Stamped Concrete is a concrete material used as an overlay on the surface of any concrete. It has unique characteristics that make it attractive to builders and homeowners. Stamped Concrete Denver has exciting textures and patterns imprinted into the concrete itself, making the surface look like many different materials. These patterns can be created through grinding, sawing, laser etching, spray painting, or even using a concrete stamping tool. Many homeowners prefer it stamped concrete because it can blend in with any surrounding material and provide a professional look.
Stamped Concrete uses two coats of applied concrete stain that are set with an acid or alkaline mixture. The texture and pattern of the stamped concrete will be formed from the top coating of the stain and the bottom coat of the overlay. Most importantly, the texture and pattern of the stamped concrete will be consistent from one location to another. Stamped concrete can be designed and imprinted with up to nine different textures and patterns. Some of these patterns include; river rock, decorative gravel, tree bark, brick pavers, brick, decorative pavers, concrete pavers, river rocks, sand, asphalt, sand, pebbles, plastic, paper and fabric material. There are numerous companies that design and manufacture stamped concrete.
Typically, when manufacturers create stamped concrete they will use a cold-pressed mechanical process to apply the texture and pattern to the concrete. One of the most popular applications of stamped concrete includes using it on walkways and decking. Other applications of stamped concrete are in interior and exterior wall lining, patio flooring, bricks, inlaid stone and tile, ground cover and pool lining and surfacing, brick patios, stamped concrete for garden walling, stamped concrete for fireplace surrounds and walls, interior and exterior door surrounds, stair case, baseboard surrounds, skirting boards and track panels.
Before choosing a stained concrete color, it is important to consider the space where the pattern will be installed. Once the size and shape of the pattern has been finalized then the color can be chosen. The different options include; applying the pattern with or without a stain, staining only the perimeter of the pattern or creating a pattern with a stained concrete color but with no underlying stain. Both options provide the builder with an abundant selection of patterns. Another important consideration is the texture of the pattern. It is possible to either choose a smooth matte textured texture or a textured one such as jagged.
One of the most commonly used materials for stamped concrete designs is slate. Slate is highly desirable because it is one of the most durable materials that has ever been developed and because it is available in such a wide variety of patterns. In addition to the basic colors of black and brown, slate can be found in a very light beige, green, ivory, sand and tan tones. Because of the amazing array of textures and shades available in slate, there are many patterns that can be created with this beautiful material.
Textured Slate is another highly sought after option for stamped concrete. A texture can be added to the surface of the slabs using a stamp or with the addition of coloring materials. Often, the texture is created by using a special stamp to create a texture in a design that is intricate and sophisticated. In addition to being used as a decorative accent color, the texture can be used to add additional insulation to a building. Because of its durability and resistance to both fire and weather, the addition of this type of building materials to floors and walls can greatly enhance the energy efficiency of the overall structure.
When it comes to the choice between staining or having a texture added to stamped concrete, the homeowner must first consider the cost of these two options. For the same decorative effect of having textured slate or beveled marble, the price of stamped concrete is much less expensive. Because this product is stamped rather than created with a stamp, there is no variation in the color, depth or texture of the finished product. In some cases, the texture is created using only pigment inks rather than a machine stamp.
When deciding which option is the best for you and your budget, you should consider purchasing a stapled unit that contains a built-in natural building material layer. Stapling a floor with this type of pattern also provides a seamless joint between the stamped concrete and the pavers. Because the stapled flooring is attached at the factory, it is important to purchase a good quality base color and get a good quality, low VOC, UV resistant, texture-free, paver colored textured paper base to ensure an excellent bond.