Coloring options for stamped concrete
There are many coloring options that a contractor may apply:
- Integral coloring is mixed into the material. This is good for earth tones and pastels.
- Dry-shake color hardeners are laid on the surface of the concrete, and provide a more intense color palette, and improve the strength and density.
- Surface-applied color are dyes, stains, and tinted release agents that can be used in conjunction with the first two options that help make textures look more like the natural materials they resemble.
What the Pros Say: “I actually think this is the better way to color concrete... This is called broadcasting color hardener. Color hardener is a blend of sand, Portland cement, and pigment. You broadcast it on the surface and then you trowel it into the surface, and that colors the concrete.”
— Tim Seay, Decorative Concrete of Virginia
UPGRADES FOR YOUR STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO
Stamped concrete patterns make your concrete patio beautiful. But why stop there?
J&H Decorative Concrete LLC – Uniontown, OH
Stamped concrete patio with fire pit
Have your contractor build in your very own fire pit for those late night conversations with your friends and family.
Greystone Masonry Inc – Stafford, VA
Stamped concrete patio with fireplace
Create a wow moment on your patio by installing a fireplace with complimentary coloring and stone look to match your stamped concrete patio.
John’s Cement - Milford, MI
Stamped concrete patio with border
Borders act as a great accent for your patio. Defining the edges of your patio with a new color, adds a stylish dynamic that makes your design more personalized.
See more patio border ideas.
The Wall - Portland, OR
Stamped concrete patio with pergola
Adding a pergola to your stamped patio will give you a shady spot to hang out. Pergolas can be built with wood, metal or even vinyl. Arrange patio furniture under the pergola for a comfortable retreat.
STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO VS PAVERS
Stamped concrete patios give you a vast array of decorative options not possible with other patio materials. At about $15 per square foot, this is a budget friendly way to get a high-end look.
Concrete pavers are placed individually, without any grout, in intricate, stunning patterns. The individual placement of each paver makes it easy to replace any damaged areas, but the spacing between the stones also allows for shifting and weed growth over time. At, approximately, $20 for the most detailed design, it may not be the most cost-effective to install.
CAN YOU DO STAMPED CONCRETE OVER AN EXISTING PATIO?
Yes, you can get a stamped concrete look over an existing patio. With a stamped concrete overlay, you can get the look you want, be able to fix any damaged areas of the concrete surface, and even add strength and durability to your patio.
STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO COST
The average cost of stamped concrete is between $8 and $18 per square foot and a typical patio is around 288 square feet. This means you’ll likely spend between $2,300 and $5,200 for a stamped concrete patio.
The cost difference is dependent on size and details you are looking to include in your design. The most affordable stamped concrete uses a single pattern and color. The more patterns and colors you look to include, the more expensive it will become. If you would like more detail about the costs, visit our stamped concrete cost page.
DIY stamped concrete patio
According to expert Chris Sullivan, stamped concrete is not a DIY project. He explains that because concrete only lets you have one chance at getting the stamping right you should leave it to the professionals. See what else he has to say about stamped concrete as a DIY project.
You can also visit our directory to find contractors in your area that install stamped concrete patios.
Homeowner Testimonial - The Good & The Bad
Sarah Hutchinson, ConcreteNetwork.com's Director of Digital Content, has a stamped patio in her backyard. Here are her thoughts and tips:
- Long-Lasting Durability: After eight years, our stamped concrete patio has no cracks or damage. In comparison, our wood deck has lots of rotting boards that need replacing and repainting. See wood deck vs. concrete patio.
- Easy Maintenance: Pressure washing 1–2 times a year keeps it looking clean, and periodic sealing has preserved the color.
- Avoid Salt Exposure: Rock salt caused discoloration on our patio when it leaked from an ice cream maker, so be careful if you have a sweet tooth or need to use ice melt.
- Plan for Drainage Early: Our patio sits low and floods during heavy rain. We have to get out the squeegee or wet/dry vac to remove the water. With better planning before installation, this hassle could have been avoided. For tips on proper drainage, check out our patio drainage guide.
SEALING YOUR STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO
In order to have your stamped concrete patio last longer, you will need to apply a sealer. This will make your concrete surface easier to maintain, protect it from wear and tear, and keep the surface from being penetrated by oils, stains, and other chemicals.
In order to properly seal your patio, you will need to make sure the surface is clean and clear of debris and moisture, and that your concrete is properly cured (this could be several weeks after pouring).
Once clean, you can apply your sealer with a sprayer. Sealers can last anywhere from 1-10 years or longer, depending on the type of sealer used.
