Stamped Concrete

Stamped Concrete

New Installations & Restoration of Existing Stamped Concrete Surfaces

Stamped Concrete

About the Service

* SEE BELOW... Stamp & Color Options

Classic Concrete Design provides custom stamped concrete installations working closely with both Homeowners and Commercial Clients, delivering a finished product that meets both functional and aesthetic specifications.
To ensure customer satisfaction and proper implementation, an on-site consultation is paramount to discuss our process, details and address our customer's goals and expectations.
  • Commercial & Residential
  • Patios
  • Pool Decks
  • Driveways
  • Walkways
  • Courtyards
  • Common areas

The beautiful look of stamped concrete is achieved by texturing / stamping the concrete with flexible mats after the concrete has been placed and set to a point that will allow our team to place and tamp the stamp mats creating the pattern.

Color (base color) is added to the concrete truck, thus the entire thickness of the concrete is pigmented, not just on the surface. Before placing the stamp mats, a secondary "powdered release" color is broadcast on the surface. This achieves two functions. It serves as a bond breaker between the stamps and concrete surface and also imparts an accent color which provides a mottled two-color mix as shown in the phots below. The release color is typically a darker shade that compliments the base color by adding contrast and creating the look of natural stone as shown in the examples below.

Natural Slate and Stone Concrete Stamps

Ashlar Slate Concrete Stamps
Ashlar Slate

Ashlar Slate

The classic pattern of Ashlar Slate with deep texture for the most natural slate look available.

Imperial Ashlar 2

Grand Ashlar

Remarkable detail in this large Imperial Ashlar pattern. Over-size rotating stamps for a great variety of textures. Spectacular finishes for stamped concrete patios.

American Flagstone C

Large Flagstone

This meticulously created concrete mat will leave impressions nothing short of the real thing. Unlike competitor stamps of this style, these are fully rotational and offer a larger variety of texture in the stones providing a finished surface with more interest and variety to a concrete surface. The finished surface offers a flat plane as well so this is great for any project without worry about unevenness in the surface. Four patterns of rotating mats for excellent variety.

Random Stone 1

Random Stone

The best random stone concrete stamp rental set available. Designed from the ground up to provide the most real detail. Aggressive hand tooled grout lines and hand picked stones for the best texture. Engineered to stamp a relatively flat final surface to prevent furniture issues common with this type of pattern.

Roman Cobble 3

Roman Cobble

One of the most detailed of the traditional cobble concrete stamps on the market. Turns any stamped concrete project into a European courtyard. Individual stones about four inches wide and ranging from five to seven inches long.

Stamp Roman Fan

Roman Fan

European Fan style concrete stamp set that leaves a dramatic finish on both large and small projects.

Stamp Medieval Cobble

Random Cobble

The Medieval Cobble concrete stamp rental set produces old world charm with small worn cobble stones set in a random pattern.

Stamp Wood Plank

Wide Wood Plank

Wood Plank Concrete Stamp Set. Deep in the American heartland reside the historic Bridges of Madison County. The subject of the eponymous novel, film, and musical, they are now the inspiration for Brickform’s newest line of textures. These stamps were derived from real planks and timbers dating back to the late 19th century.

Brick Pattern Concrete Stamp Sets

Brick Herringbone C

Brick Herringbone Pattern

Straight from a popular Chicago neighborhood, this redefined classic is tough to beat. Mildly weathered bricks with 1/4 ” joints. Even depth joints makes the Olde World Brick Herringbone Concrete Stamp Set very suitable for stamped concrete and stampable overlay. Slight brick undulations for authentic surface presentation.

Stamp Brick Running Bond

Brick Running Bond

Natural Worn Brick Running Bond concrete stamp set. Better than brick pavers, stamped concrete with the traditional brick running bond pattern and texture. Bricks approximately 3.5 inches by 7.5 inches.

Stamp Brick Basketweave

Basket Weave Brick

Timeless classic pattern of worn bricks in a basketweave pattern. Simple concrete stamp set.

Stamp Presidential Slate

Slate Texture Concrete Texture Skin

Similar in look to an Italian Slate, the Slate Texture Concrete Texture Skins have a natural stone texture with a continuous coarse surface accentuated by distinguishing veins. This slate skin will end your searches for that perfect seamless look. Multi faceted and uni-directional section of slate for ease of use. Relief no more that 1/8″ so very suitable for commercial applications.

Monster Slate

Heavy Stone Concrete Texture Skin

A rough, natural stone surface with deep chips and fractures perfect for projects large and small.

Stamped Concrete Color Options

  • First chart is the base color which is mixed into the concrete truck. This is the primary color.
  • Second chart is the secondary color, or accent tone which creates the "highlight" effect.
  • Typically, most people choose a similar secondary color of the same family for a natural looking contrast.

                                                                                          *Click on Chart to Enlarge

Stamped Concrete Color Options
Stamped Concrete Base Color Chart

Stamped Concrete Secondary - Highlight Release Color Chart

Back yards, especially concrete patios, are being transformed into luxurious extensions of the house. They’re the new favorite room to relax, entertain, and cook. And the heart and soul of the backyard resort area is the concrete patio.

The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annual trade show and exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is the result of North America’s interest in ‘cocooning,’ the trend toward a more casual lifestyle, an aging population and the popularity of porches, decks, and concrete patios in homes. Concrete patios, sometimes referred to as cement patios, provide the perfect sanctuary for outdoor living spaces because they are often connected to the house and blend the interior with the exterior living areas. For example, homeowners can match the stone facade of their house by installing decorative concrete to create a stone patio without the expense of installing traditional individual stones. With stamped concrete, homeowners can get the look of flagstone, brick and many other patterns when stamp patterns are pressed into freshly poured concrete.

The swimming pool industry sees that trend, too. In fact, pools are getting smaller and are playing a less dominant role in the back yard.

The Pool and Spa Institute says the pool is just one amenity – an increasing number of homeowners are going all out with outdoor kitchens, furnished seating areas, fireplaces, decorative concrete patios, pizza ovens, elaborate water features, and more.

Homeowners want to enjoy their homes, but they also see upgrading their back yards as an investment. Creating the look of an authentic stone patio, or slate patio, or cobblestone patio is more economical to install using decorative concrete, and adds value to the home.

Patios – The Heart Of The Outdoor Oasis

When homeowners embark on building their outdoor oasis, they typically envision a range of features. Many want a total package–a backyard retreat in which they can escape and relax at the end of the day and on weekends.

More people are into renovating their homes, especially their back yards. People are spending more time outdoors.

But the first thing most people start with is the concrete patio. And rest assured, it’s not just the plain old gray anymore. Today’s backyard concrete patios are as unique as their owners. Modern stamping and texture and coloring techniques complement any landscape and provide a touch of individuality to your back yard.

Across the country, companies that specialize in concrete patios are seeing an enormous increase in elaborate outdoor living spaces–all kinds of hardscaping and landscaping projects and decorative concrete is quickly emerging as the new material of choice for today’s patio. It’s booming. Every year I think it can’t get any bigger and it does. You don’t have to settle for the old gray stuff anymore.

Concrete Patios – The Benefits Abound

Why are concrete patios so versatile? Concrete can be shaped into any pattern. It can be lightly smoothed or heavily brushed; surfaced with attractive pebbles; swirled or scored; tinted or painted; patterned; or molded to resemble another material.

While many concrete patios are designed to complement the outdoor landscape and native greenery, some homeowners choose a style of concrete patio based on their interior living space.

Durability

In addition to concrete’s versatility, concrete is durable and can stand up to a range of weather conditions found across the country. In fact, many companies in colder climates take special measures to ensure the durability of the concrete patios they produce.

Whereas traditional pavers and cobblestone settle unevenly during the freeze/thaw cycle of winter, stamped concrete is reinforced with 3/8-inch steel reinforcing rods or fibers that gives the concrete the necessary tensile strength to resist the constant heaving produced by the freezing and thawing of the ground.

Stamped concrete is also better than pavers and cobblestone in spring and summer. Pavers and cobblestones are susceptible to joint deterioration if sand is not constantly brushed into all the joints. This joint deterioration results in ant hills, growth of unsightly grass and weeds and produces dangerous tripping hazards when the individual pavers settle unevenly.

Affordability

Contractors who create concrete patios and those who have concrete patios will quickly tell you concrete patios cost less than patios made of stone, brick or tile.
Many say that the lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns and colors available is one of the main draws of choosing a concrete patio. Your concrete patio can be stamped to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, and even wood.
Decorative concrete has become more popular than stone, brick and tile for patios because it costs less, is better in quality and it has the unlimited ability to be created into whatever you want as far as color, texture, and pattern go.

Concrete Patio Colors – Endless Possibilities

One of the biggest draws of concrete patios is the expansive range of colors available. Because of ever-advancing technology and jaw-dropping chemical techniques, concrete can be colored in just about any hue you could ever imagine.

Colored concrete can be used in combination, abutting each other, or stamped with a variety of textures to simulate brick, flagstone, pavers, or tile. The same colored concrete can be made to look different, just by using different finishing techniques: For example, a broom finish creates one look. Brooming the concrete in opposite directions creates shadow effects. Swirl or fan patterns create a different type of look.

For even more dramatic effect, the colored concrete can be lightly sandblasted or heavily sandblasted, or a retarder can be used and then the aggregate exposed. Color to concrete can be integral to the mix, meaning it is added at the plant or added in bags at the job site, or dry-shake, where it is dusted on the surface at the job site. The availability of custom colors and penetrating stains has translated into concrete patios that are natural-looking and attractive.

Many homeowners tend to gravitate toward the more natural browns, tans, charcoals, and terracotta reds.

Concrete Patios Blend Fabulously With Surroundings

Another appealing benefit of a concrete patio is that because it can be created in so many textures, patterns, and colors, it is the perfect choice for blending into your backyard environment, whether you have a modest-sized patio and barbecue area, or you have a sprawling, luxurious outdoor retreat spilling over with amenities.

Combining concrete with other materials, like brick, tile, or flagstone, is also popular. And wood, steel, or copper dividers can be used as control joints to help prevent cracking.

Once the concrete patio is in place, it is the perfect complement to additional amenities like swimming pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, sinks, burners, warmers, refrigerators, even storage areas.

“Lighting is also big. Homeowners want lighting that reflects their mood for parties, romance, family, or just a great backdrop. They want a vacation spot they can go to every day.”

Many contractors view themselves as part contractor, part designer, part artisan. They’ll help you create whatever you are envisioning for your concrete patio and accompanying backyard retreat.

Concrete Patio Maintenance Is a Breeze

Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to.

Concrete should be resealed every 2 or 3 years. If you wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal your stamped concrete and the color will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.

Rinse dirt/debris off stamped concrete surface with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap to surface and scrub with a push broom.
Rinse well with a garden hose or pressure washer until there is no sign of soapsuds.
Allow surface to dry at least 24 hoursDO NOT APPLY SEALER TO A DAMP/WET SURFACE.
Once the surface is completely dry, apply the sealer as follows:Stir in one jar of Anti-Skid material to a 5-gallon pail of sealer.APPLY SEALER USING A 1″ NAP ROLLER ONLY. ANTI SKID MATERIAL WILL NOT TRANSFER THROUGH A SPRAYER. Apply sealer in approximately 2′ x 4′ sections. This will ensure full coverage without missed spots. Keep stirring sealer while applying to keep the Anti-Skid suspended in the sealer.Sealer should be applied when air temperature is above 55 F. Best results will be obtained by applying sealer during cooler temperatures — fall and spring — or before 10 am and after 4 pm in summer months when surface temperatures should be under 90 F.
A second coat can be applied after the first coat is tack free (not sticky to your touch).
Your stamped concrete should be resealed every 2-3 years to protect your investment. One 5-gallon pail of sealer will cover approximately 1,000 sq.ft.

Decorative Concrete Driveways

It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a driveway material was easy: asphalt or concrete. Today, the concrete choice has expanded to include a multitude of decorative concrete options. Sometimes referred to as colored cement, or painted concrete, the effects that can be achieved with decorative applications can be astounding on a concrete driveway. While plain gray concrete is still the most often installed, listed below are some of the alternatives. Don’t feel left out if you already have a driveway. The concrete industry has rapidly developed many decorative products that can resurface existing plain gray driveways, as well.

Sub grade Preparation Essentials for Concrete Driveways

The sub grade should be compacted and have an even thickness. A standard driveway is 4″ thick—you want 4″ thick continuously, not a 3″ to 4″ varying thickness.

Many western states have expansive soils. In these conditions, from 2″ to 8″ of crushed rock should be used as sub grade material depending on the soils level of expansiveness. If you have doubts about the soil characteristics in your area, consult a soils engineer.

Concrete Driveways – The Correct Concrete Mix

A 3500-psi, .50 water-to-cement ratio is best for driveway construction. This provides better wear ability and a “denser” concrete than the typical 2500-psi mix. Concrete is permeable and “wicks” moisture from beneath the slab. With the moisture come salts from the soil which can leave efflorescence on the surface. The .50 w/c mix provides a geometric reduction in this “wicking” action.

Excess water should not be added at the project site, as this will dilute the water to cement ratio.
In cold climates, air entrainment should be added to the concrete at the batch plant. This entrained air allows any moisture which does enter the concrete to expand in the microscopic air pockets during a freeze/thaw cycle instead of putting internal pressure on the concrete.

Placing Joints in Concrete Driveways—Choose Wisely

Joints should be at least 1/4 the concrete thickness so a 1″ deep joint should be used in a 4″ thick driveway. Joints should also be spaced 2-3 times in feet the thickness of the concrete: so a 4″ thick driveway should have joints no farther than 8′ – 12′.
If joints are spaced too far apart, cracks will often occur where the joints should have been.

Proper Drainage for Driveways

For best drainage, the concrete should slope 1/4″ per running foot away from the home. If proper drainage is prevented due to the area of concrete being locked between two structures, a drain may need to be installed which will collect the water at a low point in the concrete and feed it down the drain.

Concrete Driveway Reinforcement

Reinforcement can be with either wire mesh, fiber, or steel bars placed in a grid pattern. In either case blocks should be used to keep the reinforcement in the center of the concrete. Note that reinforcement does not eliminate cracks—it simply holds them together.

Concrete Driveways – Proper Finishing Techniques

After concrete is bull-floated, it should be left alone until all the bleed water on top of the concrete has evaporated. Starting the finishing operation too soon can trap surface water and create a weak surface.
Of course, there are many other important steps in building a concrete driveway.

Concrete Driveway Maintenance

Plain gray concrete benefits by being cleaned and sealed periodically. But if this basic maintenance isn’t done well, it still looks OK. Decorative concrete, however, needs to be maintained to continue to look good for years. And thus protect your investment.
Usually simply cleaning thoroughly once a year with a pressure washer, or floor polisher using a degreaser, then sealing the surface, will keep colors looking vibrant for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I put stamped concrete?


Stamped concrete can be installed in patios, pool decks, driveway, walkways, courtyards, entranceways and most residential and commercial locations.

Q. Will the color fade?


Classic Concrete Design utilizes the finest pigments available, in most instances integrally coloring the entire slab. This process allows for better color longevity and minimal fading. In conjunction with our sealers, it will provide many years of low maintenance.


Q. What are the advantages of stamped concrete over other materials?


Stamped concrete offers unlimited design potential, low maintenance and a durable surface that will outlast most other alternatives. Unlike real stone and pavers, stamped concrete provides a stable surface that will not settle, shift or separate over time. The cost of stamped concrete is typically 30-40% less than other options.

Q. Can you prevent cracks?


We do everything possible by industry standards, to prevent cracks. This includes the proper subgrade preparation, proper concrete mix design, proportionate placement practices and strategic placement of control joints addressing both crack control and functional design. We cannot guarantee that a crack will not form over time. In most cases if a crack does form, typically it will appear as a hairline crack with no bearing on the structural integrity of the slab.

Q. What patterns are available?


We offer a variety of patterns to choose from. Classic Concrete Design's continuing development of colors and designs allows us to work hand-in-hand with our customers to create an end product that complements your surroundings.

Q. How thick is stamped concrete?


Our standard slab is a minimum of four inches. Some situations will require six inches of concrete if heavy objects such as hot tubs, RV's, ect. will be on the surface. All design and structural considerations will be addressed and discussed during the preliminary on-site consultation.

Q. Can it go over existing concrete?


Yes, under certain conditions new concrete can be placed over existing slabs.

Q. Can I drive on stamped concrete?


Yes, you can drive on stamped concrete. We recommend waiting seven days to allow new concrete to properly cure before allowing vehicular traffic.

Stamped Concrete Contractor Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill

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