Textured or Stamped Concrete: An Attractive, Cost-Efficient and Durable Landscaping Option

Stamped concrete was introduced 50 years ago, when design options were limited, but today the industry has evolved to offer various colors and patterns.

Stamped concrete (also known as textured concrete, decorative concrete, imprinted concrete, impression concrete) is concrete that is created to simulate brick, slate, flagstone, stone variations, tile and wood patterns. Stamped concrete is created by pouring and smoothing out concrete, then allowing it to set until it is able to hold an impression.

Textured or Stamped Concrete: An Attractive, Cost-Efficient and Durable Landscaping Option

Overhead view of pool with a custom designed stamped concrete deck in Dallas, TexasStamped concrete (also known as textured concrete, decorative concrete, imprinted concrete, impression concrete) is concrete that is created to simulate brick, slate, flagstone, stone variations, tile and wood patterns.  Stamped concrete is created by pouring and smoothing out concrete, then allowing it to set until it is able to hold an impression.  A pattern is then imprinted in the concrete with a “concrete stamp” made of polyurethane.  Stamped concrete can be used to enhance pool decks, walkways, driveways, entryways, patios and courtyards.

Overhead view of a pool and spa with a custom designed stamped concrete or textured concrete deck in Dallas, Texas. Stamped concrete was first introduced about 50 years ago.  At that time, design options were limited.  But the industry had evolved and developed to the point where today one of the biggest appeals of stamped concrete is the wide availability of colors and patterns. At Bonick Landscaping we make our own custom patterns as the aesthetic standards of our clients simply require a better-looking end-product than most of the pre-fab patterns that are out there today.  Stamped concrete provides the same benefits of durability as traditional concrete (it stands up well to harsh weather and high traffic and lasts for many years).  These advantages make stamped concrete a good choice in terms of value among landscaping materials as the cost can represent a 50% or greater savings versus natural stone or other materials.

Stamped concrete can be colored in a number of different ways including integral/integrated colors, antiquing release colors, color hardeners and tinted sealers.

  • Integral or Integrated colors are mixed into concrete before it is poured and have the advantage of being consistent throughout so that if the concrete is ever chipped or scarred, the color appears the same.
  • Antiquing release colors are accent colors applied to the surface before stamping that prevent the stamp from sticking to the concrete but also accent color in the grooves and crevices of the stamped design.
  • Color hardeners are applied to the surface of concrete.  They are not recommended for climates that change rapidly due to what is called the “popcorn effect” where small circles “pop out” of the surface of the concrete.
  • Tinted sealers have a transparent color tint added and come in a wide variety of colors.

Front walkway leading to a house is made of large slabs of what appear to be stone but are actually stamped concrete made from custom molds. Typically, contractors use a variety of coloring techniques to achieve an attractive and realistic faux look.  To maintain its attractiveness, it is generally recommended that sealer be reapplied every one to four years depending on the area’s usage and weather exposure.

One final note on stamped concrete; because stamp selection and color application play such an important role in the final outcome, stamped concrete done correctly is truly an art.  I have seen poorly done stamped concrete applications as well as beautiful examples.  For best results, be sure to visit and look at examples of actual work done before choosing a contractor.

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