Stamped & Decorative Concrete
Get the upscale look of natural stone, brick, or custom patterns with the durability and affordability of concrete.
The High-End Look Without the High-End Price
Stamped concrete lets you get the look you want without paying for expensive materials. Want your patio to look like natural flagstone? We can stamp that pattern into concrete for a fraction of what real stone costs. Prefer the classic look of brick pavers? Stamped concrete gives you that appearance without the maintenance headaches pavers create.
Here's how it works. We pour regular concrete just like any other project. While the concrete is still workable, we press textured stamps into the surface that create realistic patterns. These stamps are made from molds of actual stone, brick, tile, or wood, so the texture looks authentic. We can add color during the process using integral color mixed into the concrete or color hardeners applied to the surface.
The result is a surface that looks like premium materials but has all the benefits of concrete. It's more durable than pavers that shift and settle. It needs less maintenance than natural stone that stains and cracks. And it costs significantly less than installing real brick or stone. For Rexburg homeowners who want beautiful outdoor spaces without breaking the budget, stamped concrete is the perfect solution.
Endless Design Possibilities for Your Space
The variety of patterns, colors, and finishes available with decorative concrete is impressive. You're not limited to a few basic options. We have dozens of stamp patterns and hundreds of color combinations to choose from. Here are the most popular choices for Rexburg homes:
Popular Stamped Concrete Patterns
- Ashlar slate: The most popular pattern mimics natural slate tiles in a random pattern. It works with any home style and looks sophisticated without being too formal.
- Cobblestone: Creates the old-world European look of rounded stone pavers. Perfect for driveways and walkways that want a historic or rustic feel.
- Running bond brick: Looks like traditional brick laid in rows. Great for patios and walkways that complement brick homes or create a classic appearance.
- Random stone: Mimics irregular flagstone with natural variations in size and shape. Ideal for patios and pool decks that want an organic, natural look.
- Wood plank: Creates the appearance of wood boards without the rot and maintenance real wood requires. Popular for decks and covered patio areas.
- Seamless texture: Adds texture without defined patterns for a more subtle, contemporary look. Works well for modern homes and minimalist designs.
Beyond patterns, you can choose from earth tones like tan, brown, and terracotta, or go with grays, charcoals, and even custom color blends. We can add accent borders in contrasting colors or combine multiple patterns in one project. During your consultation, we'll show you samples and photos of completed projects so you can see exactly what different options look like. Our work on concrete driveways and patios throughout Rexburg demonstrates the range of styles possible.
Best Places for Stamped Concrete
Stamped and decorative concrete works almost anywhere you'd use regular concrete. The main difference is the visual impact. Here's where we see it used most often in Rexburg and why it makes sense:
Driveways are probably the most dramatic transformation. A stamped concrete driveway in a cobblestone or brick pattern instantly upgrades your home's curb appeal. It makes your house look more expensive and well-maintained. Since you're pouring concrete anyway, adding stamped patterns costs less than you'd think for the impact it creates.
Patios benefit from decorative finishes because they're spaces where you spend time and want them to look nice. A stamped stone pattern makes your patio feel like an outdoor room instead of just a concrete slab. It's more inviting for entertaining and adds value when you sell your home. Our concrete patio installations can incorporate any stamped or decorative finish you want.
Walkways and entryways create that important first impression when people visit. Stamped concrete walkways in brick or stone patterns look intentional and well-designed. They guide visitors to your door while adding character to your landscaping. The non-slip texture also makes them safer than smooth concrete when wet or icy.
Pool decks work perfectly with stamped concrete because you can create a resort feel around your pool. Stone patterns in lighter colors stay cooler underfoot than dark surfaces. The texture provides slip resistance, which is important around water. And unlike porous natural stone, sealed stamped concrete resists pool chemicals and is easy to clean.
Interior floors are an option many people don't consider. Stamped and polished concrete floors work beautifully in basements, garages, shops, and even main living areas. They're easy to maintain, allergen-free, and you can create custom designs that match your decor.
Common Questions About Decorative Concrete
Here are the questions we get most often about stamped and decorative concrete:
Stamped concrete typically costs about 50% to 100% more than basic concrete, but it's still much cheaper than the materials it imitates. For example, if a basic patio costs $2,000, the same patio with stamped patterns and color might cost $3,000 to $4,000. Real stone pavers for that same patio could easily cost $8,000 to $12,000. The price depends on pattern complexity, color choices, and the size of your project. Simple patterns with one color cost less than intricate designs with multiple colors and borders. We provide detailed estimates that break down exactly what you're paying for so there are no surprises.
Stamped concrete can develop hairline cracks just like regular concrete, but proper installation minimizes this. We use control joints, reinforcement, and proper base preparation to prevent significant cracking. If small cracks do appear, they usually blend into the pattern lines and aren't noticeable. As for fading, integral color mixed throughout the concrete won't fade because the color goes all the way through. Surface-applied color hardeners can lighten slightly over years of sun exposure, but regular sealing protects the color and keeps it looking fresh. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years for best results. With proper maintenance, stamped concrete looks great for decades.
Stamped concrete actually provides better traction than smooth concrete because of the texture from the stamp patterns. The natural ridges and variations in the surface give your feet something to grip. For areas where slip resistance is extra important, like pool decks or steep slopes, we can add anti-slip additives to the sealer or use stamps with deeper textures. We also avoid over-polishing the surface, which would make it slippery. The same sealer that protects your concrete from stains and weather also enhances traction when applied correctly. Most homeowners find stamped concrete safer than smooth finishes, especially in Idaho's wet and icy conditions. If you're concerned about safety on any concrete surface, our Rexburg concrete experts can recommend the best finishing techniques for your situation.
Ready to upgrade your property with beautiful stamped or decorative concrete? Contact us for a free consultation where we'll show you samples, discuss your vision, and provide an accurate estimate. Let's create something special for your home.