Stamped Concrete Cost for Patios, Driveways & More

Basic stamped concrete costs between $9 and $13 per square foot, but more involved projects can be as expensive as $20 per square foot. How much you'll pay for stamped concrete varies widely, depending on the prices for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job. The most affordable stamped concrete uses just one pattern and color, while the more expensive installations feature multi-pattern designs with special coloring effects, such as hand-applied stain accents.

HOW MUCH DOES STAMPED CONCRETE COST?

Here are the average price ranges for basic, mid-range and high-end stamped concrete projects:

BASIC COST.

$9-13 per square foot

A cheaper option featuring:

• One stamp pattern
• One color

MID-RANGE COST.

$14-19 per square foot

A mid-range choice with:

• Borders
• Contrasting patterns
• Multiple colors

HIGH-END COST.

$20+ per square foot

The most expensive, but most realistic, selection with:

• Multiple stamp patterns and colors
• Specialty scored designs
• Detailed hand-coloring

Note: Costs will vary by location, size of the project, and current cost for materials and labor. When you're ready to move forward with your project, contact a stamped concrete contractor near you for an estimate.

How much is a stamped concrete patio?

The average patio size is approximately 288 square feet. With prices varying based on the level of detail for your project you can estimate average stamped concrete patio cost to be in these ranges:

• Basic: $2,592 to $3,744
• Mid-Range: $4,032 to $5,4722
• High-End: $5,760 and up

Get a more detailed breakdown of what you might expect to pay for a concrete patio: Concrete Patio Cost

How much is a stamped concrete driveway?

The average 2-car driveway in the U.S. is 16’ x 40’, or 640 square feet. Pricing can range with the amount of detail you want for your surface. Similar to patio costs, there are 3 ranges:

• Basic: $5,760 to $8,320
• Mid-Range: $8,960 to $12,160
• High-End: $12,800 and up

Learn more about the cost of a concrete driveway

How much is a stamped walkway?

The cost of a stamped walkway ranges between $9 - $13 per square foot, sometimes more, depending on how much detail you want on your surface. Since walkways can vary so drastically in their surface area, they are difficult to provide an average total cost. Please keep in mind that typically the smaller the square footage of a concrete surface, the more a contractor may charge in labor rates. Some contractors may even have just a flat minimum rate for smaller projects.

See a detailed comparison of walkway costs.

COST OF STAMPED CONCRETE VS. OTHER PAVING MATERIALS

While the cost of stamped concrete may exceed that of asphalt or plain concrete, it is competitive with or often cheaper than the cost of installing natural stone, flagstone, brick or precast pavers. The main reason is the labor component—contractors find it more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual paving units by hand.

And keep in mind that your initial outlay for a project is only part of the total stamped concrete cost equation. Don't forget to consider these important factors:

• Longevity and upkeep. Stamped concrete is generally more durable and requires less maintenance than most other paving materials, which can add up to big savings over time.
• Increase in resale value. Many homeowners wonder if it is worth the cost to install a stamped concrete patio or driveway. The answer is yes, because it adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?

Stamped concrete is less expensive, as pavers are placed individually and require more labor. Their beautiful look will most likely cost about $9-22 per square foot depending on your overall design.

How does the cost compare with exposed aggregate and regular concrete?

Regular concrete will provide a lower cost to install, as it will be your traditional grey slab. Adding the element of design through use of exposed aggregate will add a bit to the overall cost, and may save a little bit of money in comparison to a stamped surface.

FIVE BUDGET-FRIENDLY STAMPED CONCRETE IDEAS

Like any amenity to a home, there are high-end, costly products, and there are low-end, often unappealing alternatives. With concrete, you can leave it plain and gray just like the day it was poured, and it will perform its utilitarian duty for a minimal investment. Or you can spruce it up, give it some texture and color and transform that drab slab. Sure, there are extravagant ways to enhance concrete with stamps, skins and texturing tools. But there are also plenty of design opportunities integrating stamped concrete that won't break your budget and still offer worthy appeal. Here's a look at five ideas for maximizing stamped concrete's attributes on a budget.

MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS

• If you're on a tight budget, you can still achieve impressive results by mixing stamped concrete with fields of less-expensive plain concrete, such as installing a driveway with only a border of stamped concrete.
• Or do the work in stages, maybe tackling the front driveway and walkway one year followed by your backyard patio or pool deck a year or two later. Your patience will be rewarded!
• If you have a large area, picking a basic design is a great way to keep costs within reason. Seamless skins are a type of stamp that imparts realistic texture without any pattern (think grout lines). These are easier and faster to use, therefore reducing your costs.

HOW TO PAY YOUR CONTRACTOR

It is standard for a concrete contractor to ask for a deposit to book the work. A deposit helps the contractor purchase materials for your project. This upfront money is typically between 10 and 33% of the total cost. If a contractor wants more than 50% upfront, this could be a red flag.

Some states have set limits on deposit amounts:

• Maryland and Virginia cap deposits at 33% of the total project price.
• Nevada and California limit advance payments to 10% of the total estimated job cost or $1,000, whichever is lower.

Many contractors are willing to work with homeowners to create a payment schedule. Payment schedules can vary. A small job like a stamped patio may just be a deposit and then final payment upon completion. However, if your stamped concrete is part of a larger job, you could have up to a series of 5 payments based on fixed dates or project milestones.

Before concrete pouring and stamping begins, make sure you have a signed contract and have agreed on payment terms. Decide whether you will pay your contractor with cash, check, or credit card. In some cases, your contractor may offer financing options as well.

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