Our Trademark Stamped Concrete Process

Vancouver’s Concrete Contractors

In this concrete Job analysis, I am going to show you our custom way we approach the art of texture stamped concrete. Each job is unique, and I do mean unique because of all sizes of the stamped tiles, slate squares, rough stone, slabs, even random flagstone. Whatever you pick are not already determined like typically stamped mats, but are made specifically to the job requirements onsite in real-time, making each job 100% unique and different from the last stamp concrete job.

Stamped concrete is achieved by imprinting a texture or pattern on concrete in its plastic state. It shows a rough stone texture being imprinted, it will later be saw-cut into a design. Stamped concrete is poured like any other concrete pad with particular detail on selecting an appropriate texture for the pattern that we will create at a later date when the concrete has set up sufficiently.

The homeowner chose the Opa Locka pattern, which is a difficult choice, but we enjoy a challenge as you can see, it is a pattern of small and large squares in a repeating style.

These pictures show the final product after it has been saw out and the grouting gives the stamped concrete an authentic look and the multi colors really make it visually interesting. Texture stamp concrete also is great for tables and chairs unlike a lot of other patterns that create deep grooves, our unique texture stamped concrete leaves the surface beautifully textured and consistent throughout the slab.

We approach concrete colours in a few different ways. It can be as simple as ordering integral colour from the concrete supplier and having a primary monotone colour for the pad. We can also achieve the same look with colour hardener, which is generally more vibrant and it does harden the surface. We can also add multi colours to the concrete, which is vital if you are trying to achieve the look of natural stone. As you will see from our photos, we add many colours to achieve the desired results.

This particular patio had seven colours added to the surface for an ultra-realistic natural rock look. Before it is saw-cut, it looks a little busy. But when you look at the result pictures when the saw cut pattern is completed and it has been grouted, it gives the illusion of multicoloured natural slabs of rock and a very visually interesting surface. The photos also show the process of grouting the concrete after the saw cuts are completed. The owner chose an ashlar slate pattern, and this custom cut pattern was measured and laid out to fit perfectly within the area of the patio.

This photo shows the completed sealed result, and you can see that the sealer not only protects the stamped concrete it also enhances the colours making this a nice authentic looking concrete pad.

The acid stain gives the patio a rich rusty age leather look a distinct look – only achieved through acid staining.

Concrete sealing is important in decorative concrete not only does it enhance the color it also protects it from staining. There are many pros and cons with concrete sealing concrete, probably more pros but one negative aspect for stamp concrete is it does make the surface slippery and can be hazardous when the grade is more than 5 percent. By sweeping sand over the new concrete sealer it will take the sheen off and profile the sealer slightly.

This texture stamped concrete driveway was textured with rough stone. We thought it would be a great option because of the steep grade. The driveway was cut into 3′ , anything more than that might clash with the light washed section winding through the driveway.