The pour is the same as any good slab: solid base, reinforcement, right thickness. The difference is the finish. Color goes in the mix or on the surface, then the stamp mats are pressed in while the concrete is still soft. Timing matters. Stamp too early and the pattern smears. Too late and it will not take.
A border is a good way to dress it up without going overboard. The drive in the photo has a seamless stone texture in the middle and a tile pattern around the edge.
Once it cures, it gets sealed. Sealer brings out the color and keeps water and stains out. Plan on resealing every two to three years, more often if it gets full sun all day.
What gets decided at the estimate
- Pattern
- Seamless stone, slate, ashlar, cobble, wood plank and others
- Color
- Base color plus a release color for the darker accents
- Border
- Optional. A contrasting pattern or color around the edge
- Sealer
- Applied after curing. Reseal every two to three years
Questions people ask
Is stamped concrete slick when it gets wet?
Sealer can make it slicker. An anti-slip additive can be mixed into the sealer, which is a good idea around a pool or on a sloped walk.
Will it crack?
All concrete can crack. Control joints are cut into the pattern so cracks follow a straight line instead of wandering across the stone.