Today’s post will be focused on stamped concrete patios and the installation thereof. Summer is right around the corner, and with that fact comes the daydreams of imagining a brand new patio to enjoy these amazing Colorado sunsets with. Keep reading if you are interested in stamped concrete patios, their cost, and what the project looks like on a practical level.
What Is Stamped Concrete?
Let’s start with the basics, specifically answering the question, “what is stamped concrete?” Stamped concrete refers to concrete that has been textured or patterned in a way to resemble slate, brick, stone, tile, wood, flagstone, or other popular patterns. People utilize stamped concrete to supplement the aesthetic appeal of any concrete project, from concrete driveways to pool decks to stamped concrete patios.
And while many of our readers didn’t find their way to this post with the original intent of learning the definition of stamped concrete, it’s always important to define your terms so everyone is on the same page! Now, let’s dive into more specific pros and cons of a stamped concrete patio.
Usually, stamps used are around 2’ x 2’ and roughly an inch in thickness. Concrete contractors, like us here at Cesar’s Concrete, might step on the stamps or utilize a tamping tool. Before this happens, a concrete contractor will spray the side of the stamp with an agent that keeps concrete from sticking to the tamping tool.
Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios In Fort Collins
Let’s talk about cost. Although each project will vary in terms of scope and difficulty, we can talk about industry standards a little bit here. Typically, stamped concrete patios cost between $10 and $15 per dollars, whereas regular, plain concrete patios cost $6 to $12 per square foot. So depending on the size of the concrete patio installation you have in mind, the upgrade might be financially feasible.
In a future blog post, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of a DIY stamped concrete patio installation. But for now, we’ll simply say that attempting a project like this is straightforward, yet it requires significant industry knowledge. At the risk of tooting our own horn, we’ve been in this industry for a long time. If folks could easily do what we do, we would have been driven out of business a long time ago!
That said, there are a few specific reasons as to why concrete is such a difficult medium to deal with. First, it’s heavy. Secondly, you’ll need a base of compacted sand and gravel. It also requires specialty tools to make sure the surface perfectly smooth. Concrete also stamps quickly, so you’ll need to be sure to know what you are doing before it’s too late! Speaking of “too late,” concrete is like a diamond — it lasts forever. No take backs!
Clearly, there is a lot that goes into a concrete patio project, whether you elect to go with stamped concrete or otherwise. If you are in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Longmont, Johnstown, or the surrounding region, reach out to Cesar’s Concrete and get your free quote today!
