STAMPED CONCRETE PATIOS

STAMPED CONCRETE PATIOS

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 you save by installing a stamped concrete patio can be set aside for other enhancements to your outdoor space, such as a pergola or concrete fire pit.

Stamped concrete patios give you 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 you can choose from many different stone and brick patterns and even wood-grained textures. Using stains, powdered pigments and antiquing agents, contractors can color your patio to look identical to natural stone or customize the color to complement your home and landscape. You can also set off your patio with a decorative border in a contrasting color and pattern.

See these stamped concrete patio project examples:

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 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.

Benefits Of Stamped Concrete In Calgary

The value of stamped concrete in Calgary presents itself over and over again in many different forms and projects. It can be used in numerous different places such as your home, driveways, theme parks, and even malls. There are many reasons that people choose stamped concrete over other types of flooring. For instance it adds appeal to final products and is very easy to manage and take care of. It is also very durable which is important for all outside projects. Stamped concrete can add a certain aesthetic appeal to any home or business.

One of the main benefits is the fact that it can reduce long-term maintenance and care. If you have noticed over time other surface materials tend to get worn out, loose, or settled. Over time it needs to be redone so hazards don’t occur. Stamped concrete never needs resetting. With that in mind it also can save you a lot of money and labor. It also can increase the value of any property. Stamped concrete will instantly add curb appeal to a property. You will be impressed at how much stamped concrete in Calgary has to offer in terms of availability of patterns and colors, along with performance, longevity, and customization.

Calgary Stamped Concrete- A Step Above

Concrete used to just be concrete. Sure, you could mix pebbles and rocks in to make it stand out. But really, it was just a gray slab of cold, hard sand and water. It was functional and sturdy. And that was all it needed to be. Now things are different.

Have you ever been driving down a new highway or road and noticed the beautiful stone wall on the side of it? Chances are, that pretty stone wall is made from Calgary stamped concrete. One of my favorite things to do when I’m stopped in front of one of those walls is to pick out the pattern. You can always tell if it is Calgary stamped concrete if the pattern repeats itself. When the “stones” a few rows away are the same as the first row, you know it has been stamped. By creating stamped concrete walls contractors are able to create symmetrical, strong walls that will last for years.

Calgary stamped concrete isn’t limited to walls. You can stamp anything from driveways to kitchen floors. Whether you are looking for a masonry look or a marble tile, stamped concrete can help you achieve your style goals. The right contractor will be able to create a look that accentuates the style you have chosen.

STAMPED CONCRETE FAQS

Wondering if stamped concrete is right for you? Check out this list of common questions about stamped concrete.

Rosebud Concrete in Myerstown, PA

Why do people choose stamped concrete?

Decorative stamped concrete is appealing for many reasons. First, it’s an economical alternative to pavers and natural stone, especially for applications such as patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks. It also requires less maintenance than those materials because it has no joints where weed growth can occur. Adding to the value of stamped concrete is the material’s longevity. When properly installed and maintained, stamped concrete will last for decades.

From an aesthetic standpoint, stamped concrete is hard to beat when it comes to pattern and color options, which are virtually unlimited. See this chart comparing stamped concrete with other paving materials.

What are the most popular colors and patterns being used for stamped concrete today?

Natural stone patterns, such as slate and fieldstone, are the most prevalent, with brick and cobblestone running a close second. Seamless textures that resemble natural stone, but without joint lines, are also growing in popularity. The most popular colors tend to be grays and earth tones. However, brick patterns are often colored in red or russet hues.

See examples of:
Stamped concrete patterns and designs
Stamped concrete colors

Does it look fake?

Stamped concrete looks very realistic because most stamping mats are molded from the actual materials they are designed to replicate. To achieve natural-looking color variations, such as you would see in real stone, stamped concrete contractors often use integral or dry-shake color in conjunction with surface-applied coloring mediums. (See Options for Coloring Stamped Concrete.) If anything, stamped concrete looks better than the real thing, because you won’t get weed or moss growth in between the joints, and it won’t rot or splinter (if you are mimicking wood planking).

Will it crack, and can it be repaired?

Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available and is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. There are some basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance (see Why Concrete Cracks).

Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines. If the cracks become an eyesore, there are methods you can use to disguise them (see Fixing Cracks in Stamped Concrete).

Can I install stamped concrete myself?

We don’t recommend installing stamped concrete as a DIY project unless you know exactly what you’re in for in terms of labor and expense. First, a lot of steps are involved in stamping concrete and you only have a short window of time in which to get them done, so you must be organized, experienced and well prepared. (See this step-by-step overview of the stamping process.) What’s more, all the stamping tools and materials you’ll need can cost hundreds of dollars and aren’t really worth the investment unless you plan to use the tools on multiple projects.

Read the four reasons stamping concrete is not for do-it-yourselfers.

Will the color fade?

Efflorescence, weathering, dirt and traffic can take their toll on the color of stamped concrete. You can minimize any color change by periodically cleaning and resealing the concrete. Even if the color has faded due to years of neglect or lack of maintenance, it can often be restored to its original state by cleaning and resealing.

Learn more: Sealers for Stamped Concrete.

Can stamped concrete go over my existing concrete?

Existing concrete that’s in good condition can be covered with a stamped overlay, which will give you the same look as conventional stamped concrete. Stamped overlays can be used to upgrade the appearance of plain concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks and even interior floors.

Learn more: Stamped Concrete Overlays.

Is it slippery?

Because stamped concrete is a textured surface, it is often more slip resistant than conventional concrete. However, just like natural stone, it can become slippery when wet or if a film-forming sealer has been applied. If stamped concrete will be installed in a high-traffic area, such as an entryway or pool deck, there are a number of things you can do to increase its slip resistance.

Read these tips for improving the slip resistance of stamped concrete.

Can I use salt on it in the winter?

You should avoid using deicing salts on stamped concrete, especially during the first winter after the pavement is installed. Using deicers can cause surface damage—primarily scaling and spalling-by forcing the thawing and refreezing of moisture. Products containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulphates are especially harmful because they will actually attack the concrete chemically. Rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride will do less damage, but they can harm vegetation and corrode metal. As an alternative, use sand for traction. (See How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway.)

What factors should I consider when selecting a color and pattern?

Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape and home's architectural style when choosing a color and pattern. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme in the stamped concrete, whether in a simple brick-patterned border or the entire driveway. (See Which Decorative Concrete Style Is Right for Your Home?)

Another option is to choose a pattern and color scheme that blends in well with your surrounding landscape. Take this photo tour of popular stamped concrete colors and patterns being used in different areas of the country.

Here are some other design tips for choosing stamped concrete colors and patterns: Where to Get Design Ideas for Stamped Concrete.

Is stamped concrete expensive?

Stamped concrete can be expensive, depending on the costs for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job. (See ourstamped concrete cost chart.) But the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” really holds true for stamped concrete. For your initial outlay, you’ll get a pavement that lasts longer and requires less maintenance than most other paving materials, which can add up to big savings over the pavement's lifetime. You’ll also add curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

How long will stamped concrete last?

Like conventional concrete, stamped concrete will last for decades when properly installed and maintained, even when exposed to harsh winter weather conditions. In some cases, stamped concrete can be even more durable than standard concrete, especially if a color hardener has been applied to the surface. Most contractors also apply a sealer to stamped concrete to protect it from wear and abrasion and make it easier to maintain. See these tips for protecting and maintaining stamped concrete.

How do I hire the right Calgary concrete contractor to install my stamped concrete?

As when choosing any contractor to do projects around your home or business, you should get several written estimates and check their references carefully. (Find a list of stamped concrete contractors in your area.)

With stamped concrete, it’s especially important to find a contractor who can show you a portfolio of their work and provide actual samples of the patterns and colors they offer. Some decorative concrete contractors have showrooms with all their samples on display. Another option is to visit the contractor’s website, where you’ll often find photos of their projects and a description of the types of decorative concrete they specialize in.

Get more tips for hiring a contractor to do exterior concrete work.

THE EIGHT COMMANDMENTS FOR STAMPED CONCRETE

My first hands-on exposure to installing stamped concrete was back in 1976 at the innocent age of 14. I was working for my father at the time, helping him stamp a crosswalk in the busy downtown area of Alameda, Calif. The brick-pattern stamps we were using were made of plastic, and to prevent them from sticking to the fresh concrete, we stamped through a layer of 1-mil plastic. Once the stamping was complete, we added texture by dragging a broom across the surface.

We are a full service Calgary concrete company specializing in decorative concrete with over 30 years experience (15 in the Calgary market alone). During our 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 you can trust. With my experience and dedication to customer service, South Island Concrete will help take the stress out of your 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 you only need a broom sidewalk or small stamped patio all the way up to ripout and replace, I am happy to come talk to you and give you a free quote.

Roughly 30 minutes after completing the stamping for the day and setting up lighted barricades strung with "caution" ribbon, a little old lady with bluish-gray hair, driving a car in which she could barely see over the dashboard, crashed through the barricades and drove through the freshly stamped section. The funny thing was, she never even stopped. I can still vividly see her turning the corner down the street, dragging behind a piece of caution ribbon stuck to her bumper. And yep, you guessed it. We had to remove half of that day's pour, which my dad was not happy about.

Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, GA

 

Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, GA

Little did I know, that day would actually set the stage for my career in decorative concrete. A decade or so later, in the late 1980s and early 90s, I was pretty much stamping daily. One project we worked on involved stamping every driveway and pool deck for 350 homes in a new subdivision. Each prospective homebuyer had the choice of five different patterns to choose from, along with five different color options. This type of work, done in such a repetitive fashion, was a great learning experience. We were able to figure out how to overcome any obstacle thrown at us, making us experts in touchups and repairs. After several years of residential stamping, we moved into the big leagues of stamped concrete, doing commercial themed stamping for Disney World in Orlando, Fla., for close to 10 years, while hanging out with Mickey and friends. Any imaginable situation could arise at any moment in this type of environment, which taught us to become consummate professionals.

Throughout this entire time, I consistently encountered eight recurring considerations for a successful stamped concrete installation that made the difference between blasé and magical results. Certainly there are plenty of other considerations on a stamped concrete project, but these eight in particular always make the top of my list.

1. Adequate subgrade preparation

My golden rule:
Always place the subbase level, without variances in height. This is to ensure that the concrete is placed at a uniform thickness. Otherwise, it will not set at the same rate and you could get plastic shrinkage cracking in the thicker areas during stamping due to the differential setting times.

One of the most important aspects of any concrete installation is properly preparing the subgrade. Unfortunately, subgrade preparation is often overlooked and can lead to soil erosion and cracking of the concrete slab. In coastal regions, some contractors will even pour concrete right over the top of a sand base. Not only is it difficult to keep the sand flat and level during concrete placement, if you have to back a fully loaded concrete truck through the sand, ruts are inevitable.

For our subbases, we use a compacted, crushed granular fill. Typically, we install the fill at the same thickness as the concrete being poured, excavating the soil down to the thickness needed before placing the fill. A subbase, when installed properly, should be able to support a fully loaded concrete truck without rutting more than ¼ inch.

2. Using the right mix design

My golden rule:
The best mix design is the one that works in your area and fulfills your needs.

The concrete mix is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of stamping, especially for newcomers to the process. Concrete is not a generic product that is the same from pour to pour. I always tell my students that no concrete, anywhere in the world, is the same from batch to batch. Most professional stamping contractors have several mixes they like to use under different circumstances, such as weather conditions and the size of the project. Contractors may have a mix design that is better suited for use during the summer because it's designed to set more slowly, while using a different mix in the winter that's designed to set faster. We even have an interior floor mix we use for thinner applications of less than 2 inches.

It also is imperative to establish a relationship with ready-mix producers and let them know the specifics of your requirements, such as the amount of cement, amount and type of sand, and how quickly you need the concrete to set. For stamping work, you typically want what we refer to as a "fatty" mix, one with a sufficient amount of cement paste to provide a layer of cream on the surface. If you use a mix without sufficient cream and too much coarse aggregate (referred to as a harsh mix), you will fight it through every step of the stamping process. While it's your responsibility to know and understand your concrete mix, there are prepackaged products you can use in a pinch to help you during the stamping process, such as premeasured admixtures you can add to concrete on the jobsite to give you greater control over setting times. Also, in dry windy conditions, you can spray an evaporation retardant on the concrete surface to help prevent rapid drying.

3. Concrete placement

My golden rule:
Start small and don't try to tackle 20 cubic yards of stamping work in one shot, especially if you are new to the process. Start by placing 5 to 6 cubic yards, and then once you can successfully cover areas this size, move on to tackling larger areas.

There are a number of ways you can place the concrete once it arrives at the worksite. Most concrete finishers will tell you that when the truck pulls up on the site, their heart rate goes up because it's imperative for them to off-load that truck as quickly as possible. At this moment, it's as if nothing else in the world matters and your goal is to get that concrete on the ground. In order to do this, you need to start the stop watch map the moment the concrete truck leaves the plant and map out a pathway and keep it clear of obstructions, so the truck driver can pull into the placement area without interference. The longer the concrete mix sits in the truck, the greater the heat of hydration that develops, causing rapid setting.

Just as important as getting the concrete placed quickly is to strike off and finish the concrete quickly as well. The work you do immediately following concrete placement is critical since this is when you create the canvas for decorative stamping. One of the biggest problems I see for newbies is not having enough skilled workers on hand to place the concrete expeditiously.

4. Having enough stamps

My golden rule:
Always purchase the necessary amount of stamping tools. Investing more upfront can pay huge dividends later.
Check out the latest trends in concrete stamping tools.

A problem I often see with those new to stamping, and even with seasoned veterans, is trying to save money upfront by purchasing the minimum number of stamping tools. This can come back to bite you later if you encounter a situation where the concrete sets faster than you can stamp the surface. The general rule is to have enough stamps to span the widest area, plus two additional stamps. For example, if you are stamping a 20-foot-wide driveway and your stamps are 2x2 feet, you would need 10 stamps to span the first row, plus two additional stamps to start the second row, for a total of 12 stamps. I know of one commercial stamped concrete contractor in Pennsylvania that doesn't stamp jobs smaller than 1,000 square feet. He has as many as 25 to 30 tools per set, enabling him to stamp these large areas very quickly. Remember, not only will you need enough stamping tools, you will also need accessory items such as hand chisels, tampers, detail rollers and a sufficient amount of concrete finishing tools.

5. Understanding color theory

My golden rule:
You will find that color can be one of the most subjective elements on any project. Do your homework, and protect yourself by having the client approve a color sample before any concrete is poured.
Check out the latest trends in stamped concrete patterns & coloring processes.

Another challenge for some contractors is understanding color theory and the important role it plays on any project. By selecting the right color schemes for stamped concrete, you will create an environment of ambiance and harmony. Conversely, selecting the wrong color combination leads to a stamped concrete installation that doesn't make sense and fails to blend harmoniously with the surroundings. When used effectively, good color selection can be one of the most powerful design elements on your projects. When I'm asked to give recommendations on color selections, one of the first things I do is study the colors of the structural elements on the home or building, such as the colors of the roof, the siding, and the window trim. By incorporating these hues or complementary tones into your stamping work, your work will blend in naturally. For example, you might consider using the color of the roof as a base color and use accent colors that match the colors of the trim or siding. On larger projects, color schemes may be dictated by the project architect or designer. But often your clients will give you full creative license to come up with your own color schemes. If this is the case, make sure you discuss your intentions first, and more importantly, produce representative samples for the client to approve.

6. Applying sealer

My golden rule:
Don't be impatient and apply sealers too early or too thickly in one coat. Be sure to read the sealer manufacturer's specifications and adhere to the guidelines for when to apply the sealer and how long to wait between coats. Trust me, it will save you many headaches and even a few hairs, if you're lucky.

No decorative stamped concrete installation is complete without the application of a sealer. This is probably one of the most controversial issues in the business, and one that gives contractors the biggest headaches. When I started in the business, I used to have a full head of hair. Not now! In all seriousness, we have been fortunate and have not encountered many of the problems with sealers that I've heard or read about. Although there are many types of sealers on the market, the primary type of sealer used for exterior stamped concrete is a solvent- or water- based acrylic. Many manufacturers produce products that both cure and seal the concrete and are applied the same day of the pour or within the first few days. Cure and seals often use styrenated acrylics that, over time, will start to degrade, especially with heavy UV exposure. A traditional acrylic sealer has much better UV stability and is more abrasion resistant. When it comes time to reseal concrete several years down the road, applying an acrylic sealer over a degrading cure and seal system can lead to surface delamination and failure because there can be incompatibility issues between the two products.

Sealers are typically applied at a thickness of about 1 mil and will need to be reapplied within 2 to 3 years on surfaces that receive minimal traffic. For added protection and a longer-wearing surface, some contractors use coatings that are applied at a 2- to 10-mil thickness, depending on the application. When using coatings, you need to be concerned with breathability, UV stability, and slip resistance. Coatings produce abrasion-resistant surfaces and offer chemical and hot tire resistance, but sometimes they can be tricky to apply. The majority of sealer and coating problems I have seen occur due to moisture-related issues or overapplication.

7. Establishing realistic expectations

My golden rule:
Set realistic expectations from the get-go on all your stamping projects.

On all decorative stamped concrete projects, whether large or small, you will be dealing with people who have high expectations about the final product. Establishing expectations starts with your initial sales call. This is when you should clearly explain what is and is not possible with stamped concrete. Make your clients aware that stamped concrete is a craft product that's hand fabricated onsite and not a premanufactured good that the installer will have total control over. You are, in fact, dealing with an imperfect material (concrete) that is often installed in an imperfect environment, with variances in sun, wind and rain exposure. That means that 100% uniformity of the final product is next to impossible to achieve. Often I see contractors sell a large project based on a 2x2-foot sample they fabricated in the shop. That small sample may look perfect, but now the contractor is expected to deliver perfection on the entire project. It's much better to take perspective clients on a field trip to past projects or show them a larger stamped concrete panel so they can see the seams where the stamps interlock as well as any detailing on the slab.

8. Knowing how to make repairs

My golden rule:
Experiment with techniques that will help you mask or disguise imperfections. Keep in mind that a patch is a patch and practice makes perfect. Hopefully you won't ever have to try to repair your stamping work as a result of someone driving through it!

Virtually every stamped concrete job is going to require minor touchups, whether it's a color variance, chips or small cracks. Taking the time to fix these small details makes the difference between a project that's superb vs. one that's average. When dealing with environmental issues like dry, windy conditions, placing stamped concrete can be extremely challenging and you may end up with small surface tears or plastic shrinkage cracking. Many years ago we came up with a technique of using a smooth-faced hammer and a little bit of water to "ping out" these cracks and permanently close them.

Sometimes your client may be dissatisfied with the overall coloring of the stamped concrete, perhaps because too much release was washed off during the removal process. There are several ways you can restore or correct the color in these areas. I like to apply a tint created by adding a powdered release to a liquid release or a thinned solvent-based sealer. One ratio that has worked well for me in the past is to use two parts xylene or lacquer thinner to one part solvent-based sealer and then tint this mixture with powdered release. You will have to experiment with how much release to use, depending on the color intensity needed. You can then lightly mist this mixture onto the surface until you reach the desired color. If using this technique, it is crucial to spray clear sealer back over this area to lock it down.

After the stamped surface has been cleaned, you may notice other flaws that require touchup. Sometimes the edges of the imprint will be frayed or chipped, which can happen during the stamping process if you allow the concrete to harden to such a degree that tamping the mats blows out the edges. One solution is to patch these areas with a mixture of dry-shake color hardener and liquid acrylic.

Calgary Concrete

Calgary Concrete

If you think about concrete, you might believe that it's pretty boring and only really useful for driveways or other like purposes. However, concrete definitely offers a great number of advantages to a homeowner when talking about home improvement projects. Concrete allows an impressive range of colors and designs that make it perfect for various areas in and around the home. If you're interested in discovering how you can utilize concrete in your home, an experienced concrete company will be happy to assist you.
While you may be accustomed to thinking of concrete as fairly boring, advancement in the industry has permitted the development of a wide array of concrete designs and shades. In the style department, concrete can be stamped, stenciled, engraved or even manufactured as pavers. Stamped concrete entails stamping a pattern into newly-poured concrete, allowing the concrete to mimic the look of paving stones, bricks or other materials. Stenciled concrete uses a stencil which is used on new or old concrete in conjunction with a staining compound, giving the concrete the appearance of brick or paving stones with mortared joints. Engraved concrete carves designs right into the concrete and combines them with staining, enabling the concrete to have carved into it or mimic other materials like stone. Concrete pavers are an excellent alternative to traditional brick pavers as they are a lot more sturdy, but still offering the same range of shapes and hues. Concrete is also easily stained and dyed, allowing for an incredible selection of colors from simple earth tones to vibrant pastel colors that will penetrate the concrete itself, doing away with problems with peeling or chipping away.

Concrete is also an excellent substitute for asphalt when you get around to installing a new driveway at your home. Although it can cost you a bit more in advance, the advantages of a concrete driveway are manifold. It is extremely strong when stacked against asphalt, will not get quite as hot in the warmer months and can be anticipated to hold up much longer than a comparable asphalt driveway. Of course, a concrete driveway may also incorporate the numerous stylistic options available for concrete so you can install a concrete driveway comprised of concrete pavers that look like bricks, for instance. For environmentally-conscious homeowners, concrete is also a very green option for driveway installation as it is not manufactured with any petroleum byproducts like asphalt, often utilizes recycled materials like industrial byproducts in its production and may even be recycled itself when the time rolls around to get a new concrete driveway.
Along with driveways, concrete offers an incredible range of different purposes in your home. Patios are of course a quite common use for concrete and you may take advantage of the customization options concrete allows as well to create a beautiful and usable patio which will hold up for a long time. Nonetheless, what you may not know is that concrete can also be easily adapted for many indoor uses as well as outdoor uses. Concrete counter tops are a fairly new innovation that can be a quite lovely and durable substitute for granite, marble or other materials. Additional surprising but great applications for concrete in your house are indoor and outdoor fireplaces and even sinks, as it is highly resistant to fire and retains heat very well, plus concrete may be sealed to give it superior resistance to water. Concrete flooring can also be a viable choice for any room in your home such as the bathroom or kitchen where you need a solid slip-resistant surface. Of course, any concrete you use in your home can be colored or designed to your liking, allowing it to easily blend in with your current home decor.
It's clear that concrete allows an incredible range of choices for indoor and outdoor use at your house, making it a great selection for almost any home improvement plan. To begin on the right foot, call a local home improvement company or concrete contractor. They will possess the necessary know-how to make any advice you might need over the course of your remodeling project.

Lindsay writes for Southern California home remodeling company, Palatin Remodeling. She writes on a variety of home improvement subjects such as: kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, interior and exterior house painting, foundation repair, roofing, driveways, room additions and more! Visit Palatin Remodeling to learn more about concrete services and Calgary Concrete Home Remodeling.

Stamped concrete in Calgary

Stamped concrete in Calgary is a great option for a patio, driveway, or walkway. If you are unfamiliar with stamped concrete, it is a patterned concrete.

Stamped concrete is a 3-step process. The first step usually involves adding a color pigment to the base to color the concrete. The concrete can be made in many colors like red, green, black, and many others.

Colors can be very subjective, so when you are choosing a contractor who specializes in stamped concrete in Calgary be sure to get a color sample before approving the job.

The next step in the process is possibly adding an accent color to the concrete, and finally stamping the pattern.

Stamped concrete can match nearly all natural decors, and will save you money over the purchase of paved stone. However, you will still get to enjoy a very similar look.

There are numerous stamped concrete specialists in Calgary, and if possible you should get referrals from friends who have had this product installed in their own project. If you are unable to get referrals from family and/or friends, then check online to read reviews for different companies.

Also, keep in mind this is a very popular decorating technique. You may decide in May how great it would be to have a new stamped concrete patio. The problem is that most contractors will be booked up for the summer season. Proper planning is very important, so if you want to enjoy your new stamped concrete in the summer plan to have the work done well before the season gets underway.