Stamped Concrete in Kettering, OH

Stamped concrete gives a patio, front walk or driveway border the look of flagstone, slate or brick at a lower cost than laying stone or pavers. It is still one slab of concrete, so it needs the same base, thickness and joints as any other pour. In the Dayton area it also needs a mix and a sealer that can take freeze-thaw cycles and road salt, because a decorative surface shows damage faster than a plain broom finish.

Color, release and the stamp

The slab is poured and struck off like any other. Color goes in one of two ways: integral pigment mixed through the load at the plant, or a dry color hardener cast across the fresh surface and floated in. Next comes a powdered or liquid release in a second, usually darker shade; it keeps the mats from sticking and settles into the low spots to give the pattern depth. The crew then lays textured mats in sequence and tamps them in while the concrete is still soft enough to take the impression, finishing edges with flex mats and hand tools. Because the window is short, the crew works the whole slab in a set order.

Patterns that suit Kettering homes

• Ashlar slate: rectangular stones in a random layout, a good match for brick ranch homes
• Random stone or flagstone: irregular shapes for a more natural backyard
• Brick or cobble borders: a stamped band around a plain broom-finished field, which keeps cost down
• Wood plank: a deck look on a concrete patio
• Seamless textures: stone texture without grout lines, for a subtle finish

Where it makes sense

Stamped concrete works well on patios, front walks, porch landings and as a border along a plain driveway. Full stamped driveways are possible, but large stamped areas that take daily tire traffic, plows and salt need more upkeep. A stamped border with a broom-finished center is a common middle ground.

Freeze-thaw and sealing

The smooth, dense surface of stamped concrete can be slippery when wet, and its color fades faster if left unsealed. We use air-entrained concrete, add a fine grit to the sealer on walking surfaces and recommend resealing on a regular schedule. HomeGuide suggests resealing exterior concrete every 2 to 3 years, and on stamped work that also restores the color. Avoid rock salt on stamped surfaces. Sand or a deicer labeled safe for concrete is easier on the finish.

Signs stamped concrete needs attention

• Color that looks chalky or washed out
• Sealer that has turned white or cloudy
• Small flakes popping off the surface after winter
• Slick spots on steps or walks when wet

Faded or flaking stamped concrete can often be cleaned, recolored and resealed. If the slab under it has failed, it needs to be replaced.

Picking a pattern and color

Pattern and color samples come with us to the estimate, so you can hold them against your brick, siding and roof. Integral color tends to wear more naturally, while a hardener gives a richer, stronger tone at the surface. Where the slab is and how much traffic it gets usually settles the choice.