Although concrete is often used for structural applications, its versatility lends itself to numerous decorative purposes. Stamping, one of the most popular techniques when using concrete as a decorative feature, can turn your patio, swimming pool, or walkway into a beautiful flagstone, brick, cobblestone, or even tile surface—and all without the added hassle.
Stamped Concrete vs. the Real Thing
Using stamped concrete as an alternative to the “real” materials yields quite a few advantages for the everyday homeowner or property manager.
- Increase the value of your home.
Plain concrete doesn’t have the pizazz that stamped concrete does. This is especially important if your home is on the market, and potential buyers are looking for an aesthetically pleasing outdoor area. Stamped concrete also often offers a better ROI than other materials.
- Design anything.
The possibilities are literally endless when it comes to stamped concrete. Not only can you create brick and stone patios—which are completely indistinguishable from the “real thing”—you can create geometric patterns or completely unique designs! You can even use stamped concrete to mimic hardwood floors inside your home.
- Do less maintenance.
Keeping your concrete in good condition requires very simple maintenance: keep the surface clear, remove stains, and seal it periodically. Brick and other pavers require much more maintenance, along with the annoyance of weeds and other plants growing between the stones.
- Enjoy it forever.
Concrete is one of the most durable materials to use in construction, and that durability carries over to stamped concrete. Your expertly designed concrete walkway will last longer than standard pavers.
How It’s Done
Stamped concrete is not for the home DIYer, no matter how handy you are! Concrete stamping is best left to professional contractors who have the knowledge and experience to do the project correctly. But first, you need to make a decision:
What kind of look do you want?
Concrete’s natural gray color is not always appropriate, especially if you’re going for brick or hardwood flooring. For example, a brick pattern is best achieved when used with our Brick Red colored concrete. Our integral coloring method mixes the color directly into the ready mix concrete, ensuring you receive the product you asked for. 
Ordering colored concrete rather than relying on other methods of coloring, such as color hardeners, release agents, or stains, can reduce labor costs and the duration of the project.
After you receive your delivery of ready mix concrete from us, a skilled contractor will place, smooth, and finish the concrete. The stamping process comes only at a very specific time (another reason to only trust an experienced contractor!) so that the pattern will appear as intended.
Where to Find a Stamped Concrete Contractor
We’re experts in ready mix concrete, so we can easily identify other experts in the field. We can recommend a contractor to you based on your specific needs and location in Southern California.