Q&A: Can I Get Stamped Concrete on a Budget?
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Q: I really like the look of stamped concrete, but I'm on a limited budget. What's the typical price range for a decorative stamped surface? A: It's true that stamped concrete can cost significantly more than plain concrete, but the final tally all depends on how elaborate you get with the patterns and colors. You can get basic stamped concrete, enhanced by one coloring method or decorative technique, for as little as $6 per square foot. Use this stamped concrete cost chart to compare your options and find one that fits your budget. Then locate stamped concrete contractors in your area to get several estimates. |
Video: Top 5 Driveway Patterns
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Scott Cohen of The Green Scene shares his five favorite approaches for transforming concrete driveways inexpensively and easily, including decorative banding and score lines, stained bands of color, splatter patterns of stain in contrasting colors, diamond sawcut patterns, and
colored concrete stamped with stone-textured mats.
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Budget-Friendly Decorative Finishes for Exterior Concrete
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Hi ,
 In this ailing economy, many homeowners are cutting back on remodeling expenses and forgoing some of their dream projects. But if your dream is to install a fabulous decorative concrete driveway, sidewalk or entryway that will transform your home and boost its curb appeal, you may still be able to get the high-end look you're after without emptying your pocketbook. Instead of spending a premium for elaborate stamped, stenciled or multicolored concrete, you can achieve equally impressive results with these three budget-friendly decorative treatments. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get a durable, low-maintenance surface that will last for decades. Now that's true economy!
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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EXPOSED AGGREGATE
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 With an exposed-aggregate finish, you can achieve spectacular effects
at a reasonable cost because few additional materials (other than the
decorative aggregate) are
required. To get the look, your contractor simply places the concrete and then
removes the top layer of cement paste by scrubbing or pressure washing to reveal the embedded aggregate. Many types and sizes of decorative aggregate are available to achieve unlimited color and texture variations. Durable and skid resistant, an exposed-aggregate finish is ideal for most exterior flatwork. |
ROCK SALT FINISH
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 A rock salt finish is a traditional and easy method for adding subtle
texture and skid resistance to plain or colored concrete. The salt leaves a
speckled pattern of shallow indentations on the concrete surface,
similar to the appearance of slightly pitted, weathered rock. While the pattern isn't elaborate, it has a distinctive look not
achievable with any other method. Salt finishes are attractive alone, but are particularly stunning when
used in combination with colored concrete and other decorative treatments. Even better, the finish requires few
additional tools and materials to produce, keeping the cost affordable. |
BROOMING AND BORDERS
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If you're on a tight budget, you can achieve impressive results by
mixing stamped or stenciled concrete borders with  fields of less-expensive plain or broom-finished concrete. Using contrasting colors will give the surface even more pizazz. | |
