Making the decision to add or update the concrete features of your home, like the garage floor, driveway, or patio, is a great move, and one more homeowner would do well to consider. Why? Because having decorative stonework or concrete is an investment you can keep for years to come Likewise, this addition to your home increases its curb appeal, letting you customize it more.
On your journey to having those concrete features finally installed, you must be aware of the different types of concrete to choose from and which one will best suit your needs. Here is some information about stamped and textured concrete you should know.
Stamped versus Textured Concrete
Stamped concrete is everyone’s favorite. Aside from enhancing the beauty of a surface, it also adds more dimension to it. Yet, stamped concrete must be installed in slabs before a large stamp with the pattern of your choice can be used to imprint the concrete and then allowed to dry completely. It can be added to an existing concrete slab because it will sit on top of the existing concrete, or it can be utilized for the brand-new surface that you’re installing.
Doing this will create a higher surface due to the overlay on the existing concrete. The best thing about stamped concrete is the selection of designs and patterns available. You can have concrete with the design of tile, brick, cobblestone, and other natural-looking materials.
In the same manner, textured concrete is almost similar to stamped concrete. There are just a few differences that include having a less uniform look. Also, textured concrete needs to be made with the lines or joints by hand or using a concrete saw which is usually made built into the stamp with stamped concrete. Because of that, textured concrete has that appearance of irregularity which can become more unique and natural-appearing than stamped concrete.
Textured concrete allows for more customization because of the idea that you have control over the lines and joints in your concrete. This way, you can create a design or pattern that’s different from what others already have.
Pros and Cons of Stamped Concretes
Pros
Needs less maintenance
Stamped concrete attracts fewer weeds growing on its surface, which in turn, requires less maintenance over time. You also do not have to deal with individual pavers that may become damaged or uneven, which makes stamped concrete a much better material than bricks or block paving.
Wide variety of designs
Customization is more applicable and easy to do with stamped concrete. There are a lot of possible patterns and designs to apply to your concrete, including staining it to look more closely like the material you want.
Budget-friendly
Similar to concrete, stamped concrete is also considered a good material for constructing driveways because of its cost-effectiveness. Using bricks will cost more than the patterns you will use to stamp your concrete, though it can be a little pricey as well.
Cons
Difficulty in choosing a design
Due to the various patterns and designs to choose from, you may experience confusion and get overwhelmed in the process. Also, as a family, you might have different opinions on which one to pick for your home. In the same manner, the unique look that the stamped concrete will create in the end may be a little different from what you expected and lack character and depth.
Prone to common concrete problems
Even though stamped concrete has patterns in it, the fact that it is concrete means it’s prone to some potentially serious problems. This material is susceptible to erosion and fading, as well as other more serious issues.
Hard to repair
For stamped concrete to be repaired, you will need to match the color and the pattern of the existing work so it will be perfectly-matched again, which is very hard to achieve.
Find out more: The Pros and Cons of Concrete Stamping
Enjoy Your Stamped Concrete Today!
Stamped or textured concrete, which should it be? If you can’t make the decision on your own, Santa Fe Concrete Contractors are here to assist! Concrete is one of the best materials for long-lasting, fashionable additions to any property. However, molding it perfectly into the structure you desire requires some experience and skill. We are a reliable stamped concrete contractor in Santa Fe, NM, always here to make your dream concrete structure a reality.
We’ve got experts in concrete building whose years and expertise in the field is incomparable. Our team is equipped with knowledge in performing all kinds of concrete building services, such as residential concrete, commercial concrete, decorative concrete, and other related services. All of our services are available at very affordable rates that are sure to match your budget. With us, you can have various stamped concrete options that no other stamped or textured concrete contractor in Santa Fe can create for you.
Santa Fe Concrete Contractors commit to our mission of helping our customers live a comfortable life right in their own space. Where aesthetics and durability are concerned, our concrete work is highly sought after in the Santa Fe area. You can communicate your goals and wants for the project so that together we can plan the most attractive design for your concrete. Call us now at 505-375-6918 to get started.
