Is Stamped Concrete The Right Choice For You?

If you are looking for a unique, durable flooring material stamped concrete may be right for you!  In the past, homeowners could only choose between hardwood floors, tile, or carpet.  Today, there are a host of products on the market to suit your needs.  Stamped concrete offers a variety of patterns and an unending list of possibilities.

What is stamped concrete?  Stamped concrete involves using patterned stamps that are applied to wet concrete to produce the design of your choice.  Some popular pattern choices are brick, flagstone, slate, and tile.  While the concrete is wet, Sela will apply the stamps in a set pattern over the area.  When the stamp is lifted from the surface, it has imprinted the concrete with the design.  Multiple stamps can be used to create any combination you can imagine!

Where can this product can be used?  The most common areas for stamped concrete involve outdoor areas such as driveways, patios, decks, and walkways.  However, the technique is being transferred to indoor areas as well.  Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms are popular choices.  In some instances, homeowners are using stamped concrete throughout the home.  The product provides an easy to clean surface, does not stain, and does not harbor allergens.  If you are building or remodeling a home, consult with your contractor and manufacturer on approved installation guidelines.  Each manufacturer will have specific recommendations on suitable substrates that can be used with their product.  For example, concrete overlays can be easily applied to already present concrete slabs.  However, applying it to plywood surfaces may require specific deflection ratings.  A deflection rating measures the amount of “bounce” produced with live and dead loads on a floor system.  If the floor “moves” too much, it can produce cracks in the concrete overlay and create problems.

Once the stamping is complete, the area can be colored to any color scheme you choose.  The contractor will apply acid or water-based stain products to the floor.  Multiple colors can be applied in two or three stages to create depth within the stamp.  The tools required to color stamped concrete are relatively simple: sprayers, brushes, and the stain itself.  If you have never worked with concrete stamps and stains, it may be advisable to hire a trained professional.  However, if you are a true do-it-yourselfer, a little practice can help you create an amazing floor!  Consider stamping a walkway in the backyard or patio before proceeding on the home.  This will allow you to perfect the techniques required to produce a custom flooring pattern