Decocrete in Newburgh, NY
Love the look of a wood deck but not the sanding, sealing, and replacing rotten boards? Wood plank stamped concrete gives you the authentic grain and warm tones of real wood in a durable poured slab that's built to last and easy to maintain.
What makes it so convincing? Plank-shaped stamps press real wood-grain texture into the wet concrete, and a multi-layer coloring job mimics the variation of natural boards. Done well, people will tap it with a shoe before they believe it is concrete.
Find stamped concrete contractors near me.
What Is Wood Plank Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is poured-in-place concrete that gets imprinted with patterned mats while the surface is still wet. For a wood look, those mats carry the texture of actual planks: long grain lines, knots, saw marks, and the slight gaps where one board would meet the next.
Realistic color is what really brings the look to life. A base color goes into or onto the concrete, then a contractor hand-works secondary tones along the grain so the planks vary the way real lumber does, lighter across the face, darker in the grooves. The technique is closer to wood staining than to painting. Browse our guide to coloring concrete and the stamped concrete color chart to see how warm cedar, weathered gray, and deep walnut tones are layered up.
Wide-Plank Wood
Capitol of Texas Concrete; Leaktight Inc
Wood Plank Patio and Porch
A Cut Above Services Inc; Trumble Construction Inc
Weathered Gray and Reclaimed Plank
Concrete Creations; Envision Concrete
Unlike a traditional wood deck, you won't have to worry about loose boards, popped fasteners, or wood that warps, rots, or splinters over time. Instead, you'll have a durable concrete surface that only needs occasional cleaning and resealing to keep it looking its best.
What Patterns Are Available?
Wood plank stamps come in several widths and grains, from tight, modern planks to wide, rustic boards with heavy knots and distressed details. Popular options inlcude:
- Narrow or wide plank widths
- Rustic reclaimed barnwood textures
- Pronounced grain with realistic knots
- Distressed wood details
- Decorative nail head accents
You can run the planks straight, stagger the joints like a real deck, or set them in a herringbone or chevron layout. Many patterns can also be combined with decorative borders to create a custom look. Check out our gallery of wood-look stamped concrete photos for more inspiration.
Check out these popular wood stamp patterns and the looks they create:
Classic Wood
Multiple wood grains offer bold texture with six-inch wide planks.
Cedar Wood Flooring
Three-inch wide cedar wood planks laid end-to-end.
Weathered Wood Plank
Planks of various lengths with an aged appearance.
Wood Block
Wood blocks cut perpendicular to the grain.
Patterns courtesy of Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors.
The same plank look works across the whole yard. It is a natural fit for a stamped concrete patio, holds up barefoot around a stamped concrete pool deck, and reads beautifully on a stamped concrete driveway or a front stamped walkway. On a covered stamped concrete porch, where a real wood floor would soak up moisture, the concrete version stays dry.
Looking for more ways to make concrete look like wood? Explore additional techniques and design ideas.
How Much Does Wood Plank Stamped Concrete Cost?
Wood plank stamped concrete typically costs between $12 and $20 per square foot, depending on the number of colors, the amount of hand detailing, and the complexity of the design. A simple single-color plank patio sits at the lower end of the range, while multi-tone finishes with borders and custom detailing cost more.
Routine maintenance is minimal. Occasional cleaning and a fresh coat of sealer every few years are usually all that's needed to keep the surface looking its best. See Stamped Concrete Cost and our guide to protecting and maintaining stamped concrete for more details.
A real wood deck often costs more to build and significantly more to maintain. Pressure-treated lumber typically runs $15 to $25 per square foot installed, while premium hardwoods like ipe and composite decking can cost $30 to $45 per square foot or more.
Ongoing maintenance is another expense to consider. Stripping, sanding, and re-staining a wood deck every year or two can add up over the life of the deck. You'll also be giving up time you could be spending enjoying your outdoor space.
Wood gives you the real thing for a few seasons. Concrete gives you the look for decades. For more design direction, see different stamped concrete styles, and when you are ready to price your project, find stamped concrete contractors near you.
Videos: Watch How Wood Stamped Concrete is Done
Watch these projects come together, from stamping tools to finished patios.
Brickform's Ozark Barnwood stamp is made from authentic reclaimed barn siding. See how its knots, saw cuts, and grooves create a weathered, natural wood look on a stamped concrete project.
Follow a 1,100-square-foot wood plank patio from pour to finish: pumping, screeding, bull floating, stamping, antiquing, and sealing.
A full walkthrough of pouring, vibrating out air pockets, and stamping a barnwood pattern, plus tips on coloring and sealing for a realistic reclaimed-wood look.
See it in Action: Wood Stamped Concrete Projects
Here are some examples of projects using wood stamps:
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. This is a great way to get the rustic look of a deck without all the upkeep. When selecting a stamp for your project, look for one made from actual wood planks for the most realistic grain patterns.
ESPJ Construction in Linden, N.J.
Wood stamped concrete pool deck
Wood stamps are becoming a popular choice for homeowners who like the look of wood decking but don't want to deal with the upkeep and deterioration. Not only is wood stamped concrete more durable than actual wood decking, but it won't cause splinters on bare feet. To create an authentic wood look, this pool deck was stamped with a wood plank pattern and colored with a tan dry-shake color hardener accented by a dark brown release agent. Learn more about this project: Concrete Pool Deck Replicates Wood Planking.
Baltz and Sons Concrete Services in Somerville, TN.
Concrete bridge with stamped wood-grain
The owners of this property wanted a koi pond in their side yard, but in order to provide walk-through access a footbridge was necessary. In order to avoid extensive maintenance, concrete was selected as the best material. The arched bridge was poured in place with boardwalk stamps set in the form. It was colored with acid stains and topical highlighting oxides and sealed for protection and slip resistance. Read more: Concrete Footbridge Looks Like Wood.
Allstate Decorative Concrete in Cokato, MN.
Wooden plank concrete walkways
The owners of this home wanted a deck, but without all the maintenance that wood requires. Stamped concrete helped them achieve the look they wanted and a surface that is about as maintenance free as you can get. The concrete was integrally colored and textured with a stamp that replicates pine planks. The result is a deck with a weathered wood appearance from the start that never changes. To learn more about this project read Wooden Plank Walkways from Concrete.