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A Step-By-Step Guide To Decorative Concrete Installation

1/27/2014

58 Comments

 
Decorative concrete is a great option for pool decks, patio’s, porches, driveways, and sidewalks. While we are accustomed to the process involved in installing decorative concrete, many of our customers are very interested in how this installation is achieved.

Our latest project was for the City of Hickory and the Hickory Crawdad’s baseball team. This project consisted of installing two new walkways and then stamping the concrete with an antique brick pattern.
decorative concrete
The first step in the installation of new concrete is to properly form the area. The standard pour depth for concrete is 4 inches.
concrete installation
It is important that the surface is smooth and level. Uneven areas in the ground will require more concrete and thus, increase the cost of the installation.

Once the area has been properly formed and graded the installation of new concrete can begin. We used a 3000-psi concrete with pea gravel for this project. Pea gravel is much easier to work with when stamping concrete.

For this pour we are using an integral color called brick red. Integral color is mixed into the concrete at the plant. This process allows for a more even color throughout the concrete.
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Concrete must be level. In order to achieve this a screed must be used. Screeding concrete will remove excess concrete from higher areas and help fill in lower areas.
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Once the screeding process is completed it is time to begin troweling, floating, and edging the new pour. Floating is the process of smoothing the concrete and helping to remove moisture. As water evaporates from concrete it allows the concrete to firm up and brings us closer to being able to stamp.
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trowing concrete
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Once the concrete has been troweled, floated, and edged, the new concrete will look like this.
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It is at this point that standard concrete would be either machine finished or broom finished. Decorative concrete adds several other steps.

In order to properly stamp concrete the concrete must be firm enough to withstand the pressure of the stamps and the individual(s) standing on the new surface. However it must be wet enough for the impression to take into the concrete.

Before the stamping process begins we spray a release agent onto the concrete. This allows the rubber stamps to pull away without sticking to the concrete. This is very similar to spraying a pan with cooking spray prior to cooking.

Concrete Release Agent
After the concrete has been prepared with the release agent the stamping process can begin.
Stamped Concrete
The rubber mats fit together to form a pattern. After the mats have been placed they are tamped down with a special tool. The tamping process transfers the pattern from the stamps into the concrete.
Concrete Stamping
Brick Concrete Stamp
Specialty tools can be used to correct imperfections that might occur during mat transfer.
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Once the concrete has been stamped we allow it to finish curing over night. Once the concrete has set we move to the finishing stages of the project. These final steps will include color washing and sealing the new concrete.

In order to give the new concrete a more natural look, we use a silicon based coloring agent.
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A small amount of this charcoal color is added to 5 gallons of water.
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The colored mixture is then placed into a watering can and poured directly onto the stamped concrete surface. This process is called color washing. This will add additional color and it will help to antique the finish.
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After the color washing is complete the concrete will look like this...
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Stamped concrete is never finished until it has been properly sealed. We use an acrylic concrete sealer for all of our decorative concrete installations. The sealer helps protect the concrete as well as adding a “wet” look to the finish.
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Because this is a commercial installation, we added red quartz sand to the surface. This adds traction and will make the concrete much less slippery. The sand is not visible on the finished product.
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Here is the completed walkway...

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Decorative Concrete
Remember, we have many different style and color options when it comes to stamped concrete designs and decorative concrete. To get a quote on your own decorative concrete project, contact Stone Bond Construction online or call (828) 256-7915.

58 Comments
Luke Smith link
4/21/2016 11:20:54 pm

Thank you for this article about how concrete can be repaired. By reading it, it seems that the job needs to be done by an expert, so it can be done right. The brick looks great and was done very well.

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Custom Concrete for Your Home link
9/19/2022 02:29:37 am

Hello!! Nice idea that you shared with us to apply to my house that I plan to build soon...I have plans to build a house for my family soon and I'm very excited about the outcome....

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Tobias Armstrong link
5/12/2016 07:26:33 pm

I've seen a lot of walkways done like this, but I totally thought they were bricks! I knew that concrete finishing had come a long way in the last couple years (especially in the decorative sense), but this looks fantastic. I'm trying to figure out what to do for my home walkways, and this is super tempting to try. Thanks for sharing!

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Darren Grodi link
6/7/2016 08:15:19 pm

Awesome job guys on this concrete walkway! What a great idea adding the red quartz sand to add traction to the decorative stamped concrete. You guys know what your doing!

Keep up the good work!

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Jonathan Wilson link
6/21/2016 11:11:08 am

Okay, no lie, this is cool. You guys NAILED it with the color and finish to really make it look like brick. Am I the only one that gets excited when they start talking about decorative concrete? I love all of the awesome improvements the industry is making. Man, back when concrete stamping first hit the scene people weren't making quality stamps like this. But now, man we can make concrete look like ANYTHING, am I right!?

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Shad Morris link
9/22/2016 10:54:28 am

Wow, I am very impressed by the look of this concrete! My wife has always wanted a patio in our backyard, and we were thinking about having it look a little like this! I actually had no idea that you have to make sure that the surface is smooth an level.

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George S. link
11/30/2016 11:00:40 pm

Looks like that takes a great deal of experience to get that just right. That concrete looks really amazing! I'm very impressed.

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Dustin O
12/2/2016 07:35:45 am

What type of stamp is that and where do you get it?

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Kayla link
10/9/2017 02:58:24 pm

This looks like a great project. I would love to do this on our pavement. However, I think I don't have a lot of time to do it. I am now looking up some professionals to do it for me.

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Sam Li link
3/21/2019 02:17:34 pm

I love what you said about the importance of smoothing out your concrete. I believe that stamped concrete can be great for decorative purposes. If I were to need such services, I would contact an experienced contractor.

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Sam Li link
6/21/2019 03:32:41 pm

I like what you said about making sure that the surface is smooth and level. Local concrete contractors are great for all kinds of projects. If I needed such services, I would find the best contractor in the business.

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Decorative Concrete link
7/8/2019 08:59:55 pm

Hi..This step i can learn more a lot..I have plan to do this if have vacant time...I will make this in front of my house and i excited to work with it..thanks....

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Decorative concrete contractor Atlanta link
7/9/2019 08:45:54 pm

Hello!!Nice idea that you share with us to apply to my house that i plan to make soon...I have plan to make a house soon to my family and i'm so excited for the result....

Reply
Garage Floor Epoxy link
7/9/2019 08:59:45 pm

Good Day!!!Thanks for the step that you share to us...I'm excited to apply to my house...thank you...

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Kalamazoo Concrete link
9/12/2019 12:19:32 pm

Thats a pretty big job for a DIYer...but I must say it turned out great! Nice work! : )

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Randy Chorvack link
10/28/2019 03:15:43 pm

It's interesting that rubber mats are tamped down with a special tool to get the pattern into the concrete. I always wondered how it was stamped in. It makes sense that they'd use rubber instead of metal.

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Paul Minnow link
2/10/2020 01:20:36 pm

Wow!! That looks so great! I greatly appreciate the adding of the sand for traction, it seems that is a step that is skipped for most people and then the concrete becomes too slippery. Really nice job.

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
8/23/2021 12:31:19 am

I appreciate that this post underlined that having rubber decks installed for our swimming pool is a safe choice as it is anti-slip. It is important that we ensure that our pools are made with safety in mind. I will definitely make a point to find the right contractor.

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Concrete Driveways, Sidewalks, & Stairs link
9/28/2021 02:46:26 am

Thanks for the tips that new concrete can increase the street value of your home.

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joe snow link
10/26/2021 07:49:22 pm

My cousin John used you guys, he was very pleased with the results. I would of helped but we are in Baltimore Thanks for taking care of them

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Mia Evans link
10/27/2021 08:46:31 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that the concrete must be level to achieve the screed, so one must remove the excess from higher areas and fill in the lower ones. I guess it would be best to hire professionals to achieve the concrete driveways that we want. It's going to be complicated if we do it on our own because our property is on a slope, so the right leveling must be done correctly to prevent any structural issue.

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home improvement link
11/3/2021 06:35:22 pm

This is very informative. Thanks for sharing this information

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Millie Hue link
11/19/2021 06:55:05 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that it is important to ensure that the surface is smooth and level to keep you from needing additional concrete for the project. I hope that the concert kerbing services that I will find will be following that kind of procedure to save me from more costs. I just need the front area of my house done since it has been cracked and broken after living here for more than a decade.

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Tex Hooper link
12/13/2021 08:33:14 pm

I didn't know that you had to tamp down concrete. I need to get a contractor for my driveway. We want concrete slabs laid down.

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Hailey Miller link
1/12/2022 10:38:31 pm

Thanks for pointing out that decorative concrete is a great option for pool decks, patios, and driveways. My husband and I want to improve our property before our parents come to visit in March. With this, we will look for contractors on Monday who can construct decorative concrete on our driveway at an affordable rate.

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Kitchen Remodel Services Remodel link
1/14/2022 12:33:53 am

Thanks for sharing this blog. You might want to check mine at <a href="https://alexandriakitchenremodel.com/kitchen-remodel-services/">Kitchen Remodel Services Remodel.</a>

Reply
Charles Cartwright link
1/20/2022 05:32:36 pm

I truly appreciate your great post! As water evaporates from concrete it allows the concrete to firm up and brings us closer to being able to stamp.

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Aussie Concrete of City of Greater Dandenong link
1/24/2022 04:54:07 pm

Decorative concrete projects increasingly need to meet architectural design specifications or aesthetically match existing work. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!

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Aussie Concrete of Mount Waverly link
1/24/2022 05:41:54 pm

Walkways and concrete driveways to malls, event halls, waterfronts, sport courts, skate parks, theme parks, business parks, hotels and hospitality. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

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Victoria Addington link
2/22/2022 03:12:38 pm

Thanks for letting me know that screed must be utilized to achieve a leveled concrete. We want to enhance the appearance of our driveway while making sure it's durable. I think we should work with a decorative concrete service to achieve the driveway that we want.

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Kristofer Van Wagner link
2/24/2022 10:19:00 pm

Thanks for sharing that concrete decorations are suitable for pool decks, driveway because of its design and appearance. The other day my wife mentioned she is looking for a decorative piece to have display on our patio. I will definitely look at hiring a concrete artist hired to give us a recommendation.

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Nancy Enger link
2/27/2022 02:45:19 pm

Standing on the new surface. However it must be wet enough for the impression to take into the concrete. Thank you for the beautiful post!

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Max Jones link
4/26/2022 04:34:13 pm

Thanks for the info about concrete installation. I want to get decorative concrete for my home. I'll speak with a contractor later this month.

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Roofing In Spanish Fort link
5/8/2022 11:39:49 am

This allows the rubber stamps to pull away without sticking to the concrete. This is very similar to spraying a pan with cooking spray prior to cooking. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

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Roof Contractor link
5/27/2022 04:25:44 pm

Testing for the moisture is another crucial step when prepping for decorative concrete installation. Transmission test should be performed, whether you are working on new or old concrete.

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website link
6/14/2022 12:37:39 am

I really enjoyed reading this article. Very reliable!

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Larryian Van Charri link
6/18/2022 01:43:48 am

Almost described everything in a single article.. Thanks for sharing this informative information with us... Keep it up

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Best Concrete Contractors In Columbus link
7/4/2022 08:46:32 am

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https://columbusgaconcreteservice.com link
7/8/2022 09:18:33 am

I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read . I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job . Keep it up

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7/8/2022 03:27:14 pm

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MASONRY LITTLE ROCK AR link
8/11/2022 03:22:49 am

Thank you for sharing this informative article of yours. I hope there's a lot of people can read this article and be guided.

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Concrete Contractors Las Vegas NV link
9/8/2022 02:24:27 am

Great Post! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Kenneth Hayden link
9/9/2022 05:09:23 pm

Once the screeding process is completed it is time to begin troweling, floating, and edging the new pour. Floating is the process of smoothing the concrete and helping to remove moisture. Thank you for the beautiful post!

Reply
John Carston link
9/29/2022 08:08:43 am

I appreciate that you explained that the formation of the project area should be the first process for stamping concrete. My father told me a couple of days ago that he was hoping to find a reliable concrete service that could upgrade the look and function of their driveway because of cracks, and he asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. I appreciate this enlightening article, I'll tell him that it will be much better if we consult a trusted stamped concrete service as they can answer all our concerns.

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Luca link
10/12/2022 11:01:13 am

Thank you for this wonderful guide on concrete installation. This will help multiple individuals who want to DIY concrete works and some professionals that are new to the business.

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Tex Hooper link
10/18/2022 06:52:47 pm

Stamped concrete looks really fancy! We have to restore the backyard restored from the flooding we experienced. I'll have to hire a contractor to lay down pavement and fix the drywall.

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Jose Ram link
12/10/2022 02:17:18 pm

I didn't know concrete was such a versatile and beautiful material! I'm excited to see the possibilities of decorative concrete!

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eliteconcretecontractorsofhouston.com link
12/12/2022 03:30:38 am

Decorative concrete is a great option for pool decks, patio’s, porches, driveways, and sidewalks because of its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of design options. Decorative concrete can be stamped, stained, or textured to create a variety of looks, and is a popular choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, yet practical, outdoor living space.

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Concrete Contractor Pittsburgh link
12/14/2022 01:46:44 pm

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next one!

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Concrete Contractor Salt Lake City link
12/15/2022 07:24:07 pm

Awesome as always. Thanks for sharing!

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Concrete Contracting Company link
12/16/2022 06:43:29 pm

Thanks for posting. I just shared it on my FB

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Concrete Red Deer link
12/21/2022 12:16:58 pm

Thanks for sharing this insightful post

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Braden Bills link
12/27/2022 10:40:25 am

I want to get some concrete paths installed. It makes sense that I would want to get a concrete specialist to help me out with installing them! That seems like a great way to ensure that I put it together properly.

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Thomas Rice link
12/28/2022 04:30:49 pm

Floating is the process of smoothing the concrete and helping to remove moisture. As water evaporates from concrete it allows the concrete to firm up and brings us closer to being able to stamp. Thank you for taking the time to write a great post!

Reply
Iris Smith link
1/10/2023 04:14:24 am

Thank you for mentioning that sealer both adds a "wet" appearance to the finish and protects the decorative concrete. My mother wants to purchase beautiful concrete for her home. I'll inform my mother to get the decorative concrete service performed and ask for the sealer.

Reply
Concrete Service Edmonton link
1/10/2023 03:19:54 pm

Thank you for sharing this.

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Calgary Concrete link
1/17/2023 10:29:55 am

I think this is really informative! Thank you for this!

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Johnny Bravo link
1/17/2023 01:05:42 pm

Awesome share. Love looking at decorative concrete designs!

Reply



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