Stamped concrete is an accent that a lot of people have been investing in as it’s a great way to achieve a more affordable look of brick, pavers, or stones. Getting a stamped patio is something many homeowners might be considering, but are stamped concrete patios durable enough?
The answer to this question will be answered in this article as we talk about the durability of stamped concrete patios, the disadvantages of a stamped concrete patio and essentially determining if a stamped concrete patio is worth it. Let’s dive in and figure out if a stamped patio is the best option for you.
This information is presented by our concrete company who specialize in installing a stamped concrete patio in Portland.
How Long Do Stamped Concrete Patios Last?
The main concern when it comes to stamped concrete patios, or really any concrete slab, is how long it will last. Longevity and durability are huge factors that go into determining if a stamped concrete patio is for you. So, stamped concrete patios can last 25 years or more. This is achieved by having it properly installed and maintained. In comparison, a regular patio can last about 30 years or more, so there isn’t too much of a lifespan difference here.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is very similar to regular concrete and therefore the disadvantages are quite slim. However, the main concern with stamped concrete is its durability. As we stated earlier, the lifespan is only about 5 years shorter than a regular concrete patio, but the possibility of the stamped concrete patio cracking is heightened compared to a regular patio.
The concrete is laid and once it’s almost dry there is a design stamped into it. This process is what actually can heighten the chance of cracking. Where the design is stamped into the concrete, there is less density and less thickness in those areas. This means that if there is stress put on the concrete patio from heavy weight or just weather then it could have a higher chance of cracking due to the lack of durability where the design lays.
With that being said, stamped concrete might not be a great choice for driveways or other high traffic areas due to this, but having a stamped concrete patio should be no problem. Because no heavy machinery or high traffic goes through that area, the lifespan will most likely reach the 25 year and up mark.
Is A Stamped Concrete Patio Worth It?
Figuring out if a stamped concrete patio is worth it is all up to your personal preferences. As a homeowner, you must determine if losing 5 years on your patio lifespan is worth it for a beautiful design that can boost home value and curb appeal, or if it isn’t worth it at all. Let’s look at a couple of factors that will help you determine if a stamped concrete patio is worth it for you.
Pricing: The price of stamped concrete is a bit more expensive than regular concrete, but not by much. Stamped concrete can cost between $8 and $16 per square foot and regular concrete can cost between $4 and $12 per square foot. However, the price comparison should be with stone or pavers as this is what stamped concrete is mimicking.
Durability: Stamped concrete lasts about 25 years with proper installation and maintenance while a regular concrete patio can last 30 years. This five-year difference is based solely on the design aspect where there isn’t much thickness and therefore it’s more likely to crack in those areas.
Maintenance Level: Stamped concrete is a low maintenance option compared to stone or pavers. Although stamped concrete and concrete, in general, can crack, there’s less maintenance to do on it in order to prevent or repair cracks. The most maintenance you should do on your stamped concrete is to reseal it every five years or so.
Pros Of Stamped Concrete:
- Beautiful customizable design
- Customizable aesthetics
- Boosts curb appeal
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
Cons Of Stamped Concrete:
- Easily cracked
- Not great for high traffic areas such as driveways
- Color matching is almost impossible if it needs to be repaired
Are Stamped Concrete Patios Durable?
The bottom line is that stamped concrete patios are just as durable as regular concrete patios. The five-year difference in possible lifespan can easily be overturned with proper maintenance. Stamped concrete gives a great look to your home without having to pay a lot of money to get stone placed.
Determining if stamped concrete is worth it to you will be based on what you need in a patio. Pricing, maintenance level, and durability all play a huge role in figuring out if stamped concrete is for you. It’s important to remember that stamped concrete has a lot of benefits including boosting curb appeal and it’s a great addition to add in for home value as well, not to mention it just looks beautiful and high-end. You can contact a stamped concrete contractor to get more information about stamped concrete today.
