When hiring a contractor to do work around your home or business, it is important that you get multiple written estimates and verify their references. You should ask for samples and a portfolio of work from stamped concrete contractors. Some decorative concrete contractors even have showrooms where all of their samples are on display. Another option is to visit their website. There you will often find photos of their work and information about the different types of decorative concrete they offer.
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.
Color can be affected by weathering and dirt as well as traffic. The concrete can be resealed and cleaned regularly to reduce any color shifts. Even if the color is faded from years of neglect, or lack thereof, you can often restore it to its original condition by cleaning and sealing.
Stamped concrete must be poured, moulded, and then installed all on site. Pour the concrete into the desired place and press molds onto the top layer. It can also be poured in shaped molds to simulate tiles or cobblestones.
Concrete driveways offer strength. Concrete driveways will withstand any vehicle, provided they are installed correctly with reinforcement and the right base.
Concrete prices will vary depending on what type of concrete is used. The majority of driveways are made from plain gray concrete. However, you can make it more appealing by having a stamped or stained driveway. These decorative features are more expensive, but make for a great feature. A stamped driveway can be purchased for $8 to $15, while a stained driveway will cost $6 to $12 per square feet.
Depending on your region, driveways can be made of asphalt or concrete. Concrete driveways have a long life span and are affordable. These are the three types of concrete that you should consider when budgeting for concrete driveway expenses.
Stamping is usually done on freshly poured concrete. A stamped overlay can be used to cover existing concrete in good condition. This gives it the same look and feel as traditional stamped concrete. Learn more about stamped concrete overlays.
Concrete isn't the most appealing building material. However, color-etching or stamping are both possible. However, these decorative treatments require more maintenance and don't usually last as long as plain concrete.
Find local contractors who specialize in stamped concrete and find out more tips on hiring a contractor for exterior concrete work.
Stamped concrete must be poured, moulded, and then installed all on site. Pour the concrete into the desired place and press molds onto the top layer. It can also be poured in shaped molds to simulate tiles or cobblestones.
For a smoother surface, you can also use poured concrete. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. This is ideal for areas with unusual shapes or large surface areas.
Most commonly, stamping happens on freshly poured concrete. You can cover existing concrete in good shape with a stamped overlay. This will give you the same look of conventional stamped concrete. Learn more information about stamped concrete overlays.
The driveway is now ready to be concrete poured. A crew of several people will work quickly to fill in the forms with the concrete. In order to ensure the slab's ability to shift and fracture at controlled locations, the finishing crew should make sure there are enough expansion joints--grooves dotted across the surface. Natural settling and shifting can cause slab fragmentation.