Stamped concrete refers to concrete with an embossed pattern or texture that is created to achieve either wood, brick, or tile-like design. To achieve the desired look, the material is stamped or imprinted with the design. Hence the name, stamped concrete.
It has been widely used to add aesthetics in many homes, especially those that have nice backyard spaces that can accommodate a patio. If you’re thinking of using stamped concrete to beautify your own yard, it’s best to know the advantages and disadvantages first.
Pros of Using Stamped Concrete For Backyard Projects
Source: impressionsgroupottawa.ca
First, let’s learn the advantages or pros of using stamped concrete in your home or backyard project.
1. It’s Cheaper
It seems to be a cheaper option than installing tiles or bricks, which could be very expensive to install. And with it, you can create a similar tile pattern or brick design at less than a fraction of what you would likely spend with a tile or brick installation.
2. Value Enhancement
Not only is stamped concrete cheaper, but it is also beautiful and has the effect of increasing the selling value of your home exponentially. Homes with it in their yards can be sold for a better price than a house without one.
3. Design Versatility
With stamped concrete, you can bring your dream patio to life. According to people from concretecontractorcoloradosprings.com, you are allowed to choose a textured design, color, variation, and arrangement of it. .
In other words, you are in absolute control of the design and form of your stamped concrete. To have a colored one, all you have to do is add a little of the desired paint to your concrete while mixing it. However, you’ll have to apply hand stains to each stamped slab before it dries out to achieve a colored effect. This will give your stamped material an individualistic texture and design.
4. Easy To Clean
Source: thespruce.com
Stamped concrete is one of the easiest pavers to clean. To get it looking as good as new, all you need is a bucket of water and some liquid soap with a good bristled brush, and you have your clean concrete back.
Also, because the surface is smooth and hard, you’ll have a clean, neat, and beautiful pathway all the time. Who won’t love to sit and relax in such a beautiful and clean backyard?
5. Ease of Installation
Installing stamped concrete is very easy. It’s so easy that you can even do it yourself if you have the skill and hand precision for it. However, it is always better to call a professional if you don’t have any experience with the material yet. It will be done quicker and neater by a professional.
Nonetheless, the process is easy. All you have to do is get your desired textured stamp, color, and concrete mix. First, the it must be spread evenly on the surface, then wait for it to dry a bit. And while it is still soft, the design must be imprinted. As it dries, the design sticks and dries with it, giving you—the homeowner—a beautiful layout.
6. Provides An Excellent Walkway For Physically Challenged People
People with problematic visions or who are physically challenged may find it easier to walk on stamped concrete than on a smooth surface. This is because the uneven surface, as brought by the textures and patterns, can help them hold their steps without falling off. This is better than walking on a smooth surface that could easily lead to a slip or fall.
Cons of Using Stamped Concrete for Backyard Projects
Source: disabatinoinc.com
As beautiful as stamped concrete is, it still comes with a few disadvantages. These are discussed below:
1. You Can’t Use Your Backyard For Parking
Using a stamped concrete for your backyard project cancels out the option of parking in your backyard. You have to either build a garage for your vehicle or risk of it getting worn out and cracking after a few months.
A stamped concrete does not have the required stamina to carry the weight of a vehicle easily. It isn’t designed for such a purpose. Moreover, this also means that your stamped concrete cannot withstand heavy equipment, so you must make sure that the space is clear from any bulky material.
2. It Is Difficult to Repair
Although stamped concrete is durable and can last years without cracking or damaging, it is however difficult to repair once it gets damaged. To repair a stamped damaged concrete, you will have to remove the whole material and fix everything.
To avoid removing everything, you can choose to fix what is known as control joints. As the name implies, the control joints are sections in the material that can allow for expansion later and, in this case, allow for later repairs.
3. It Doesn’t Like Cold Weather
Source: newenglandstampedconcrete.com
As durable as stamped concrete can be, it cannot withstand extremely cold weather. Cold temperatures affect the water composition in the concrete and lead to obvious cracks in the surfaces. Cracks are not easy to repair, and this is a whole new challenge when you choose stamped concrete.
4. It is Relatively More Expensive Than Regular Concrete
While stamped concrete is, of course, cheaper than installing tiles or bricks in your backyard, it is more expensive than just pouring and smoothing a concrete floor. The cost of the material you will use and paying a professional all add up to your expenses. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, stamped concrete may not be the best choice.
Conclusion
Stamped concrete is beautiful, and it is increasingly becoming popular in the home construction industry. It is excellent for a great patio, walkway, and backyard layout. It is easy to clean, easy to install, increases the value and beauty of your home, and would make an excellent walkway for physically challenged people.
However, it also has its share of disadvantages. First, it is not easy to repair when it’s cracked, and even though it’s cheaper than tiles, it is not the most affordable option. Moreover, stamped concrete cannot withstand heavy equipment like vehicles and are not suited for cold weather.
But now that you know the pros and cons, you can better decide if stamped concrete is an ideal choice based on your needs and budget.
