Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring. The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.
There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look.
Stamped concrete, also referred to as decorative concrete, is now available in many different colors and “textures”. Whether you project involves a stamped concrete patio in Denver, stamped concrete walls, driveways or walkways – be assured that you will find something to fit your style.
Different types of stamped concrete designs. (Photo courtesy of SupremeCrete, Flickr.)
How-to Process
Get the stamped concrete patios Denver look is not that difficult to achieve. Obviously, the first stage is to clear out the area where the concrete is to be poured and stamped. If you have prior materials – rocks, cement, slate concrete, etc., which needs to be broken up and discarded, do this first.
Next, your grade and pitch are established. This will determine the height of your area. According to finishing-edge.com, “A typical slab will be pitched a minimum of ¼” per foot for proper water run-off. The pattern will also affect how much the slab is pitched. Each pattern has different depth impressions, the deeper the pattern impression; the more the slab should be pitched to prevent standing water impressions. Also important to note, if you choose a pattern that has a running bond pattern (all “grout” lines running in the same direction) that the pattern runs in the direction of the pitch.”
The next step involves digging. When beginning to dig your Denver concrete patios, dig out and around the area where you plan on pouring the concrete. Once you end the digging process your base must be composed of 4-6 inches of compacted, clean stone. Your digging depth will be 12 inches while your poured concrete depth will also be between 4-6 inches.
Once your digging phase is over, this is the time to put in your steps, if there are any.
After you have poured in your concrete you must ensure that it is screened flat and bull floated smooth in prepping for the colors. For the colors you must first “toss” handfuls of color hardener unto the surface which will then be bull floated, once again, followed by handfuls of releasing agent or highlight color.
This is when the fun begins – place your rubber stamps next to one another and step on them in order that you, literally, weigh down the stamp into the soft concrete for a deeper impression.
Stamping colored concrete. (Photo courtesy of Pam_Broviak, Flickr.)
Lastly, use a clear sealer which will enhance the colors you have used. The purpose of the sealer is to help preserve the designs which have been stamped into the concrete prior to drying. For this process you will need to ensure that your Denver stamped concrete is clean of any dust and debris. After sweeping it, wash it down with soap and water. If you are redoing your garage floor, make sure that you use a degreaser in the solution. When mixing the sealer do not shake the container. Stir the sealer using good old elbow grease versus electrical mixers as they cause air bubbles. Make sure you don’t have any air bubbles in the sealer prior to pouring. Pour medium sized patches of sealer onto your Denver stamped concrete and work in quickly with a roller for a smooth, thin, even spread. You will require two coats of sealer, so ensure that the first coat is completely dry prior to spreading the second and last coat. (doityourself dot com)
The result will be a Denver stamped concrete patio which your friends and neighbors will think you paid a fortune for.
Where
Denver stamped concrete looks good everywhere. From patios to walkways, decks and paths, the area around the pool, walls, driveways and garages, stamped concrete will change the look of the area from drab to fab. Ask your Denver deck builders about other uses for your stamped concrete in exteriors.
Alternatives
Concrete and Grass
Your Denver stamped concrete patio project does not have to be limited to the use of concrete, only. Now, you may combine concrete with other different materials to achieve different looks. One of the materials which may be combined with concrete is soil with plant seeds, to add more green to the area being worked on. Ask your deck installers Denver about the best options and combinations for you.
Below there is a clip courtesy of ClaudioforesiSRL, YouTube.com, where we are shown how to successfully combine concrete and grass.
Concrete and Gravel
Yet another material which may be mixed with concrete is gravel. This combination provides for different textures on stamped concrete patios in Denver. Due to there being numerous kinds and colors of gravel, your choice will depend more on the mood you wish to achieve. Darker colored gravel will achieve a more somber look while white and light-colored gravel will lighten up the area.
Note that these two alternative uses of Denver stamped concrete are for usage on floors, primarily. It is not advisable to use on walls due to the drainage of the plants and vertical positioning of the gravel. If you must have gravel then you will have to hand-place such with an adhesive so that it will not slip off the wall.
