Get the Look of Real Wood with Wood Plank Stamped Concrete

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.

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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.

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.

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.