A stamped concrete patio creates a lovely outdoor stylish space for gathering and entertaining family and friends. We recently added a stamped concrete patio off the back side of our house and I love it.

When we purchased our home, the entire back of the house was plain and sterile looking. Zero landscaping and zilch on the character. I have been working to change that and adding an additional patio has been the start.

If you’re considering a stamped concrete patio for your outdoor living space, I’m here to answer some basic questions that you might have.

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We added this small patio off of the covered patio and filled in this little cove area under our living room windows. The space was a bit awkward and I wanted more than just landscaping. I just wanted something small adjacent to the covered patio that would hold an outdoor dining table.

What is Stamped Concrete? 

The process involves pouring concrete and then pressing a rubber stamp or mat into it while it’s still wet to create the desired pattern and texture. After that, the concrete is usually sealed to protect the design and enhance its appearance. You can have concrete stamped to mimic the look of other materials such as brick, wood, or natural stone.

Stamped concrete offers a lot of flexibility and creativity for those looking to enhance their outdoor or indoor spaces. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for driveways, patios, pool decks, and even interior floors.

Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete Patio

Just like anything in life, there are also pros and cons to stamped concrete, but for us…the pros outweigh the cons.

Pros of Stamped Concrete

• Customization: The wide range of design options available means that stamped concrete can be tailored to suit many styles and themes, with various patterns, textures, and colors.
• Durability: Concrete is a strong and long-lasting material. When properly installed and maintained, stamped concrete can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions better than some other materials.
• Low Maintenance: Compared to materials like natural stone or wood, stamped concrete requires less maintenance. It generally needs only occasional cleaning and resealing to keep it looking its best.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While stamped concrete can mimic more expensive materials, it often costs less than the real thing making it a more budget-friendly option for achieving a high-end look.
• Seamless Installation: Unlike some paving materials that require individual pieces to be laid out and fitted, stamped concrete is poured and stamped in one go. This can lead to a more uniform surface with fewer joints.
• Increased Property Value: A well-designed stamped concrete installation can enhance the overall look of your property, potentially increasing its value and curb appeal.

Cons of Stamped Concrete

• Expense: Stamped concrete can be more expensive than basic concrete due to the additional costs of materials, labor, and design complexity. However, it is often more affordable than high-end materials like natural stone.
• Potential for Cracking: Concrete has the potential to crack and stamped concrete is no different. Fortunately, hairline cracks are just as easy to repair as those on a plain concrete slab. Proper installation techniques can help minimize cracking.
• Requires Sealing: After investing in your stamped concrete patio, it needs to be regularly sealed to protect the surface and maintain its appearance. Without regular sealing, the concrete can become susceptible to stains, fading, and wear.
• Slippery: The concrete itself usually isn’t slippery, but the sealer can make it slippery. Luckily, there are texture, anti-slip additives, and non-film-forming sealers are solutions for slippery concrete surfaces. 

Cost of Stamped Concrete Patio

Size determines overall cost and our patio is rather small at a 12×15. We paid around $16 a square foot for our stamped concrete patio which included the labor, concrete, gravel, rebar, forming and finishing stamp.

A stamped concrete patio generally costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Count on around $16-$18 per square foot or for an upper end patio, plan on $25 per square foot or more.

Cost Factors to Consider:

• Patio Size: The size of patio is one of the most important factors with a stamped concrete patio cost. Every 100 square feet that you add to the project increases the overall cost.
• Thickness of the Patio: The standard quote is for a four-inch slab but you may have areas that need more concrete and will need a thicker slab. The thickness will increase the price as well.
• Grading: Since stamped concrete patios cannot be built on slopes or uneven ground; the site will have to be graded and level. This could increase the cost of your patio.
• Design: Different designs can be more difficult or time consuming. To keep costs down, select a common stamp design. Adding a custom medallion and other details will increase your price.

Stamp Design and Color

Every contractor might have different name for their stamp and supplies. For our particular patio we used a medium size Ashlar Slate stamp pattern. The contractor stained the concrete a light gray to match the grout of our stone foundation surround and blend in the covered patio as much as possible.

I wanted the patio design to be simple and mimic the look of stone. This stone pattern and color turned out perfect and we are super happy with it.

How Long Does Stamped Concrete Patio Last?

Known for their durability and longevity; on average, a well-maintained stamped concrete patio can last between twenty – thirty years.

Regular sealing (every 1-3 years) will help protect the surface from stains, water damage and UV degradation. Routine cleaning with mild detergent and a light pressure wash will help maintain the appearance and damage from dirt and debris.

Can I DIY this Project?

Can you do stamped concrete yourself? While many projects you can do yourself; unless you are a concrete contractor that has experience and the tools, I would not venture into this project on your own.

You really need a team to do this project. If you are set on this venture on your now; you will need at least three people to help get this job done. Start small with a worksite area of around 50 square feet. Overall, this is best hired out and save another project that is more feasible for DIY.

Final Thoughts on Stamped Concrete Patio

I love the addition of this small patio to our backyard. While not very large, it has made a big impact on our outdoor space. If you decide to go this route, ensure you hire a competent contractor that uses good concrete. We had our contractor use rebar and wire mesh when pouring our patio. This helps reduce cracking over time.

Hope this information was helpful as you explore the possibility of a stamped concrete patio.