand can be used as traction. Learn more about how to maintain concrete drives and the effects that deicing salts can have on sealer performance.



For homeowners who want to have a stone or a wood look without having to spend a lot or use unsuitable materials, stamping a driveway is an attractive option. Contractors can stamp wet concrete in any arrangement you have, for as low as $8 to $15/square foot. Concrete driveways can be adorned with paving stones, inlaid and even wood planks.

homemade bull float
stamped concrete paving

stamped concrete paving



Installing stamped concrete is not a project you should attempt DIY. The main reason being that there are only one chance to do it right. If you don't have the time or ability to take it apart and rebuild it, you won't be able to finish it later. There are many things that could go wrong, including sub-base preparation and concrete mixture, as well as gauging when to stamp and finishing before concrete hardens. This is a job that should be left to professionals. The cost of stamping tools and other materials can run into the hundreds and they aren't worth it unless you intend to use them on multiple projects. These are nine reasons concrete stamping is not for DIYers.
Stamped concrete should be avoided using deicing sals, especially in the first winter following pavement installation. The thawing and refreeze of moisture can cause surface damage, such as scaling and spalling. Concrete chemically is harmed by products containing ammonium triphosphates and ammonium nutritrates. Calcium chloride (or rock salt) will do less harm, but can damage vegetation and corrode steel. Sand is another option for traction. You can find more information on how to maintain your concrete driveway and the effects deicing salts have on sealer performance.

concrete driveway contractor



Concrete is often mistakenly called cement. However, cement refers to only one component of concrete. Concrete is a mix of different types of stone aggregate, which are held together by a mixture water-based binder (usually Portland cement). Cement is a powder made of limestone and clay. Depending on the concrete's intended purpose, the size of the concrete mixture may vary. Concrete is typically made with small-sized aggregates. However, finer sands are possible for smoother work and better finished surfaces. A mixture of gravel and sand-sized aggregates is the most common mixture used for driveway slabs, sidewalks, or other paving surfaces.
Stamped concrete involves many steps. They must be done quickly and with care to achieve uniform results across all slabs before concrete sets. Pre-planning and drawing of the pattern is essential. Also, you need to have all necessary labor and tools. After concrete is poured, and has set to the right consistency, color hardeners are used and release agents applied. Before stamping the patterns, concrete is again tested. Finishing work, detailing, cutting contraction joints and final inspection complete the project.

concrete driveway

concrete driveway



Stamped concrete became a popular component of building projects in the 1970s as a result of the growing demand. Jon Nasvik, a concrete stamp manufacturer, developed lightweight and long-lasting urethane stamps in the late 1970s. Later, he developed plastic stamps that could imprint texture and patterns on concrete. This made the process more efficient.
Floating concrete is an essential part of the finish process. After concrete is poured and smoothed out, the crew uses a variety to work the concrete surface. This involves drawing cement and other particles to it through capillary action. The result is a smoother and more attractive surface. It is determined by how smooth the surface will look. There is a lot to be done. Excessive flotation can weaken the surface and cause it flake. However, too much will leave the slab looking rough and industrial. This is the time when skilled workers can apply decorative finishes or colors to the slab's slab.

concrete driveway contractors near me



It is best to avoid using deicing sodium on stamped concrete, particularly during the first winter after installation. Deicers can cause major surface damage (primarily spalling and scaling) by forcing the thawing/refreezing of moisture. Concrete can be chemically attacked with ammonium and sulphates. Products that contain ammonium nutrites or ammoniumsulphates are particularly harmful. They will cause less damage than salt rock (sodium chlorineide) and calcium chloride but they can cause severe damage to plants and metal corrosion. Sand can be used as traction. Learn more about how to maintain concrete drives and the effects that deicing salts can have on sealer performance.

Concrete is a highly durable surface. Concrete slabs can be lasted up to 50 year if properly installed and cared for.