Tips and design ideas for using stamps to add texture to a concrete patio

Calgary, AB -- (SBWire) -- 05/05/2014 --A colored and stamped concrete patio is the perfect decorative "flooring" for outdoor entertaining areas, offering all the beauty of an indoor floor along with the superior durability and weather resistance of exterior concrete. More homeowners are also realizing that a stamped concrete patio can give them the high-end look of natural stone, but at a much lower price tag. “We charge around $12 per square foot for stamped concrete, while pavers typically cost around $20 per square foot, and real flagstone or bluestone approaches $30,” says C.J. Salzano of Salzano Custom Concrete, Centreville, Va. What’s more, the money saved by installing a stamped concrete patio can be set aside for other enhancements to the outdoor space, such as a pergola or concrete fire pit.

Stamped concrete patios gives a vast array of decorative options not possible with other patio materials. The patio can be poured in any shape or size to fit the space, and we can choose from many different stone and brick patterns and even wood-grained textures. Using stains, powdered pigments and antiquing agents, contractors can color the patio to look identical to natural stone or customize the color to complement in the home and landscape. We can also set off the patio with a decorative border in a contrasting color and pattern.

See these stamped concrete patio project examples:

Polished Concrete
Salzano Custom Concrete
Centreville, VA
Tiered Concrete Patio Mimics Grouted Stone
These homeowners wanted the look of a natural stone patio, but didn't want to pay the high price. Concrete stamped in an Old English Slate was the perfect solution. To give the patio the look of natural bluestone, the base concrete was colored with a pale blue color hardener and then accented with custom-mixed highlight colors. Faux grout lines between the stones give the patio a beautiful, hand-laid stone appearance.

Hudecek Cement Inc
North Royalton, OH
A Stamped Concrete Patio and Pergola Transform a Boring Backyard
When this home was newly constructed, the backyard was nothing but a colorless, flat expanse of dirt. On this barren canvas, the homeowners created an inviting outdoor space for entertaining by installing a stamped concrete patio with separate zones for a large pergola and a stone-faced fireplace. The warm terra-cotta coloring of the concrete patio was achieved by using integrally colored concrete in a canvas shade and enhancing it with a dry-shake color hardener in a sun-baked clay hue. The surface was then stamped with texture skins in a Roman slate pattern.

Concrete Patios
John's Cement
Milford, MI
Colored Borders Add a Decorative Touch
A decorative border is a great way to set off and frame a stamped concrete patio, especially free-form designs. This new patio and set of steps is colored in beige with walnut accent coloring, and the borders are stained with a darker ebony acid stain. An ashlar slate stamp was used for the pattern and texture.

Pergola
Greystone Masonry Inc
Stafford, VA
Concrete Patio Is Designed for Outdoor Entertaining
Equipped with an outdoor kitchen and bar, a pergola, and multiple areas for dining and conversation, this two-part stamped concrete patio is ideal for outdoor entertaining. A concrete walkway, stamped with the same ashlar slate pattern used for the patio, leads down to a second more-secluded patio with an outdoor fire pit. Seat walls made from concrete pavers retain the yard’s sloped terrain and create an attractive patio border.

Concrete Patio And Fire Pit
Allen Decorative Concrete
Escondido, CA
Concrete Patio Replicates Travertine
For this beautiful 1,200-square-foot patio and outdoor entertaining area, travertine stamps and stone-textured form liners were used to replicate real stone, creating a high-end look for a reasonable cost. An ashlar travertine stamp was used for the main surface and a hammered-edge form liner was used to impart a stone-like texture along the edges. The realistic coloring effects were achieved with a buff-toned dry-shake hardener accented with a combination of sandstone, charcoal and sandalwood water-based stains. A walnut antiquing wash gives the surface a weathered look.

About Calgary Concrete
We are a full service concrete company specializing in decorative concrete with over 30 years experience (15 in the Calgary market alone). During this time in Calgary, we have poured literally thousands of driveways, garage pads, patios, and basements. I know how stressful it can be trying to find a contractor that one can trust. With my experience and dedication to customer service, South Island Concrete will help take the stress out of the concrete project. I consider myself to be an honest, reliable, and professional with a commitment to quality workmanship that I stand behind 100 percent. No job is too big or too small. If one only need a broom sidewalk or small stamped patio all the way up to rip out and replace, I am happy to come talk and give a free quote.