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The driveway is now ready to be concrete poured. A crew of several people will work quickly to fill in the forms with the concrete. In order to ensure the slab's ability to shift and fracture at controlled locations, the finishing crew should make sure there are enough expansion joints--grooves dotted across the surface. Natural settling and shifting can cause slab fragmentation.
Stamped concrete has a lot of options when it comes to color and patterns. Many people draw inspiration from their homes or the architectural style of their surroundings and choose colors and patterns that work well with tile, stone, and textured concrete elements. If you have a brick house exterior, you can either echo that theme by using a simple brick-patterned borders or a pattern and colour scheme that blends in with the landscape.

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Installing stamped concrete is not a project you should attempt DIY. The main reason being that there are only one chance to do it right. If you don't have the time or ability to take it apart and rebuild it, you won't be able to finish it later. There are many things that could go wrong, including sub-base preparation and concrete mixture, as well as gauging when to stamp and finishing before concrete hardens. This is a job that should be left to professionals. The cost of stamping tools and other materials can run into the hundreds and they aren't worth it unless you intend to use them on multiple projects. These are nine reasons concrete stamping is not for DIYers.


In the 1970s stamped concrete was becoming a very common component of many construction projects. Jon Nasvik was a pioneer in lightweight, durable concrete stamps. Later, he created plastic stamps which could imprint both texture or pattern on wet concrete. This makes the process much more efficient.

stamped concrete options




Stone or concrete outdoor features are one of the most effective and efficient ways to make your yard look more appealing. These will make your home look better and allow you to spend time outdoors.

Stamped concrete offers a wide range of color and pattern options that are almost limitless. Many people take inspiration from the architecture of their home or landscape and create patterns and colors that match existing stone, tile or texture concrete elements. If your home has a brick exterior, you might consider a simple brick-patterned border to match the theme. Or, choose a pattern that matches your surroundings.

stamped concrete options
how to install concrete driveway

how to install concrete driveway




While slabs and pavers may have the same appearance as stamped concrete they are made out of smaller, pre-poured tiles. This allows homeowners greater control over the design, appearance, and style of their slabs.
Stamped concrete is more expensive over the long-term. To keep your stamped concrete looking its best, most homeowners will need it to be resurfaced every 20-30 year.

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Concrete manufacturers began using modern decorative concrete techniques as far back as 1890s. Brad Bowman was the "father", of modern concrete stamping. He developed and patents new techniques to produce concrete that resembles non-concrete material like flagstone and wooden. He used wooden platform-stamped that could simultaneously imprint multiple pieces concrete.
Stamped concrete can be combined with other decorative concrete elements including exposed aggregate or acid staining.

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concrete arlington tx


Find concrete contractors near me that specialize and receive tips on how to hire them for exterior concrete work.


When properly installed, stamped concrete is extremely resistant to cracking. Stamped concrete can withstand minor cracking. However, cracks that do develop will blend into the pattern and join lines. There are ways to hide cracks that can be an eyesore. For basic steps to reduce cracking and improve performance, see Why Concrete Cracks.

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Concrete can look quite dull, even though it is easy to color and stamp.
Concrete poured is also a good choice if you prefer a smooth finish. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It's also ideal for large areas and oddly-shaped spaces.