Stamped Concrete

Pros:
Is more affordable than natural stone, brick or pavers
Enhances outdoor spaces and adds to your home value
Offers nearly limitless pattern and color choices
Slip resistant when treated with a non-skid additive
Is durable and long-lasting
Easy to maintain when sealed
Cons:
Not very DIY friendly
Can develop minor cracks
Needs periodic cleaning and resealing
Can be damaged by freeze/thaw cycles and deicing salts
Repairs can be difficult
Read on to learn more about each of these pros and cons and how to get your own stamped concrete installed.

To get similar looks for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, family rooms or basements in new homes.
Stamped overlays enhance walls or fireplaces or rejuvenate existing concrete floors.
Stamp patterns can be imprinted on concrete countertops for an added design element.
Ashlar Stamped Concrete
Apex Concrete Designs, Inc. in Roseville, CA

WHAT DOES STAMPED CONCRETE COST?
Stamped concrete can be expensive depending on the costs for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job, but the old adage, "you get what you pay for," really holds true. With stamped concrete, you’ll get a surface that lasts longer and requires less maintenance than most other materials, which can add up to big savings over its lifetime. You’ll also add curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment. Basic stamped designs with one color and pattern run $8 to $12 per square foot, mid-range jobs with borders or contrasting patterns can be $12 to $18 per square foot, and high-end custom projects $18 or more per square foot. For more pricing information, see our stamped concrete cost chart.)

Patterns:
Natural stone patterns such as slate, flagstone, and fieldstone are the most common, followed by brick, cobblestone and wood. Patterns can be pressed into the concrete even in complex projects with steps and fountains.

Colors:
The most popular colors tend to be grays and earth tones; however, brick patterns are often colored in red or russet hues. Colors can be mixed, layered or antiqued with stains or tints, creating a virtually endless list of possibilities. Multiple colors can be used within the same project for realistic stone coloration, decorative borders or a contrasting color pattern.

Customization: No other surface offers the numerous pattern and color choices and complete customization that is possible with stamped concrete.
Maintenance: With minimal maintenance, stamped concrete can last for decades, while other surfaces such as precast pavers or natural stone need ongoing maintenance to keep weeds from growing between them and to keep the joints filled with sand.
Installation: Stamped concrete installation is faster than setting natural stone or precast pavers.
Price: Pouring stamped concrete will usually cost considerably less than installing natural stone surfaces; and although some lower-end paver options may initially have a lower price than stamped concrete, they may end up costing more in the long run for maintenance, repair or replacement.

DESIGN OPTIONS
From an aesthetic standpoint, stamped concrete is hard to beat when it comes to pattern and color options, which are virtually unlimited. Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape or home's architectural style and choose patterns and colors that blend with existing stone, tile or textured concrete elements. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme with a simple brick-patterned border, or choose a pattern and color scheme that ties in with your surrounding landscape.