Stamped & Decorative Concrete
Get the upscale look of natural stone or brick at a fraction of the cost.
The Beauty of Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete lets you get the high-end look of natural stone, slate, brick, or wood without the high-end price. We imprint patterns and textures into fresh concrete, then add color to create surfaces that look remarkably like expensive materials. Most people can't tell the difference from several feet away, but your wallet definitely will.
Here's what makes stamped concrete such a smart choice. Real stone pavers cost significantly more to install and require ongoing maintenance as individual pieces settle or shift. Stamped concrete gives you a solid, stable surface that looks like pavers but won't develop gaps, won't grow weeds between the stones, and won't need constant releveling. You get the appearance you want with the durability of concrete.
We've installed stamped concrete on patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways throughout Cary. The versatility is impressive. You can match your home's architectural style, complement your landscaping, or create a completely unique look. The pattern options range from natural stone like slate and flagstone to cobblestone, brick, wood plank, and even custom designs.
Popular Decorative Concrete Options
Beyond stamping, we offer several decorative techniques that enhance plain concrete. Color can be integral, meaning it's mixed throughout the concrete, or applied as a surface stain or dye after installation. Integral color provides consistent, long-lasting color that won't wear off. Stains and dyes create more varied, natural-looking color variations.
Exposed aggregate finishes reveal the stones within the concrete mix, creating a textured, slip-resistant surface that's perfect for pool decks and outdoor areas. This finish is extremely durable and hides dirt well. Polished concrete works beautifully for indoor spaces, creating a smooth, glossy surface that's easy to maintain and looks sophisticated.
Decorative Concrete Applications
- Patios designed to look like natural stone courtyards
- Driveways with brick or cobblestone patterns
- Pool decks with slate or travertine appearance
- Walkways and entryways with custom borders and designs
- Interior floors with polished or stained finishes
- Commercial spaces requiring durable, attractive surfaces
The key to great decorative concrete is experienced installers who understand timing. Stamping must happen when the concrete reaches exactly the right consistency. Too early and the pattern blurs. Too late and the stamps won't impress deeply enough. We've done this hundreds of times and know precisely when to work the concrete for perfect results.
Maintaining Your Decorative Concrete
One of the biggest advantages of decorative concrete is how easy it is to maintain compared to the materials it mimics. Real stone pavers need periodic cleaning, resetting, and joint sand replacement. Wood decking requires annual staining. Stamped concrete just needs occasional cleaning and resealing every few years to keep it looking great.
Sealing protects the color and enhances the appearance. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years depending on traffic and exposure. The process is straightforward and costs far less than the maintenance required for natural materials. Between sealings, regular sweeping and occasional washing with mild soap and water keep your decorative concrete looking fresh.
If you're planning a new outdoor space or want to upgrade an existing plain concrete area, decorative options might cost less than you think. We can often overlay existing concrete with a thin stamped layer, giving you a fresh new look without tearing out what's already there. Contact us to discuss your vision and get an honest quote for transforming your space.
We coordinate decorative concrete with other projects too. If you need a new driveway and patio, we can create a cohesive design that ties your outdoor spaces together beautifully. This integrated approach ensures everything matches and flows naturally from one area to the next.