How much does stamped concrete cost?

Stamped concrete in Benton typically costs $10 to $18 per square foot depending on the complexity of the pattern and number of colors. Basic one-color stamped work runs $10 to $13 per square foot. Multi-color patterns with intricate designs cost $15 to $18 per square foot or more. For comparison, basic plain concrete costs $6 to $10 per square foot, while real stone pavers cost $15 to $30 per square foot. Stamped concrete gives you the look of expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.

How long does stamped concrete last?

Stamped concrete lasts 25 to 30 years or more with proper maintenance. The concrete itself is just as durable as regular concrete. The decorative surface requires periodic resealing every 2 to 3 years to protect the color and pattern from fading and weather damage. With regular sealing and basic maintenance, your stamped concrete will look great for decades. We provide maintenance recommendations and can handle resealing when you need it.

Can stamped concrete crack like regular concrete?

Yes, stamped concrete can develop cracks just like any concrete surface. However, one advantage of stamped concrete is that the pattern lines and color variations help hide small cracks that might be obvious on plain concrete. We minimize cracking through proper site preparation, reinforcement, control joints, and correct installation techniques. While no concrete is completely crack-proof, following best practices dramatically reduces the risk of significant cracking.

Stamped & Decorative Concrete

Get the high-end look of stone, brick, or tile without the high-end price tag using stamped concrete.

Beautiful stamped concrete driveway with stone pattern in Benton

What Is Stamped Concrete and Why Choose It

Stamped concrete lets you create the look of natural stone, slate, brick, tile, or wood without the expense and maintenance of the real materials. We pour regular concrete, then use professional stamps and texturing tools to imprint realistic patterns into the surface while it's still workable. Add color, and the finished result looks remarkably like the expensive materials you want but at a fraction of the cost.

Homeowners in Benton choose stamped concrete because it combines beauty with practicality. Real stone pavers can cost two to three times more than stamped concrete, and they require ongoing maintenance as joints shift and weeds grow between stones. Natural stone is beautiful, but it's also heavy, requires expert installation, and can be damaged by freeze-thaw cycles. Stamped concrete gives you that same visual appeal in a single, unified surface that stays put and needs minimal upkeep.

We've been creating custom stamped concrete surfaces for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks throughout the area. Each project is unique because you choose the pattern, texture, and color that matches your home's style. Whether you want the rustic look of old cobblestone or the clean lines of modern tile, we can create it in concrete.

Design Options and Patterns

The variety of patterns and colors available for stamped concrete means you can truly customize your project. Here are some of the most popular options we offer:

Popular Stamp Patterns

•Ashlar slate: Large rectangular stones arranged in a random pattern. This is one of our most requested designs because it looks natural and elegant.
•Cobblestone: Small rounded stones that create an old-world European look, perfect for driveways and walkways.
•Brick herringbone: Classic brick pattern arranged in a zigzag design, great for traditional homes.
•Random stone: Irregular shaped stones that mimic natural flagstone, ideal for patios and walkways.
•Wood plank: Realistic wood grain texture that gives you the look of a wood deck without the rot, splinters, or maintenance.
•Seamless texture: Smooth patterns that add subtle texture without defined joints, perfect for modern designs.

Color Choices

Color is what really brings stamped concrete to life. We offer two main coloring methods. Integral color is mixed throughout the concrete before we pour it, creating a consistent base color that won't wear away. Surface color hardeners and stains are applied to the top layer, allowing us to create multiple tones and natural variation that makes the pattern look authentic.

Most homeowners choose earth tones like grays, tans, browns, and terra cottas because they complement Arkansas landscapes and work with most home exteriors. We can also create custom color blends to match your specific vision. During your consultation, we'll show you samples and photos from past projects so you can see how different patterns and colors look in real applications.

How We Create Stamped Concrete

Creating beautiful stamped concrete requires skill, timing, and the right conditions. The work has to be done while the concrete is still wet, which means we need to work efficiently and precisely. Here's what the process involves:

Site preparation: Just like any concrete project, we start with proper ground prep, grading, and base installation. The foundation underneath determines how well your stamped concrete performs over time.

Concrete placement: We pour quality concrete mix at the right thickness for your application, then screed and float it to create a smooth, level surface ready for stamping.

Color application: We broadcast color hardener onto the surface and work it into the concrete. This creates the base color and adds extra durability to the surface.

Stamping and texturing: This is where the magic happens. We carefully place stamp mats across the surface and press them into the concrete to create the pattern and texture. Timing is critical because the concrete must be firm enough to hold the pattern but soft enough to accept the stamp.

Detail work: We hand-texture edges and tight areas where stamps won't fit, ensuring the pattern looks natural throughout the entire surface. We also cut control joints in strategic locations to manage any cracking.

Sealing: After the concrete cures for several days, we clean the surface and apply a quality sealer. This protects your stamped concrete from stains, weather damage, and wear while enhancing the colors.

The entire process takes 4 to 7 days depending on project size and weather conditions. Stamped concrete needs proper curing time before you can use it. We'll give you specific instructions for care during the curing period and explain how to maintain your new surface for years of beauty.

Common Questions About Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete typically costs $12 to $18 per square foot in Benton, compared to $6 to $10 for basic concrete. The extra cost covers the specialized labor, stamping materials, and color application. While it's more expensive than plain concrete, it's much less than real stone pavers (which run $20 to $30 per square foot) or natural stone (which can exceed $40 per square foot). You get the high-end look without the high-end price, and the installation is faster with lower maintenance requirements than real stone or pavers.

Stamped concrete lasts just as long as regular concrete, typically 25 to 30 years or more with proper care. The key is maintaining the sealer, which protects the color and surface from wear. Most stamped surfaces need resealing every 2 to 3 years depending on traffic and exposure. This is simple maintenance you can do yourself or hire us to handle. The color won't fade away because it's in the concrete itself, not just painted on top. With regular sealing and occasional cleaning, your stamped concrete will look great for decades.

Traditional stamping must be done on fresh concrete while it's still workable, so you can't stamp a surface that's already cured. However, we can create a similar look on existing concrete using overlay systems. We apply a thin layer of special concrete mix over your existing surface, then stamp and color it before it sets. This works well if your current concrete is in decent shape without major cracks or damage. It's a great way to update old, worn concrete without tearing everything out. We'll assess your existing surface during the estimate and recommend the best approach for your situation.

Ready to Transform Your Concrete?

Call us for a free consultation and estimate. We'll show you pattern samples, discuss color options, and help you design the perfect stamped concrete for your home in Benton.

(501) 381-3996