Stamped Concrete in Cambridge, MA
Transform Ordinary Concrete into Artistic Surfaces
Cambridge Urban Concrete specializes in stamping concrete to provide customers with the look of high-end products at a lower cost. We have many options available to create different textures and patterns on our custom concrete surfaces that can mimic the appearance of natural stone, brick, tile, and even wood. Additionally, the long-lasting and durable nature of stamped concrete will maintain your investment for years to come.
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What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is a unique decorative process for creating patterns, textures, and other design elements in freshly placed and still wet concrete. We use many different types of specialized stamps and tools to create as many different realistic impressions as possible that look like natural stone, brick pavers, wooden planks, etc., and even create your own custom geometric designs. Once stamped and removed from the fresh concrete, you are left with a complete and seamless surface that has the same appearance as high-end decorative materials but for an affordable price and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Additionally, we can apply both integral pigment (mixed directly into the concrete) and surface-applied products, such as hardeners and stains, to create additional colors to your finished stamped concrete project. The combination of texture and color enhances the overall realism and authenticity of your finished product and will take your outdoor living space to the next level.
Stamped Concrete Designs for Every Style
With so many pattern options and color choices available for stamps, your final product will truly reflect your ideas:
Stone Texture Patterns: The texture of slate, flagstone, fieldstone, and cobblestone can all be used to create a stone look that is in harmony with New England landscapes.
Pattern Options for Brick and Pavers: For driveways and walkways, we have a wide variety of running bond, herringbone, and basket weave styles of brick and paver patterns.
Plank Wood Designs: We offer realistic plank designs that provide a wood grain texture but do not require the same maintenance as real wood planks.
Tile Patterns: Our tile patterns are based on classic Mediterranean and Spanish designs, which are commonly seen in patio and pool areas.
Geometric Custom Design: For modern homes, we also have geometric custom design options such as hexagon, circle, or other abstract designs.
We will bring examples of different designs to our consultations and assist you in selecting the best designs to complement the architectural style of your home and the current landscaping elements surrounding it.
Our Stamped Concrete Installation Process
Design Consultation: During this consultation, we discuss color options, pattern options, and how the new stamped concrete will match up with the remainder of your existing property characteristics.
Site Preparation: The excavation and grading of the site will ensure that there is proper drainage in addition to a solid foundation for the new stamped concrete.
Base Installation: Crushed stone base material is compacted so as to prevent settlement and movement in the future.
Concrete Placement: Once you have determined the appropriate thickness of the concrete (usually between 4 and 6 inches), it will be poured for your project.
Color Application: Color hardeners or integral pigments are applied to the surface of the concrete in accordance with the specifications of your design.
Stamping: Before the concrete sets, while still workable, we will stamp the desired pattern onto the surface of the concrete by pressing our custom mats and specialized tools into the wet concrete.
Detailing: Edges will be hand-tooled; grout lines created, and all other details related to texture will be completed to provide an authentic look to your finished project.
Curing: During the crucial time frame for curing, we will protect the surface of your newly installed stamped concrete to allow it to gain sufficient strength.
Sealing: Finally, a high-quality sealer will be applied to the surface of your stamped concrete to protect its color, enhance its appearance, and defend against stains and weather-related damage.
Stamped Concrete vs Pavers vs Exposed Aggregate
Each type (Stamped Concrete vs Pavers vs Exposed Aggregate) has its own unique attributes that are as follows:
Stamped Concrete Features:
- No gaps in between the stamped concrete, so weeds cannot grow through the seams
- Stamped concrete has a wide range of designs and patterns available
- Stamped concrete is less expensive to install than pavers
- Snow can be removed more easily from stamped concrete with no risk of catching the edge of your shovel
- Stamped concrete can mimic the appearance of pavers or stone
Pavers Pros/Cons:
- As time passes, individual paver pieces may sink/settle.
- If not properly maintained, weeds will grow through the spaces between the pavers.
- Pavers are typically higher in price for both the materials and the labor costs.
- If one paver becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced.
Exposed Aggregate Pros/Cons:
- Exposed aggregate provides an attractive, natural-textured stone appearance.
- Provides excellent traction due to the natural textured stone.
- There are fewer options when it comes to designing with exposed aggregate.
- The exposed aggregate has a different aesthetic appeal.
In general, the majority of applications in Cambridge have found that stamped concrete provides the greatest benefit to the combination of aesthetics, durability, and value.
Stamped Concrete vs Decorative Concrete: Understanding the Difference
Most people are looking to know about stamped concrete and decorative concrete—are they really different from each other? The answer is yes—but they are also related. Stamped concrete is a specific type of decorative concrete, but it falls under the larger category of decorative concrete, which includes:
- Stamped concrete (textured, patterned)
- Stained concrete (color for surface appearance)
- Polished concrete (glossy smooth finish)
- Exposed aggregate (stone texture exposed)
- Engraved concrete (patterns cut into concrete)
If you are in need of creating a textured pattern with your stamped concrete to look like another material, then this is your best option. If you have another decorative effect in mind, we may be able to find an additional way to use decorative concrete.
Ready to Create Something Beautiful?
Contact Cambridge Urban Concrete today for a free consultation about your stamped concrete project. Whether you’re envisioning a stamped concrete patio, driveway, pool deck, or walkway, we’ll help you design and install a surface that transforms your property. Let’s discuss patterns, colors, and possibilities for your Cambridge home.