A stamped concrete patio, walkway, or driveway can make a beautiful addition to your home.
Stamped concrete is a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to paver patios. A continuous concrete surface goes onto a prepared site and then receives a stamped pattern and coloring. The result is magnificent. If you are considering this form of concrete for your patio, walkway, or driveway, there are several pros and cons to consider. Is stamped concrete right for you?
Pros of Stamped Concrete
The first advantage that stamped concrete has is its appearance. Although it is obviously a stamped surface rather than actual pavers, it is still a masterpiece in its own right. A practically infinite range of colors and countless patterns exist from which you can choose. It is better to select a natural tone to create a timeless look. As for patterns, one can have anything from floral motifs to the look of pavers or flagstones.
Stamped concrete is also more affordable than concrete pavers, as pavers take a lot of intensive labor to install. Even so, a professional landscaper is necessary to put in this continuous hardscape the right way. For beautiful results, contact Edward’s Lawn & Home!
This outdoor feature will last you around 25 years with proper maintenance. Little is needed; some owners seal their concrete every 3-5 years to protect it from erosion and make it slip-resistant.
Cons of Stamped Concrete
The downsides of stamped concrete are a stumbling block depending on your lifestyle. For example, one must be careful about the stamped pattern one chooses, since it could potentially cause uneven surfaces. The worst-case scenario is that it becomes a tripping hazard.
The intricate grooves in stamped concrete patterns could also make maintenance more difficult as dirt collects in those hard-to-reach crevices. However, a pressure washer and a mild detergent can usually take those spots out. Even so, come wintertime, snow shoveling can also prove challenging.
Lastly, when the concrete ages, it will eventually crack. Cracks can blend in with the stamped pattern, but other times they will not. Cracks can be an eyesore. Even so, there are ways to seal up those unsightly lines. To do it yourself, you can purchase a patching mixture and apply it to minor cracks.
Choose Edwards Lawn & Home
For the past thirteen years, Edwards Lawn and Home has been offering premier residential and commercial services to improve your property all year long. The options are endless from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Aware serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Houzz.