Stamped & Decorative Concrete

The Beauty of Decorative Concrete

You love the look of natural stone or old-world brick, but the cost makes you hesitate. That's where stamped and decorative concrete comes in. We can create surfaces that look remarkably like expensive materials while giving you all the benefits of concrete's durability and low maintenance.

Stamped concrete uses specially designed mats to imprint patterns and textures into freshly poured concrete. Combined with color treatments, the results can fool even experienced eyes. Your neighbors might not realize your beautiful stone patio or brick walkway is actually concrete until you tell them.

We've installed decorative concrete throughout Alhambra on driveways, patios, pool decks, and walkways. Each project is custom designed to match your home's architecture and your personal style. The design possibilities are nearly endless, from rustic flagstone to elegant European cobblestone.

Available Patterns and Finishes

Choosing the right pattern and color combination sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. Here's what we can create for you.

Popular Stamped Concrete Options:

• •Ashlar slate for a natural stone look with irregular patterns
• •Cobblestone for old-world European charm
• •Brick patterns in running bond, herringbone, or basketweave
• •Wood plank for a rustic deck appearance
• •Random stone for natural flagstone appeal
• •Seamless texture for modern, minimalist designs
• •Custom combinations mixing patterns and borders

Color options range from earth tones like tan, brown, and gray to bolder choices like red, blue, or green. We can use single colors for subtle effects or multiple colors layered together for more realistic stone appearances. Most homeowners choose colors that complement their home's exterior and existing landscaping.

Beyond stamped patterns, we also offer exposed aggregate finishes that reveal the natural stone within the concrete, creating beautiful, slip-resistant surfaces. For pool decks and patios, this provides both beauty and safety.

The Installation Process

Creating beautiful stamped concrete requires skill and timing. The window for stamping is limited, so everything needs to be planned and executed precisely.

We start with the same careful site preparation and base work as any concrete project. Once we pour the concrete, we apply color hardener to the surface and then use stamping mats to imprint the pattern while the concrete is still workable. After stamping, we apply release agents and additional coloring if needed.

The concrete then needs to cure properly before we clean and seal it. Sealing is essential for decorative concrete. It protects the color from fading, prevents stains, and makes maintenance easier. We recommend resealing every 2-3 years to keep your decorative concrete looking fresh. Whether you're adding stamped details to your driveway entrance or creating an entire decorative patio, proper installation and sealing ensure lasting beauty.

Maintenance and Longevity

One of the best things about decorative concrete is how easy it is to maintain compared to the materials it mimics. Real stone and brick can shift, crack, or require individual piece replacement. Stamped concrete stays in place and maintains its pattern permanently.

Regular maintenance is simple. Sweep or blow off debris, occasionally wash with a garden hose, and have the sealer reapplied every few years. That's it. No weeding between pavers, no individual stones settling unevenly, no brick that needs repointing. Your decorative concrete will look great for decades with minimal effort, saving you time and money over the life of your installation.

Frequently Asked Questions