Stamped Concrete for Patios, Pool Decks, More
Green Sustainable Material for Exterior Surfaces and Interior Floors
Jun 18, 2009
Many different types of surfaces may be built out of concrete; it's easy enough to take the extra step of dressing the surface up to resemble a multitude of more expensive finish surfaces. When the concrete is stained, the resemblance of the end product to natural wood, cobblestones, clay brick pavers, bricks, or flagstones is uncanny.
Advantages of Stamped Concrete
- Speed of installation. Concrete can be rapidly poured or pumped into place and finished after the concrete form is built. For example, compare that process to installing clay brick pavers. With pavers, it's necessary not only to do the prep work of trenching, compacting the soil, and spreading sand, but then each paver must by hand placed individually, carefully following the pattern, be it herringbone, basketweave, or stretcher bond.
- Seasonal maintenance considerations. Unlike asphalt driveways or sidewalks that need an annual seal coating, concrete only requires periodic cleaning and sealing, every few years or so. Natural stone and pavers require weeding but concrete joints don't have that disadvantage.
- Number of colors and patterns. The number of colors and patterns with a custom imprinted concrete surface are limited only by the imagination. Custom logos or mosaics are available when working with a construction or installation designer.
Re-Surfacing Existing Concrete Surfaces
If an existing concrete patio, driveway, walkway, or swimming pool deck is cracked or just bland-looking, it can easily be resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of removing the old and starting from scratch.
Although each situation is different and unique, the process is fairly straightforward. The first step is to thoroughly clean the existing surface. Next, the cracks are repaired. This involves priming, reinforcing with a special repair fabric, applying an elastomeric base coat, and the coating with a polymer concrete mixture. Finally, the entire surface is refinished with a polymer coat, textured or stamped to order, and sealed.
Concrete is a Green, Sustainable Building Material
Concrete is green. Why? First, it usually only needs to be built once. There is no demolition and rebuilding because of termite damage or fires. Because of its thermal mass, it is very energy efficient with respect to heating and cooling. This makes it an excellent choice for interior floors.
For interior floor applications, it can be patterned and colored to resemble ceramic tile, natural stone like marble or granite, or even hardwood or laminate flooring planks. Maintenance on these floors is much less than it is on the materials they mimic.
In the long run, concrete might be the most durable, cost-effective surface available.
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