5 Ways to Make Concrete Look Like Wood

Concrete can be shaped, stamped, stained, or carved to recreate the warmth and grain of real wood, without the splinters, rot, or year-after-year upkeep. The right technique depends on whether you're pouring new concrete, resurfacing an old slab, or building something entirely custom. Compare the five methods below and see real project photos for each.

Browse pictures of concrete projects that replicate wood.

1. WOOD STAMPED CONCRETE

Stamping presses the texture of real wood planks, knots, grain, and all, into fresh concrete, then color is layered in to mimic the way natural boards vary from board to board. It's the go-to choice for new patios, pool decks, and driveways that want a deck look without deck maintenance.

Concrete Creations in Plymouth, IN.

Wood stamped concrete patio

A wood plank stamp was used to impart the texture of real boards to this patio, giving it the rustic look of a deck without all the upkeep.

See more patterns, colors, and cost details in our full guide: Wood Plank Stamped Concrete. Then contact a decorative concrete contractor near you to find out what wood patterns they have available.

2. TEXTURED & HAND-CARVED WOOD OVERLAYS

Not every project starts with a fresh pour. If you've got an existing patio or pool deck that's cracked, dated, or just plain gray, a wood-look overlay can resurface it without demo. A thin layer of overlay material goes down over the old slab, then a contractor hand-tools or texture-mats plank lines, grain, and knots directly into it.

SUNDEK of San Antonio in San Antonio, TX.

Covered patio and outdoor BBQ area resurfaced with a wood plank overlay

A hand-crafted custom overlay combined with a wood plank texture transformed this backyard covered patio and outdoor BBQ area into a warm, inviting outdoor living space.

3. SCORING AND STAINING

Scoring and staining works best on interior floors, where the goal is a smooth, hardwood look rather than a textured deck surface. Score lines mimic the seams between boards, while layered stain tones and hand-worked graining keep every "plank" looking distinct. Since there's no raised texture, it's easier to keep clean than a stamped surface, an advantage for high-traffic interior floors.

Concrete Solutions in San Antonio, TX.

Concrete wood floor

Wood floors may not always be the best option, like for these homeowners who wanted they look of wood, but the durability of concrete. Their contractor started by cutting offset joints in the floor to create the appearance of boards. Then he stained the floor and ran a graining tool over it. The end result is a smooth surface that looks three-dimensional, as if it were stamped. To learn more about the process: Concrete Floors Look Like Wood.

4. BOARD FORMING

Board forming casts concrete directly against rough-sawn wood, whether form boards, siding panels, or a mold system, so the grain transfers straight into the concrete as it cures. The result is structural, not surface-applied, and works across walls, furniture, and countertops alike.

ConcreteNetwork.com

Board formed concrete walls

According to Chris Sullivan, an expert in the decorative concrete world, the roughsawn look of wood is making a come-back as a desirable finished concrete texture. The rough texture of the unfinished wood leaves a recognizable wood grain in the cast concrete surface that many find appealing. Board formed concrete is being used both on the interior and exterior of commercial and residential buildings. To see more board formed concrete check out Concrete & Architecture.

JM Lifestyles in Randolph, NJ.

Concrete table mimics reclaimed lumber

The owners of this home wanted a unique basement entertaining area. Jeff Kudrick of JM Lifestyles created the room's wine tasting table using a proprietary WoodForm mold system, along with muted gray and brown colors to mimic reclaimed barn wood. See the whole project: Concrete Table Mimics Reclaimed Wood.

Stamped Artistry in Pasadena, TX.

Concrete countertops with a wood plank finish

This outdoor kitchen at a Texas ranch was full of rustic details. Robert Salinas, a contractor who had done other work on the property, suggested making wood-grain concrete countertops. The countertops were precast in molds lined with HardiePlank siding panels. The concrete was integrally colored with an ivory pigment and antiqued with an espresso stain to mimic natural cedar. Read more: Wood-Grain Countertops.

5. VERTICAL STAMPING AND HAND CARVING

Best for building faux bois tree stumps, branches, and more.

Millercrete in Sewel, NJ.

Vertical concrete trees grow in a basement

To recreate the atmosphere of New Orleans in this basement, the support poles were transformed into realistic trees using a vertical concrete mix over styrofoam. Bark-patterned stamping mats were used to add realistic looking texture to the trees. Get more information: Concrete Trees Grow in a New Orleans-Themed Basement.

BONUS: COMBINING CONCRETE WITH REAL WOOD

Concrete can also be combined with real wood for stunning effects. Here's some inspiration:

Crafthammer Design in Kirkland, WA.

Handcrafted table blends concrete and wood

This unique yew wood dining table features a strip of concrete running down the center that complements the natural graining of the wood.

Total Concrete Innovations in Cambridge, ON.

Dining in style

A maple inlay running seamlessly through the center of this concrete dining table creates a permanent table runner showcasing the dramatic effects that can be achieved by combining concrete and wood.

Hyde Concrete in Annapolis, MD.

Elegant concrete flooring with wood inlays

This home features a decorative stained concrete overlay accented by walnut inlays. Notice how the grid of wood beams in the ceiling is mirrored by the walnut plank grid in the stained concrete floor.

Total Concrete Innovations in Cambridge, ON.

Mixed-media bar top combines concrete, wood and steel

The custom counter at this bar and eatery was made of pieces of concrete and maple joined together with stainless steel ties.

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