Stamped & Decorative Concrete

The Look You Want Without the Price Tag

Stamped concrete gives you all the beauty of natural stone, brick, or tile without the expensive installation costs or high maintenance. We press patterns into fresh concrete to create realistic textures that look like premium materials. Add color, and most people can't tell the difference between stamped concrete and the real thing until they look closely.

Here in Upland, CA, we've installed stamped concrete on driveways, patios, pool decks, and walkways. The results look custom and expensive, but the cost stays reasonable. Plus, stamped concrete holds up better than pavers or natural stone in our climate, with less maintenance and no shifting or settling over time.

Popular Stamped Concrete Patterns

We offer dozens of stamp patterns, but these are the most popular choices for Upland homes:

• Ashlar slate: Creates the look of cut stone tiles with irregular edges. Works great for patios and entryways.
• Cobblestone: Mimics old European streets with rounded stones. Perfect for driveways and walkways with a classic feel.
• Wood plank: Looks like wooden decking but never needs staining or sealing. Popular for outdoor living spaces.
• Flagstone: Replicates natural stone with irregular shapes. Ideal for pathways and pool decks.
• Brick: Traditional brick pattern without the maintenance issues. Great for front walkways and courtyard areas.
• Seamless texture: Adds subtle texture without distinct patterns. Works well for modern, minimalist designs.

Color Options and Combinations

Color makes stamped concrete come alive. We use two methods to add color. Integral color goes throughout the concrete, so minor wear won't show. Color hardener goes on the surface and creates richer, more varied tones. We often combine both for the most realistic look. You can choose from earth tones like tan, brown, and gray, or go bolder with reds, blues, or greens.

Many of our clients choose multiple colors to create depth and realism. For example, a flagstone pattern might use three shades of gray with hints of tan to mimic natural stone variation. The final step is applying a sealer that protects the color and brings out the richness of the tones, making everything look wet and vibrant.

The Installation Process

Installing stamped concrete takes skill and timing. We start with the same thorough base preparation we use for all concrete work. Then we pour the concrete and add the color hardener while it's still wet. Once the concrete reaches the right consistency, we press the stamps into the surface, creating the pattern. This part requires experience because the concrete needs to be firm enough to hold the pattern but soft enough to stamp. After stamping, we detail the edges and joints by hand to make everything look natural.

The next day, we clean the surface and apply release agent remover. After the concrete cures for a few days, we seal it to protect the color and pattern. The whole process typically takes 3-4 days from start to finish. You can walk on the surface after 48 hours, but wait a full week before driving on stamped driveways.

Why Choose Stamped Over Other Options

Natural stone costs two to three times more than stamped concrete and requires professional installation that takes longer. Pavers cost less than natural stone but more than stamped concrete, and they can shift over time, allowing weeds to grow between joints. Wood decking needs regular staining and eventually rots or warps. Tile can crack in outdoor freeze-thaw cycles. Stamped concrete gives you the upscale appearance without the drawbacks.

Maintenance is simple too. Sweep or hose off your stamped concrete regularly. Reseal every 2-3 years to maintain the color and protection. That's it. No weeding, no re-leveling pavers, no replacing cracked tiles, no treating wood. Visit our homepage to see examples of recent stamped concrete projects and learn more about our process.

Decorative Concrete Questions