A distinct and compelling remodeling trend that has considerable popularity for home remodeling projects is stamped concrete. McKinney homeowners can customize the look of their outdoor concrete surfaces through this type of application. The customization possibilities are extensive with this form of concrete design, including options involving texture and pigment.
What is Stamped Concrete?
The process of creating this type of concrete design involves pouring slab concrete for walkways, driveways, patios, and other surfaces and then applying textures and patterns onto the concrete before it completely dries. In past years, a more basic type of stamped concrete was used at involves only the duplication of patterns along the surface.
Today’s latest stamped concrete designs sometimes involve the application of textures that duplicate the appearance of number of different material surfaces, including wood, pavers, cobblestones, seashells, brick, and more. As well, pigment is often added to the concrete to make the final appearance as realistic looking as possible.
Better than Bricks, Cobbles, and Pavers?
Pavers, brick, and cobbles provide a great-looking appearance. However, due to the fact that their surface consists of multiple interlocking pieces, they are subject to frost heave and other forces beneath the surface. These elements can be used effectively in many cases when you need to cover an uneven surface, since these elements will conform to the surface. However, with the flat, level surface, stamped concrete can be laid flat and even as well with reinforcing rods serving to tie the concrete pavement together and give it strength.
A drawback to using pavers, bricks, and cobbles is that grass and weeds are able to make their way up through the cracks in between the individual elements. As a solid, continuous surface, stamped concrete prevents grass and weeds from appearing on the surface.
Aesthetics Compared to Bricks, Cobbles, and Pavers
The aesthetics provided by stamped concrete are very impressive. Some surfaces are designed to duplicate the look of different materials. The degree to which the attempt that it duplicated look is successful is in the eye of the beholder – but many people are highly satisfied the results they receive.
Of course, you may also choose stamped concrete that simply consists of particular textures, patterns, and colors without the design intent to mimic a particular type of material or surface.
