How to Choose a Stamped Concrete Pattern

In the 1950s, Brad Bowman found that he could design concrete to resemble bricks, thus bringing stamped concrete to the scene. Since then, great strides have been made that have revolutionized it.

Continue reading to learn more about what this material can do and how to choose the right stamped concrete pattern for your home.

What Is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is a hard landscaping groundcover feature that uses concrete and stain to create hand-imprinted paving designs. Usually, they are designed to perfectly mimic naturally occurring patterns such as stone or wood grain. 

Decide on the Area for Decorative Concrete

The area you choose will help you determine the type of stamped concrete pattern. To help you imagine the possibilities, consider the types of materials used to cover that particular space. For example, since decks and patios attached to the home are often done in wood, you might consider a wood-grained pattern for yours.

You should also allow the function of the area to guide you. In particular, when designing a driveway, you should choose a texture that will give your wheels the highest amount of traction possible. Likewise, you may want to choose a less slippery option for areas around pools.

Your Stamped Concrete Pattern Should Match Your Home’s Style

When choosing a concrete design, you should look to your home’s existing architecture for inspiration. For example, traditional or cottage style houses look best when paired with a similarly traditional option, such as cobblestone, fieldstone, or herringbone brick. But, if you’re trying to recreate an Italian villa in your backyard, a European fan design would look sensational.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment with styles. You can consider different patterns for the borders or add colored concrete motifs to draw the eye to desired zones.

Also, the stains you should choose should highlight the colors of your property. Visualize how the print would look when next to your home, near foliage, and throughout the different seasons. 

How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?

Your outdoor concrete can stand up to a beating from the wind, sun, and in some areas, salt. However, although durable, some designs require periodic care to maintain their look. For example, dark and saturated stains, like red or black, will fade over time if in direct sun.

You can avoid this, in part, by using darker stains in shady areas so that they’ll last longer.

The Sky’s the Limit With Stamped Concrete

Congratulations, you’re an official graduate of the How to Choose a Stamped Concrete Pattern class of 2022.

Now, equipped with your newfound knowledge, you’re ready to make some big decisions for your property. Remember to balance your new design with aspects of your home you want to highlight. And, if you’re having a hard time nailing down a vision, reach out to a professional who can help you design your dream project.

Not done learning yet? Then, be sure to explore more informative reads in our extensive Home Improvement section.