If you are planning on a patio or garden project then one of the first questions that will come to mind is, why is stamped concrete so expensive? It’s an excellent question and one that deserves some exploring. There is no reason that you should assume that the cost of stamped concrete is higher than normal because it’s actually cheaper. In fact, the cost of stamped concrete can be as low as two-thirds as that of poured concrete which makes it ideal for those who are on a budget.
Stamped concrete is basically an engineered patio and decking material which make use of plastic or steel imprinted patterns onto it to mimic the look of traditional stone, brick, or slate. This isn’t your traditional concrete patio. Stamped concrete patio price is quite high, because it’s a very unique product and thus requires a very specific manufacturing method. Basically, the process requires stamping the concrete with a pattern and embedding various channels and locks into the concrete to create a stippled look.
The reason why stamped concrete patio is so expensive is because of the unique, high quality design which requires so many factors to be thought about. For one thing, the manufacturing process itself requires several steps to complete such as embedding the concrete, carving the pattern, and finally, pressing the concrete into a mold. After that, you have to ensure that all of the embedded locks are properly set into place so that no single color is visible. You also have to ensure that all of the channels are perfectly straight so that your pattern does not look disheveled. To give you an idea, you have to run your molds on a vertical axis at least three times before you are able to see any results.
Now, if you are to ask why is stamped concrete so expensive, the answer is simple. Once you have completed the molds for each color of stain, it takes you about four to six hours to complete the pressing process. Once the concrete has been pressed, it takes about seven to 10 days for it to dry, so you have to be sure that the patterns per square foot that you will use are consistent. The good news is that there are several software packages today which can help you to reduce the production time.
Another reason why is stamped concrete so expensive is because of its texture. When you apply a stain to this type of concrete, you have to control the textures to match the surrounding landscape because of course, different colors will contrast with each other. To maintain the texture, you have to apply two to three coats of sealant for the entire patio. The texture also depends on the patterns. There are those that come with a flat pattern, while others come with natural crevices and cavities which add more dimension to the patio.
Speaking of dimensions, the cost of stamped concrete steps also depends on their sizes. They come in different sizes so you have to identify the area that you are going to place them on. Then, you have to determine how many colors you want. You have to know how intricate you want the patterns to be so that the stamped concrete steps will appear elaborate and elegant. If the number of colors is less, then the cost range is bigger. On the contrary, if the number of colors is more, then the cost range is smaller.
How many colors are there in a pattern of concrete? It depends on the manufacturer, but most of them provide around six to eight colors. The total concrete cost would then range from twelve to eighteen per square foot. This means that the cost of purchasing and installing the steps is less compared to purchasing the concrete slab.
What about patterns? Why is stamped concrete so expensive if there are ready-made patterns for it? When you order the concrete steps, the manufacturer will ask you to provide him with ready-made designs so that the pattern of the steps can be produced more efficiently. The design would be used for the stamping process and will be imprinted on the concrete slab. There are manufacturers who offer customized services to so you can opt to have custom-designed concrete pavers for your home or office.