One way to
update the look of your drive, patio or pool area is to invest in stamped
concrete. Perfect for any outdoor space, stamped concrete can replicate the
look of bricks, stone or tiles and is often installed by Northern Beach builders to replace old
hard landscaping.
It also gives
you the option to get creative with colours and patterns, so let’s take a look
why it’s becoming so popular.
A Modern Alternative for All Homes
Stamped concrete
has been around since the 1950s; however, since then, the technique used for
both making the concrete and creating the patterns has improved significantly.
It’s easy to
lay; the contractor simply pours a slab of concrete and then pushes down on a
stamp to create the pattern as the concrete is drying. Colour can be added in
several phases, with base colours incorporated in the initial mix and
highlighters added as the mixture dries.
This kind of
hardscaping is far less labour-intensive than other methods such as tiling and
brick paving; plus, if correctly sealed and maintained, will last for decades.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Natural Stone, Brick
or Tiles
Builders across Northern
Beaches report that homeowners are choosing this kind of surface as it
proves to be a cost-effective alternative to other hard landscaping materials
such as natural stone, brick and tiles. Furthermore, the wide range of colours,
patterns and textures gives you flexibility to create a personalised look for
your outdoor space.
Gives the Option to Create Custom Flooring
While the cost
of your new hard standing will depend on the amount of detail you add, the type
of colours you use and the location, the versatility of this material allows
skilled concrete contractors to build in distinctive features such as custom
logos or emblems, curves and blended colourways.
It’s a far call
from the traditional idea of concrete – with its smooth grey surface – as it
can be fashioned to replicate everything from stone and slate to tiles and
brick pavers.
Concrete Overlays
If you already
have an existing concrete surface that needs updating, a decorative overlay of
concrete can be applied, if the surface is in good condition.
This means you
can update your boring grey driveway or patio area with a surface in whatever
pattern and colour you desire.
What Kind of Problems Arise with Stamped Concrete?
Just like any
other kind of concrete, concrete that’s been stamped is still subject to
cracking over time.
You also need to
bear in mind that there may be imperfections in the finished surface; it may
mimic stone, wood or tiles but it’s not an exact replacement. There may be
cracks, dips in the surface and uneven colouring.
For this reason,
you should ensure that you use contractors who are specialists in this concrete
laying techniques and who can show you examples of their previous work.