Calgary Stamped Concrete

In-Depth Look At Stamped Concrete

Stamped Concrete patios

In this stamped concrete job analysis, I am going to show you the unique way we approach the art of texture stamped concrete. Each job is custom, and I do mean very custom because all sizes of the slate squares, rough stone slabs, even random flagstone custom cut sizes. Whatever you pick is unique because it is not already determined like typically stamped mats, but are made specifically to the job requirements onsite in real-time, making each job custom and different from the last texture stamp concrete job.

Texture Stamped Concrete is achieved by imprinting a texture on concrete in its plastic state. It shows the rough stone texture being printed. It will later be saw-cut into various sizes. Stamped concrete is poured like any other concrete pad with unique detail on selecting an appropriate feel for the pattern that we will create at a later date when the concrete has set up sufficiently

Stamped Concrete patterns

Choosing a Pattern

The homeowner chose the Opa Locka pattern, a challenging choice. We enjoy a challenge as you can see, it is a pattern of small and large squares in a repeating style.

These pictures show the final product after it has been sawed. Grouting gives the texture stamped concrete an authentic look, and the multi-colours make it visually appealing. Texture stamp concrete also is great for tables and chairs. Unlike a lot of other patterns that create deep grooves, our unique texture stamped grouted concrete leaves the surface beautifully textured and consistent throughout the slab.

Stamped Concrete Grouting

We approach concrete colours in a few different ways. We can simply order integral colour from the concrete supplier, having a primary monotone colour for the pad. We can also achieve the same look with a colour hardener, which is generally more vibrant and it does harden the surface. We can also add multi colours to the concrete, which is vital if you are trying to achieve the look of natural rock. As you will see from our photos, we add many colours to achieve the desired results

This particular patio had many colours added to the surface for a realistic natural rock look. Before it is sawed-cut, it looks a little busy. But when you look at the result after the pattern is saw-cut in, grouting has been completed; it gives the illusion of multicoloured natural slabs of rock and a very visually interesting coloured surface

Grouting Stamped Concrete

The process of grouting the concrete after the saw cuts are completed is similar to grouting flagstone, we use a modified grout which can be colored if desired. The owner chose an ashlar slate pattern and this custom cut pattern was measured and laid out to fit perfectly within the space provided to be finished

Sealed Stamped Concrete

There are many pros and cons with concrete sealing concrete, probably more advantages, but one negative aspect for stamp concrete is it does make the surface slippery and can be hazardous when the grade is more than 5 percent. By sweeping sand over the new concrete sealer, it will take the sheen off and profile the sealer slightly.

Acid Stained Stamped Concrete Patios

Another way that we approach texture stamp concrete patios and texture stamped driveways is to hand-cut versus saw-cut. This pad was not going to be grouted later, so we chose hand cuts. This concrete patio was poured with natural, uncolored concrete with the intent of acid staining at a later date.

The multi-colours of this concrete driveway were again achieved with a variety of colours. Similar colour hardeners were used, 6 to be exact. It is far more realistic than from a typical stamped monotone surface. These are just a few examples of the many many different combinations of texture stamped concrete. Many more can be achieved when you mix different textures with custom-cut patterns and add your selection of custom colours for the desired look.