5 Questions to Ask About Stamped Concrete Installation

A plain concrete driveway or patio can be unattractive and dull. Stamped concrete can liven up your surface and take on different designs and textures, from cobblestone and flagstone to wood and fractured slate. But before you start dreaming of your new space, here are questions to ask your stamped concrete contractor​.

1. When can you do the work?

In many cases, a stamped concrete installation project isn’t a rush job, so you can work with a local concrete stamping company to schedule the work when it is convenient. However, if it’s a rush job, expect to pay more for the installation and have fewer companies to choose from with space on their schedule.

2. How does the climate impact this project?

If you live in a cold climate, schedule your stamped concrete installation for the warmer months when the temperature is consistently mild. Cold weather can lengthen concrete curing time and affect its structural integrity in the long term. Concrete installations in cold regions may also need insulation underneath the slab or stronger reinforcements to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Installations in areas with high levels of seismic activity can benefit from adding rebar to the concrete to strengthen it and avoid earthquake damage.

3. How much does stamped concrete cost?

The location of the stamped concrete installation will affect the overall price. Stamped concrete costs between $2,960 and $7,790 to install, with an average project price of $5,280. However, you’ll pay more for a stamped concrete driveway ($8 to $28 per square foot) than a stamped concrete patio ($8 to $21 per square foot). And stamped concrete interior flooring can cost as much as $28 per square foot to install. When requesting quotes from concrete pros, be clear about where you want the work done.

4. If I have existing concrete, does that make a difference?

If the patio or driveway location has existing concrete installed, you have two options. You can add a stamped concrete overlay to the existing concrete if it’s in decent shape; this will cost $3 to $3 per square foot and can be a budget-friendly option. If the concrete is in poor condition, you’ll need to have it removed and a new surface installed. Demolishing and removing an old concrete slab costs around $2 to $6 per square foot, or an average total cost of $1,100.

5. What do different design options cost?

Basic stamped concrete costs $8 to $12 per square foot to install. This type of installation will have limited customization options and no borders, with a uniform color, but it’s a budget-friendly option that will still improve the look of a plain concrete slab. If you opt for an intermediate design with two or more colors and a custom border, expect to pay between $12 and $18 per square foot. A complex design with multiple detailed patterns and colors can cost $18 to $28 per square foot.