How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? [2024 Data]

Stamped Concrete Cost Factors

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You can expect to pay a local concrete company between $8 and $28 per square foot for stamped concrete hardscaping. Beyond the basic concrete slab cost, the price will depend on the size and location of the project, the grade of the concrete, and labor prices in your area. Extras, such as land preparation and additional concrete fortifications, will raise the price as well.

Size and Thickness

Whether it’s a heavy-use driveway or a simple garden path, the thickness of the concrete won’t vary all that much: The standard range for any stamped concrete hardscape project is between four and eight inches, with thicker slabs being better suited for stamped concrete driveways that you’ll park heavy vehicles on. These may require reinforcements, as well, and the added thickness and rebar can add an average of $500 to your total.

But the square footage of your project plays a more significant role in the cost. After all, that garden path might only be 50 square feet, while the average residential driveway is 600 square feet. 

Concrete Grade

The grade and type of concrete you choose for your project will affect the overall cost by driving up your material prices. Concrete grade is based on factors such as the quality of its ingredients and its compressive strength, which is a measure of its capacity to withstand heavy loads. 

Concrete for residential use comes in grades of M10, M15, M20, and M25. These mixtures—the M actually stands for "mix"—reach over 3,000 PSI, or pounds per square inch of compressive strength. These grades are fine for patios, walkways, and most driveways. M15 is the most common choice for residential projects.

Concrete costs will increase by grade and PSI, though most residential concrete grades will fall between $100 and $150 per cubic yard. In most cases, grades will not have a massive impact on the price of your stamped concrete project unless you're working on a load-bearing area of your home. For example, if you're installing a multi-car driveway, your concrete costs could end up at the higher end of this price range.

Reinforcements

When you hire a concrete contractor, they may recommend adding reinforcements or insulation to make the stamped concrete last longer. In very cold climates, for example, styrofoam insulation can help keep the concrete from cracking in the cold and will cost an extra $1.25 per square foot. A vapor barrier for balancing moisture, particularly in basements or on damp ground, adds $0.50 per square foot.

Lastly, mesh reinforcement to strengthen the concrete for driveways adds just $0.35 per square foot while extending the slab's lifespan. And if your project requires more heavy-duty reinforcement, the cost to add rebar ranges from $1.40 to $1.85 per linear foot.

Existing Concrete

There are two ways in which existing concrete can play into your stamped concrete installation costs.

If you already have a concrete slab that’s in good shape, you can add a stamped concrete overlay for just $3 to $5 per square foot to save an average of around $8 per square foot. An overlay is a layer of new concrete (typically between one-fourth to two inches thick) that goes on top of the existing slab and gets stamped with the design of your choice. Keep in mind that you'll need to pay for any concrete repairs necessary beforehand.

On the other hand, if you have an existing concrete patio, walkway, or driveway that’s in poor condition, you’ll probably want to remove it and replace it entirely with a new stamped concrete slab. In this case, the existing concrete will drive up your costs, as you’ll pay around $1,100 to demolish and haul away the old concrete, or between $2 and $6 per square foot.

Materials

Materials account for just about a third or less of the total stamped concrete costs. The concrete itself, concrete sealers, and the stamping tools cost $2 to $6 per square foot, or an average of $1,000. Your project will cost less if you're pouring a top coat over existing concrete and stamping that instead, as you’ll need far less concrete than you would for a new slab. In that case, labor will make up the large majority—likely around 70% of your total—and the materials will account for about 10%.

Intricacy of Design

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Depending on the company you choose, they could have hundreds of combinations of colors and textures of stamped concrete available. Don’t get overwhelmed; just ask for a bit of guidance. The vast number of choices is why the cost of stamped concrete varies so widely.

Labor

Stamping concrete adds extra steps to the overall installation process, which is why labor accounts for an average of $6 to $22 per square foot when it comes to stamped concrete costs.

These labor costs include creating concrete forms, mixing and pouring concrete, adding color, and using molds or rollers to add intricate designs to the surface of the curing material.

Prep

Preparation costs before installing stamped concrete all come down to the size of your project. If you're updating an existing concrete slab with a decorative stamped layer, you'll need to factor in the cost of basic concrete repairs. For example, as part of the cost of repairing a concrete driveway, leveling an uneven slab costs $3 to $25 per square foot.

For new concrete slabs, contractors may need to level your lawn, install drainage, or test your soil for strength. Installation sites that need a lot of preparation and drainage solutions could add $3,000 or more to your total project cost.

Location

As is always the case, the cost of labor and materials will depend on where you live. High demand for specialized hardscapes in your area will drive up the price. You may also need to pay more for stamped concrete in cold regions that require greater fortifications or reinforcements.

For example, stamped concrete in cold climates often benefits from insulation beneath the slab, and projects in earthquake-prone areas often require rebar to help resist breakage during ground movement.

Permits

Concrete slabs are considered permanent improvements to your property, which means they’ll affect your property taxes, and you’ll need permits to pour concrete. Permits for stamped concrete won’t cost any more than they would for standard concrete surfaces, but you should plan on paying between $50 and $250 for your permits. You can ask your stamped concrete contractor or your local building department for an accurate permit cost.

Style

Stamped concrete can replicate the look of wood, brick, stone, and more. Simple designs that consist of just a single pattern will be more budget-friendly. Intricate designs that make use of borders, multiple concrete colors, or custom options will raise the price, but they can make your hardscaping stand out while increasing curb appeal.

Stained and stamped concrete costs range from $10 to $28 per square foot. The table below includes some standard price ranges for the different textures your stamped concrete can replicate.

Cost of Stamped Concrete by Type of Project

By opting for a stamped patio, driveway, or walkway, you can create a cohesive look without laying hundreds of pavers.

Here’s a breakdown of the standard costs per square foot of some common stamped concrete projects.

Here’s what the average homeowner pays in total for each type of project. Of course, your exact total cost will depend on your square footage and the complexity of your stamped concrete design.

• Concrete patio cost: For basic designs, homeowners pay between $400 and $7,000. More complex stamped concrete designs can cost $18,900 or more.

• Concrete driveway cost: The total cost for a stamped concrete driveway sits between $1,600 and $25,000 in most cases. If you’re just resurfacing an existing driveway, it costs between $600 and $4,300.

• Concrete walkway cost: The cost of a stamped concrete walkway sit between $450 and $2,800. Resurfacing costs for an existing walkway fall between $200 and $1,000.

Ongoing Stamped Concrete Costs

These surfaces don’t require much upkeep, but regular stamped concrete maintenance, such as cleaning and periodically applying a sealant, will prolong the life span. You should consider these ongoing maintenance costs when deciding whether stamped concrete is the right choice for your property.

Maintenance

Maintenance for stamped concrete is minimal compared to other materials. Regularly cleaning your stamped concrete patio, walkway, or driveway will extend its life span, and you should plan on at least two good cleanings per year. Most homeowners opt for the spring and fall. Getting these services done professionally will cost between $100 and $200, but you can save some money by doing the work yourself.

For a light wash, use dishwashing detergent and a stiff brush. A power washer is a good choice if you need a heavier cleaning, but it’s a good idea to check with the concrete manufacturer to make sure the material can handle the pressure. (It’s also a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area before you go all in with the power washer.)

You should also ensure that your stamped concrete stays free of cracks, holes, and stains. Familiarize yourself with concrete repairs to catch small problems before they escalate, and consider calling in a professional for concrete repairs rather than trying to restore the surface or texture yourself.

Repairs

Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures will cause damage to the material. You might see cracking, crumbling, and color fading over time, especially if you live in a harsh climate.

The table below includes some average stamped concrete repair costs.

Sealant

Part of the appeal of stamped concrete is the long-lasting durability of the poured concrete as compared to the materials the stamped surface can replicate. Still, to maintain the quality look of the design, you'll have to seal the concrete on a schedule according to the manufacturer's guide every two to five years.

“Consider how your concrete is used when choosing a sealant,” says Tara Dudley, owner of Plant Life Designs in Iowa. “Concrete around a pool, for example, requires a different sealant than concrete used for a front entryway.”

Depending on the type of concrete sealant you use, you’ll pay $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot. Water-based elastomeric sealers are the least expensive and have a smooth appearance. Water-based clear coats have a natural finish and run in the middle of the price range. Acrylic sealants add the most shine, but they also cost the most. You can apply sealers yourself to save money.

Cost To Pour Stamped Concrete Yourself

You could save an average of $400 to $700 by pouring and stamping your own concrete. However, unless you have the experience and the tools needed to pour concrete, you should let professionals handle the installation.

A professional will have the tools and skills necessary to get the look you want and the durability you need. We recommend contacting a concrete stamping company near you for the best results.

Cost of Common Stamped Concrete Add-Ons

Stamped concrete can do wonders to elevate the appearance of your yard and home, but there are ways you can take your project a step further. Check out the costs for the following add-on projects.

How to Save Money on Stamped Concrete Costs

While the DIY route may look tempting, remember that errors can be more costly than hiring a professional in the long run. Instead, consider these tips to stay away from the higher end of the price range while still collaborating with a pro.

1. Add a stamped concrete overlay instead of working from scratch. Since overlays are far thinner and less labor intensive, you’ll spend between $3 and $5 per square foot instead of between $8 and $12 for a new concrete slab.

2. Stick to a single concrete pattern and stain color. The more complex your design, the more you’ll spend. Choose a single color and pattern, and avoid custom borders or inlays, if possible.

3. Stay away from custom designs and go with the specialty of the company. Most stamped concrete companies can provide just about any design you’re looking for, but they might have to charge you for custom stamps or rollers, which will drive up your project cost.

4. Speak with at least three professionals to compare prices. Compare the companies based on cost, timeline, and customer reviews to find the one that offers the best value.

5. Book your contractor several months ahead to avoid rush prices. Aim to begin discussing your project in the winter to give your pro time to prep. You’ll also avoid the high-demand springtime, which could end up saving you some money.

6. Seal the surface after it is complete to avoid costly maintenance or repairs. Tackle this as a DIY project annually or every other year to save money in the long run.

7. Carry out maintenance and upkeep yourself. Address surface cracks and minor damage yourself to avoid labor costs, but always call in a pro for more substantial damage.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.