SATX Concrete Contractors - #1 Concrete Contractor in San Antonio, TX. Stamped concrete, on the other hand, lets you check out other textures. To test its stain resistance, we put a few drops of various liquids on the surface, including red wine, orange juice, chicken broth, and Italian salad dressing. Nothing beats concrete for a smooth, level transition, especially if the material and color indoors and out are the same or at least appear to be. A footnote in Microsoft's submission to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has let slip the reason behind Call of Duty's absence from the Xbox Game Pass library: Sony and Acrylic is usually thinner than epoxy or polyurethane, so it wears out faster and must be reapplied more often, usually about every 3 years. We didnt have a microfiber pad to apply the product, which is the recommended tool, but while the sealer was still wet, we lightly rolled over it with a smooth microfiber roller, which smoothed out brush marks. As long as your concrete is properly sealed, it should be as easy to clean as a laminated surface. See examples of stamped concrete patterns. After the sealer dried, we took the paver outdoors and subjected it to the same tests. Depending on the size of the driveway, they might even be able to do it one day. Concrete can be colored so naturally that it blends seamlessly with other elements in a room. Most concrete sealers can be sprayed on with either a garden-style pump sprayer or a high-pressure, low-volume (HPLV) sprayer. We poured equal amounts of both Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) into a clean plastic container and stirred with a clean paint stick for about 5 minutes. Stamped concrete can have similar issues to slab concrete in terms of staining or cracking, which may incur higher costs over time. Acrylic concrete sealers offer a high degree of both durability and flexibility in terms of aesthetic appeal. Less expensive than wooden floor joists and wood construction. The eco-friendly silane/siloxane blend bonds with the minerals for penetrating concrete and creating a long-lasting, invisible barrier against water penetration, staining, and chemical damage. Compare the pros and cons below to decide if it's right for you. Per m from 72.99 inc VAT 60.82 ex VAT. Then again, considering the pros and cons for each of these processes can be helpful when finalizing your decision. This is an optimal choice for concrete driveways, patios, and other outdoor applications where users dont wish to alter the surface appearance. Browse our collection of hundreds of stamped concrete photos for inspiration and ideas for your home or business. Concrete countertops will serve you well for decades both functionally and aesthetically and are unlikely to ever need replacement. Bigger 8x8x16 concrete blocks include: Epoxy provides a thick, extremely durable, glossy finish with either a clear coat or a variety of color options. More also, the top-notch look you get from affordable stamped concrete is fascinating Low Maintenance Cost Garden Beds: Cons . No stains were left behindpretty impressive! PROS & CONS OF CONCRETE FLOORS. Reinforcement allows for long, seamless spans and even daring overhangs not possible with granite or other materials. If your concrete has minor imperfections, stains, or cracks, an overlay or microtopping might be the answer. Yes, you can get a stamped concrete look over an existing patio. Sensing using specific and selective receptors provides two very different but complementary strategies. Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick and even wood. A good interior floor sealer will prolong the life of the concrete, provide protection from scuffs and stains, prevent moisture problems, as well as enrich the color and enhance the shine of the floor. A self-taught carpenter, cabinetmaker, electrician,and plumber, he has renovated two 19th-century farmhouses in upstate New York and a mid-20th-century house in Austin, Texas. This type of sealer is applied with a smooth, clear finish and offers a range of sheens from matte to glossy. Concrete kitchen countertops are a popular, high-end option. It went on easily and quickly penetrated the surface. Concrete stamped in an Old English Slate was the perfect solution. IS STAMPED CONCRETE RIGHT FOR ME? J&H Decorative Concrete LLC Uniontown, OH. Concrete stains are an excellent way to color existing concrete. The surface was then stamped with texture skins in a Roman slate pattern. When choosing any contractor, get several written estimates and check references carefully. Another benefit of applying concrete sealer is that it protects the colors and ornamental details of stamped, tinted, and exposed aggregate concrete. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of decorative concrete flooring is the inability to easily repair or patch it. Concrete floors in basements, garages, and shops take a lot of abuse over time. Instead, the pavers remained inside and were treated to the same types of events they would typically encounterspills, stains, and all-purpose cleanersand then we awarded points based on their performance. Copyright 1999-2022 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, Determine if cement counters are right for you, learn how they are made and get care tips. Transform your garden with our huge range of paving slabs including porcelain, natural stone and concrete pavers . Any cracks or fissures should be patched up and remedied immediately. On the flip side, because asphalt is a petroleum product, it is more flexible and less susceptible to cracking than concrete. There are a number of advantages to using stamped concrete over other forms of outdoor patio and driveway finishes. To achieve natural-looking color variations, such as you would see in real stone, stamped concrete contractors often use integral or dry-shake color in conjunction with surface-applied coloring mediums. Bringing up the costs would be excavation, added curbs, or a sidewalk. Creating a wood deck is often a dream for many homeowners. Note the differences among these types described in detail in this article. If it remained stained even after power-washing, it received 0 points. Pros and Cons of Using Stamped Concrete. Equipped with an outdoor kitchen and bar, a pergola, and multiple areas for dining and conversation, this two-part stamped concrete patio is ideal for outdoor entertaining. When the sealer dried, the surface was very even. Check out our in-depth instructions in this DIY guide and learn about the mixes and supplies you'll need. A stamped concrete patio is created with patterned concrete that is embossed and textured to resemble flagstones. For this beautiful 1,200-square-foot patio and outdoor entertaining area, travertine stamps and stone-textured form liners were used to replicate real stone, creating a high-end look for a reasonable cost. The appearance of a paver patio without all the difficulties linked with them. Epoxy concrete sealers are the most versatile product for protecting concrete countertops. These products cure in less than 24 hours to provide a natural-looking finish, providing excellent weather protection without making the surface slippery, changing the surface appearance, or leaving a sheen. Pros. If the floor receives heavy foot traffic, such as in a restaurant or retail store, a concrete floor wax can be applied occasionally as a sacrificial layer to preserve the sealer and protect the integrity of the floor. After allowing it to dry completely, we performed the water test, and the water beaded up on the surface. Compare. Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete and Masonry Sealer combines proprietary penetrating nanotechnology with polyurethane to provide durable, long-lasting protection. Stamped Concrete Concrete can be stamped with a decorative mold to make it look like stone, brick, and more. Stamped concrete is typically more affordable than natural stone, brick or pavers, Hutchinson explains. Considering stamped concrete? See what else he has to say about stamped concrete as a DIY project. Door mats and area rugs also help protect high-traffic or spill-prone areas. Stamped concrete usually needs a sealer to keep its decorative component. Bulach Custom Rock in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Because stamped concrete is a textured surface, it is often more slip resistant than conventional concrete. According to expert Chris Sullivan, stamped concrete is not a DIY project. Acrylic is best for decorative, high-gloss, and color-enhancing applications. Higher-end designs are about the same as slate, stone, or marble. Applying concrete sealer can help stave off long-term damage from moisture and chemical intrusion, but there are different types available, and some perform better than others. a. Stamp patterns can be imprinted on concrete countertops for an added design element. Presses a pattern into the surface while the concrete is still wet and soft. So we strained the sealer through a large coffee filter to remove the tiny bits that had obstructed the nozzle and were then able to use it in the sprayer. Only use a layer of pea gravel 2 inches thick in garden beds. Most companies are regional: One area where contractors commonly cut corners is the granular base. How much does stamped concrete cost? We didnt brush it or manipulate it in any way. Can crack in extreme change of temperatures. To obtain a wet look on a stamped concrete driveway, check out Quikrete Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer. The cost per square foot for a basic design is comparable to linoleum, vinyl, carpet or lower-priced ceramic tile. From an aesthetic standpoint, stamped concrete is hard to beat when it comes to pattern and color options, which are virtually unlimited. Under normal use, they will often last the life of your home. Flat land makes for an easier and less expensive process. Penetrating sealers are safer in icy and wet environmentsthey do not change the concretes surface texture, so they wont make it more slick. Pavers can be up to four times stronger than poured concrete, and its design also causes less damage due to the freeze-thaw effect. Because of the densification that occurs in the polishing process, polished surfaces dont require sealers or waxes. Learn more about bathroom flooring options. Sealers can last anywhere from 1-10 years or longer, depending on the type of sealer used. Penetrating sealers seal the pores of concrete below the surface. Matching a stain years down the road can be quite difficult, and if the floor requires patching, the new concrete is likely to take the stain differently than the original surface. Absolute ConcreteWorks in Port Townsend, WA. Colors can be mixed, layered or antiqued with stains or tints, creating a virtually endless list of possibilities. Neutral and natural-looking floors are easy to maintain and incorporate styles with. Less vulnerable to cracking than concrete, Less likely to be damaged by salt and ice melt, Ready to use immediately vs. seven days for concrete, DIYers can repair or reseal worn asphalt to extend its life, Surface can soften, get tarry, and scorching hot when sunny, Only lasts 15 to 20 years (concrete lasts twice as long). Acid-based stains are available in earth-toned palettes and water-based formulas offer a broader range of color options. We used a brush to apply the sealer, which was milky at first but cleared up as it dried. Asphalt and concrete are the two most common surfaces used for residential driveways. The wide variety of pattern and color choices make it popular for beautifying patios, pool decks, driveways and more. Concrete pavers are placed individually, without any grout, in intricate, stunning patterns. We liked the eco-friendly aspects of Seal-Once, which is safe around children and pets when completely cured. See Why Concrete Cracks for basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance. Various levels of sheen from satin to high-gloss can be achieved through this multi-step process. To determine if asphalt is the way to go for your driveway, consider three main factors: how it looks with your home, your regional climate, and how much you want to spend. Get Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer on Amazon or at Walmart. A more organic look, these patterns are created to give an appearance of naturally occurring stone. It claims to prevent efflorescence, cracking, spalling, mold and mildew growth, lime bloom, and freeze-thaw damage. Time: 04:17 One of the tradeoffs with asphalt is that you should seal it every few years for proper maintenance, while concrete is essentially maintenance-free. Even if the color has faded due to years of neglect or lack of maintenance, it can often be restored to its original state by cleaning and resealing. Moisture and salt are two of concretes biggest enemies, yet depending on your climate you may be dealing with both of these. Get Foundation Armor AR350 on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Lowes. The maintenance needs of concrete flooring depends upon the amount and type of traffic it receives, but with minimal upkeep, your concrete will provide you with decades of use. It can be applied to either unsealed concrete surfaces or those previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic sealer. You might be able to complete the job over a weekend or two. We covered the work table with newspaper and poured the blended TotalBoat Epoxy evenly over the paver. Concrete Patio Is Designed for Outdoor Entertaining. Radiant heating can also be installed to keep the floor comfortable for bare feet. Using deicers can cause surface damageprimarily scaling and spallingby forcing the thawing and refreezing of moisture. For an occasional deeper cleaning, use water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available and requires less maintenance than the materials it regularly replaces. Stamped concrete is an affordable and durable way to get the look of stone, brick or even wood. Basic cleaning with a garden hose or pressure washer, some mild detergent and a push broom is all that is needed before resealing. Concrete sealers perform differently depending on the type of surface. Stamped; Brushed; Scored; Materials can include brick, concrete, flagstone, pea gravel, pavers, and tile. The paver looked just as good at the end of the testing as when it was first coated. What is Stamped Concrete? Cement bricks are typically for foundations or above-grade masonry walls. Cohen shows some of his favorite patterns and techniques for stamped concrete patios and walkways. Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent-Based Acrylic Concrete Sealer met and exceeded our expectations, earning the best overall spot. Acrylic sealers can dry within an hour and take between 36 and 48 hours to fully cure, making them a good choice for projects that need to be done quickly. Salt from ice melt, lawn chemicals, sea spray, and other sources corrode and weaken concrete. Tuff Duck brushed on milky but dried to a semi-gloss. Logos and graphics can be incorporated with stenciling or engraving. If anything, stamped concrete looks better than the real thing, because you wont get weed or moss growth in between the joints, and it wont rot or splinter if you are mimicking wood planking. Concrete is generally considered a premium driveway material, a cut above asphalt. After 3 weeks, we power-washed the paver and allowed it to dry. Concrete can't handle snowplows and road salt well, so concrete is better suited for hot climates, while asphalt is better for winter weather regions. We dont recommend installing stamped concrete as a DIY project, and the main reason is that you only have one chance to get it right. The national average for an asphalt driveway runs about $4,000 for a 600-square-foot driveway; prices can vary due to geographical location, the size of the area, grading of the site, labor, and asphalt type. Rather than move the paver outdoors, we kept it indoors and exposed it to fairly heavy foot traffic after sprinkling it with sand and didnt notice any scuffing. After 24 hours, a film was visible on the paver, but it was attractiveit didnt change the color of the concrete, just added a uniform finish. Nowadays you have a wide array of options in terms of design or color. After curing, the sealers were exposed to a host of everyday situations that they would most likely encounter in the real world. Both sealers cure to form a nonporous surface that can be wiped clean and sterilized, making them generally recognized as safe for food preparation. If they do become stained, you can often remove the stains yourself using the right materials and methods. Get EcoProCote Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Sealer on Amazon. Time: 03:47 (The Red List is a collection of harmful-to-humans chemicals and building materials assembled by the International Living Future Institute to create awareness and promote healthy alternatives in building construction.) Stained concrete is incredibly popular because of the warm, earthy tones the stains impart. Consider these and other factors to help decide whether or not asphalt is a good choice for your driveway. Admittedly, concrete sealers are supposed to last a year or longer, and we didnt have that much time to test. Concrete can be left its natural grey or be customized to replicate the look of granite, marble or even wood. It can be stamped to look like stone or brick, tinted or stained with a range of colors, and even embellished with decorative inlays (all at an added cost). Combined with general wear and tear, unsealed concrete can be subject to damage due to freezing, thawing, and salt exposure. Because concrete paints are opaque, you wont be able to achieve the natural color variations and unique mottling effects of a concrete stain. On this barren canvas, the homeowners created an inviting outdoor space for entertaining by installing a stamped concrete patio with separate zones for a large pergola and a stone-faced fireplace. Learn more about stamped concrete overlays. With many garages being used as extensions of living space, why not make them as attractive as the rest of the home. The end result is a truly one-of-a-kind counter with lots of character. The most popular color choices tend to be neutral grays and earth tones; however, the possibilities are nearly limitless. As a general rule, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid the use of aggressive scrubbing pads or abrasive cleansers that can wear away the sealer. Concrete contractors near me concrete cost per yard according to the nrmca, concrete costs $108 per cubic yard on average. Stamped concrete can also be used in the following ways: Stamped concrete can be expensive depending on the costs for materials and labor in your local market and the complexity of the job, but the old adage, you get what you pay for, really holds true. The stained concrete pros and cons are determined by the kind of stain and the application. We recommend sticking with a simple design, unless youve had plenty of experience. For the best results, choose water-based sealers with the longest intervals between maintenance applications so that you dont have to handle the product as often. Learn how polishing produces concrete with a high-gloss finish that never needs waxing. Stamped concrete is also half the price of expensive materials like flagstone while still providing the durability and strength of concrete. Concrete countertops offer a completely customizable, handcrafted surface popular in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor entertaining areas, as well as in restaurants and bars. Driveway paving companies provide solutions for any driveway needs from new paving, resurfacing, fixing cracks, or applying sealant. It becomes less effective on rough or textured surfaces and with sealers that have a solids content above 35 percent. In order to properly seal your patio, you will need to make sure the surface is clean and clear of debris and moisture, and that your concrete is properly cured (this could be several weeks after pouring). Great if youre a homeowner since you can have two advantages simultaneously. Consult an experienced floor contractor for advice. The sealed paver was taken outdoors and subjected to the same tests as the others, and it came through with flying colors. A decorative border is a great way to set off and frame a stamped concrete patio, especially free-form designs. It went on smoothly and self-leveled within seconds to form a uniform coating. Get MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Sears. Many find the options with a concrete driveway to be more aesthetically pleasing. For larger cracks up to 2-inches large, fill the gap up with small, crushed, angular gravel, then fill with a cold-patch asphalt repair compound, such as blacktop. Sealed concrete resists dirt and stays cleaner than unsealed concrete. Shoveling or snow-blowing a beat-up driveway can be a real headache in snow country. Interior sealers are more likely to be used to enhance decor. Most are two-part products that must be mixed before application. Textures and finishes are available to match any design style, including traditional, modern, contemporary, industrial, or rustic. Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape or home's architectural style and choose patterns and colors that blend with existing stone, tile or textured concrete elements. By Mark Wolfe and Glenda Taylor | Updated May 18, 2022 11:52 AM. Pros: More affordable than natural stone, brick and flagstone Increases home value Offers unlimited design options Is as durable as concrete Sealing makes it even more long-lasting Cons Stamping can be combined with color to give you the high-end look of natural stone or wood, but in a more cost-effective way. After 48 hours, when the Eagle Armor Seal product had completely cured, we started our tests. Concrete flooring is a versatile and popular option for many home builders, homeowners, and business owners due to its affordability, durability, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and more. The most affordable stamped concrete uses a single pattern and color. New asphalt driveways typically can be driven on immediately after installation. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additionally, its an affordable paving option that requires less maintenance than other materials. Because of its superior durability and weather resistance, colored and stamped concrete is the perfect choice to bring the high-end look of stone, brick, or wood to patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways and courtyards. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme with a simple brick-patterned border, or choose a pattern and color scheme that ties in with your surrounding landscape. Concretes easy care, ability to handle heavy foot traffic and resist staining make it the perfect choice for busy areas where dirt, mud and water might get tracked in. What disadvantages it has are also its advantages. If it resisted stains moderately well, it got 2 points. Concrete sealer repels moisture that otherwise would lead to long-term damage. Unfortunately, one of the few drawbacks of stained concrete floors is that they can be tricky to repair. Solvent-based sealers, including solvent-based acrylic, produce fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be irritating and harmful to skin and eyes. And the most common advantage a stamped concrete patio provides, which most homeowners care for, is affordable cost than pavers, brick, or stones. They are typically breathable as well, allowing moisture vapor to escape. It is significantly harder than acrylic, but it does not allow trapped moisture to escape from the concrete slab. 14 Different Types of Tiles for Outdoor Patios and How to Choose One. Factors that play a role in the final cost of your countertop are the shape, size, thickness, color and finish, as well as additions such as edge designs, backsplashes, inlays, or decorative aggregates. Polyurethane concrete sealers are used for floors in high-traffic areas, on concrete countertops, and to protect and enhance colored, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete. When acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy begins looking worn and dingy, which is usually after about 3 to 5 years, it is time to reseal. We only had 3 weeks, so we didnt pull any punches, exposing the sealers to extreme testing procedures to see how well they held up. Sealer can enhance the color and beauty of stained, stamped, exposed aggregate, and other ornamental concrete treatments. Get answers to common questions about the comfort and maintenance of concrete floors. Geometric divisions: High-end concrete floors are sometimes laid out with geometric patterns, with each segment colored or texturized in a different way for artistic effect. Your contractor can recommend the best sealer for your particular application. FREE ESTIMATE: (210) 880-3929. Browse hundreds of pictures of stamped concrete patios, pool decks and more in our photo gallery. The contractor has a limited window of time in which the freshly poured concrete can be stamped by hand. All rights reserved. Read more about how to create a grand entrance. Stamped concrete has exploded in popularity in recent years. These homeowners wanted the look of a natural stone patio, but didn't want to pay the high price. We double-checked the specifications and found that the manufacturer does not guarantee protection from chemicals. The long-term value should also be considered, as concrete will provide decades of use with very low maintenance, saving you money over the lifetime of the floor. Browse our collection of 400+ concrete flooring photos for inspiration and ideas for your home or business. We felt it wasnt a big drawback because the sealer kept the grease, mud, and de-icing salts from staining, and water still beaded up on the surface after the paver was cleaned and dried. Using various reinforcement methods during construction can help to prevent this. Our experience might have been a fluke, so we dont want to give the wrong impression of the overall quality of the sealer, but judging by the product we received, we cannot recommend it. Also, concrete can be stamped with rubber stencils to give it texture. The most popular types of stamped concrete are natural stone patterns such as slate, flagstone, and fieldstone. Use a stiff broom and strong hose spray to remove all dirt and debris. Rolling with a - to -inch nap roller is doable with many water-based and solvent-based sealers. Needs high-maintenance in terms of sealing to prolong life. As a general rule, sealing concrete driveways should be done with penetrating sealers, indoor floors with acrylic sealers, and concrete countertops with either an epoxy sealer or a polyurethane sealer. When this gorgeous stone-clad home in Wantage, N.J., was built, a raised concrete patio was installed, but it lacked the character of the homes natural stone and log details. in Plano, TX. In some cases, stamped concrete can be even more durable than standard concrete, especially if a color hardener was used when it was poured. Asphalt is the most affordable option for paving your driveway. These edges are easy to clean and spills will fall straight onto the floor instead of seeping into your kitchen cabinets, which is a nice plus. A timeless design plus the inherent durability of the material can equal decades of functionality. Pros: Read the nine reasons stamping concrete is not for do-it-yourselfers. After the Siloxa-Tek cured for 24 hours, we set it outdoors and subjected it to the elements, mud, grease, de-icing salts, and rubbed-in sand over the next 3 weeks. Are among the best choice for high-traffic exterior concrete surfaces against freeze-thaw damage most common surfaces for How stamped concrete patios, pool decks and more anywhere from 1-10 years or longer, and selective sensors on. Power-Washed the paver was taken outdoors and subjected to the site, then used all-purpose. Advice for fixing flaws and discoloration described in detail in this DIY guide and about. 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