Stamped concrete designs have brought new meaning to floor coverings as they were once known.Concrete has always been a favorite of outdoor patios and driveways but recently,attractive stamped concrete designs have brought an incredibly fresh image to the once mundane appearance to help blend in attractively with a building's overall image. In the beginning, stamped concrete was limited to the look of slate with limited colors but as more and more architects and homeowners began demanding a custom look to their outdoor areas, the expansion of designs today is almost limitless. Slate, stone, patterns, tiles, and blended colors are just a few of the options available on the market today that will offset the beauty of a building or home's exterior. There has even been much progress made in giving floors a wood plank appearance. Compared to installing natural stone and brick or precast pavers, stamped concrete designs will last much longer and require less maintenance. The initial cost of having stamped concrete installed will range anywhere from $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on the intricacy of the design chosen. The higher cost usually pertains to an elaborate multi-pattern design with special stain accents and the labor involved in achieving such a look. For a basic design of cobblestone or slate, it is possible for a concrete DIYer to lay stamped concrete designs at a reasonable cost. While, again, the initial cost will be higher than that of concrete pavers, you don't run the risk of moisture seeping between the cracks because there are no interlocking pieces. Also, a variety of acrylic concrete sealers can be placed on top of your stamped concrete designs, giving protection and a beautiful sheen to your project. Not only are out door patio kitchens recognizing the need for beautiful flooring options but also poolside areas, steps, walkways and driveways to complement a home's complete color and style of the exterior. The look of stone brings elegance to any section where it is used and concrete stabilizes its durability. Walls and fireplaces are not immune to the attractive nature given by stamped concrete as a matching option to flooring in a vertical sense. Even an edging of concrete stamping of the same variety as the flooring can bring harmony to a patio kitchen's design. Existing concrete can also benefit from a new face of stamped concrete, bringing a whole new look to a tired floor. An interior building with concrete floors no longer has to settle for carpeting or an epoxy coated paint to try and freshen up its appearance. If you have a basement recreation room, stamped concrete designs is the perfect way to add life to an active room. A light marble appearing stone with dark edging, covered with a medium sheen is perfect for a room that needs light, character and durability. Many museums and gardens have taken advantage of the new stamped concrete designs by arranging patterns in a mixture of different types of stone to accentuate a pleasing area. Fountains that use formations of rock and larger stones bring out a primitive presence of the outdoors with water cascading from within. Walkways through gardens and zoos are implementing these new designs to add attractive and easy to care for surfaces throughout their walkways. Creating your own designs without hauling in stone and expensive tiles is now a reality with the technology of the concrete industry. There are many places that offer the newest of products and designs to give your home or building a sensational new look that will last for years.
Whether you are thinking of adding a lift to your home's exterior, looking to expand or replace an existing area or are considering new building ideas, stamped concrete should be included in your choices for creating curb appeal and aesthetic value, maximizing your return of investment. Concrete is the number one choice in durability and maintenance for contractors and the overall function has just gotten even better. If you are interested in learning how to install your own stamped concrete to capitalize on a great new look for your own home, visit my
how to stamp concrete page.
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