Have you ever heard about embossed concrete? You probably have and then wondered what it’s all about. You see, a common and regular concrete may be sturdy and tough, but it’s often plain and boring. So, stamped (or embossed) concrete is then created, so you can have a concrete that doesn’t look like one! Don’t you think it’s great when you can have concrete but with a look of tiles, stones, or even woods?
Understanding the Concept of Embossed Concrete
Known as the so-called stamped concrete, the embossed concrete is basically a type of concrete that is designed in a decorative way. It involves heavy texturizing mats and stamps, imitating other building materials’ textures and shapes. As it was stated before, you can have concrete that looks like stone slabs, wood planks, and tiles.
In other words, the embossed concrete is the decorative technique in which textures and patterns (mimicking wood, tile, stone, or brick) are imprinted to the surface of the concrete. A lot of homeowners like this method because it provides a more affordable and flexible option. Thanks to the stamping, the paving option doesn’t have to be complex with much maintenance and care. And you can choose whatever stamped concrete patterns you like without having to dig deeper into your pocket.
Things to Know about Stamped Concrete
The process itself can be quite tedious and long. Not to mention that the process is labor intensive. But then again, you can actually save up thousands of dollars to get a premium and exclusive look. It’s a possible DIY project, but ask yourself whether you are ready and committed enough to do the embossed concrete project on your own.
Moreover, you need to know the details of the flooring. You can’t just make it just the way you want it to. For instance, do you know the proper stamped concrete thickness? It all depends on the ‘task’ of the floor and the traffic. Let’s not forget that the floor needs to be able to support certain loads and weight, so make sure that you understand this matter.
As a rule of thumb, the thickness for normal situations is around 8 to 10 centimeters, while areas for pedestrians only is around 13 to 15 centimeters. If you place the concrete outdoors (like for the driveway), the concrete’s thickness for light vehicles is set around 18 centimeters (20 centimeters would be max), while medium to heavy traffic should have more than 20 centimeters of thickness.
Ideal Places of Installation
With extra considerations for stamped concrete specifications, there are some places that are viewed as ideal for the installation. Basically, there are no specific requirements for such an installation. After all, stamped concrete can deliver unique and aesthetic appeal for walkways or driveways. If you have a pool, the concrete will add value to your property and that particular spot.
When you install concrete on outdoor areas for entertainment and enjoyment, you can boost the visual appeal right away. Some of the best candidates include outdoor kitchen, pool, or hot tub. But then again, there are more places where the aesthetic concrete is more appreciated and preferred.
Garden Pathways
You are free to outline your landscape elements to boost curb appeal, thanks to this type of concrete. If you are thinking about having your own walkway paths, you should have no issue finding the perfect pattern. It can be wood, real stone, or even fractured earth.Pool Decks
Do you know that embossed concrete can improve the structural stability as well as adding aesthetic appeal? These patios can provide protection for the yard so it is prevented from significant damages. Even with the heavy loads, you won’t have to worry about anything. Plus, you can have a comfy (walking) surface for those using the swimming spaces. Just make sure that you seal the areas regularly, so you won’t have to deal with water damage. Use the non-skid additive so you can enjoy a better slip-resistance feature.
- Outdoor Entertainment Areas
Having decorative slabs of concrete can seriously improve your visual appearance when you have it in the right area, especially the entertainment spots (such as fire pit, grill area, or the outdoor kitchen). Concrete is known as a material that is heat resistant as well as durable. If you want to reduce the risk of fire hazard, you should consider using concrete. When you place it in areas where (combustible) cooking devices are located, not only you can provide better protection, but you can also create eye-catching spots for both your friends or family.
Some of the Most Common Patterns
In case you don’t know it, there are some common and popular stamped concrete patterns available for your purchase.
- London Cobblestone, with its lightly traditional texture
- Ashlar Cut Slate. It’s basically a slate surface stone, designed in Ashlar pattern.
- Random Stone. The fieldstones have heavy textures.
- Classic Wood. You can enjoy several wood grains that can deliver a pronounced, bold, and exposed grain texture.
- Herringbone New Brick. The texture with common wire-cut design having several indentations (or irregularities) and sharp corners within the surface.
- European Fan. This one usually comes with a heavy texture, while the joints come with fractured split edges.
There are still more to expect, such as Fractured Cyprus Slate, Stones of Athens, Sanded Slate Texture, Rough Stone Texture, and so much more. Your options are limitless.
The Budgets – and the Affecting Elements
Such concrete is basically low maintenance and low cost, but it can also be pricey, depending on the contributing factors like tool rentals, labor costs, and the prices of the material. What affects the cost, anyway?
- Labor cost. You are free to do your own DIY project and it saves money. But certain designs require professional skills and trained experts. If you only have a small project, a DIY project is possible. But if you have rather big work, you may want to consider hiring the pro because it will save you a lot of time.
- Materials. You need to consider the stamps within square feet. Don’t forget to factor in vapor barrier, form building materials, and other reinforcement materials into your expenses.
- Tools. Although you don’t need to buy one, you still need to rent it. Not to mention that you may need other big equipment, such as gravel compactors or concrete mixers. Having them will definitely add up your expenses.
In the overall end, having the stamped concrete can improve the aesthetic and visual aspect of your property. But there are several helping factors about embossed concrete that you can learn before you start the project.