Stamped Patio with Firepit Area

Stamped concrete can be found on projects dating back to the 1950′s.  Installation techniques and materials improved throughout the 1960′s and 1970′s.  By the 1980′s manufactures had developed proven materials and installation techniques.  Concrete contractors were becoming skilled at installing a variety of patterns and colors.  Stamped concrete has been recognized in the building industry as a favorable surfacing material for a variety of applications.  Today, many homeowners are using the application for patios and even driveways.  The cost is more than triple the price of regular concrete, ranging from $10-$12 per square foot.

Installation of stamed patios can be tricky, so it is recommended that you hire professional contractor to do the work.  The color is usually applied to the concrete in the cement truck, then it is poured in the formed area and finished smooth just as you would finish a regular concrete slab.  Once the area is finished and starts to harden, you begin to apply a compliment color of powdered release to the slab. The release gives the concrete a “marbled” look, which offsets the color of the concrete.  As the release is applied, you can now begin stamping the concrete.
There are many different styles and patterns of stamps available.  Most stamps are made of a rigid rubber material and are numerically or alphabetically numbered.  When you begin stamping, make sure all the stamps are correctly laid out in the desired pattern.  Typically, 3 to 4 people need to be present while stamping – one laying the stamps, one handing the correct stamps to the stamper, and one tamping the stamps.  As you are stamping, the release needs to be applied ahead of the stamper.
Once the patio is stamped, wait 24 hours and power wash all excess release off the slab.  The release should adhere in the low lying stamped areas.

After the excess release has been removed, wait 3 days and apply the sealer.  The sealer gives the slab a wet look and protects the color from fading.  Apply the sealer with a paint roller, usually 2 coats are needed, with 24 hours between coats.  For the best results, the second coat of sealer needs to be applied in the opposite direction of the first coat.  Once the second coat cures, you are free to enjoy your new stamped patio area.

As you can see, there are many steps involved in stapming a concrete slab, hence the additional costs.  The stamped patio we installed in the pictures below, the homeowner wanted a firepit area.  This application allows the homeowner to get full use of their stamped patio area.