The moment that you plan to completely upgrade the way that your backyard looks, a lot of options may freely enter your mind. Your goal, for sure, is to turn it into a place where you will find it cozy enough to make memories while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home.
The good news is that there are a lot of features that you can incorporate, with several options on materials to choose from. As you work on your backyard patio, for example, you may be wondering which is better – concrete pavers or stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is often regarded as a less time-consuming and easier way of creating multi-dimensional and beautiful patios and walkways that look similar to other more expensive options such as pavers and stones.
When it comes to decision making, there are a number of factors that you definitely need to consider. After all, fixing your patio is a huge decision. They will be set in stone, and most homes are designed to have only one or two tops for installations. For the longest time, stamping concrete has been favored by many homeowners.
How about you?
Stamping Concrete – The Pros
The process of stamping concrete involves taking hard and plain stabs, giving them a beautiful makeover! Overall, the use of stamped concrete enhances the value of your home, improving its durability and aesthetics, while serving as a long term fixture for your backyard.
Here are some factors that make stamping concrete a really attractive option for you to consider:
· Aesthetic Appeal
When selecting colors, textures, and patterns for your patio, it is a delight to know that you will never have to worry about a lack of options. Among the most popular choices are earth tones. With a natural look, you are given the guarantee of never going out of style. Despite the fact that there are a lot of patterns for you to choose from, the help of a professional designer will help you evaluate your actual needs while taking your preferences into consideration. Stamped concrete can even be used to mimic other hardscape surface options.
· Cost-Effectiveness
In contrast with concrete or brick pavers, stamped concrete is regarded as an economical option in extended our space outdoors. Even though some stamped concrete does not necessarily need a seal, some prefer using a sealed surface, giving it a wet appeal and slip resistance, while providing protection against the elements. Resealing can be done once every three to five years.
· Ease of Installation
Since stamped concrete comes in a continuous form, it only requires less labor in terms of installing concrete pavers. They are hauled and manually placed individually in a pattern, while stamping concrete requires mixing, pouring, and forming stamp templates.
· Maintenance
Since stamped concrete is a continuous concrete piece, there is no need to worry about the possibility of weeds growing right through the joints, which works similarly with concrete pavers. The latter offers the risk of heaving the freeze and thaw, which is common during the winter season. On the other hand, stamped concrete does not lead to worrying about the unsettled surface.
Stamping Concrete – The Cons
· Aesthetic Appeal
Even though stamped concrete looks similar to other materials, including natural stone and slate, it is still not real. While it is an attractive solution that will fit your patio well, it is never the real deal.
· Color Combination
If, for any reason, the stamped concrete that you have prepared suffers chips and damage, it is very challenging to find a match for the original color for repair. Patios that are made of stamped concrete are colored using a phased process upon installation. It is almost impossible to recreate the color layers as exactly as possible.
· Concrete Cracking
It is not actually a matter of whether the concrete will crack, but when it will actually crack. It means that it is inevitable as time passes by. Since stamped concrete, unlike other forms of fixtures, is a continuous hardscape, there is hardly any room available for possible movement. The relief joints which are saw cut right into the surface are quite important.
These relief joints serve as the basis for the other cracks to follow through. The problem with this is that not all relief joints may be easily blended to your stamped concrete pattern. This means that there is a possibility that these joints will become obvious in your patio.
Conclusion
When it comes to enhancing the way your outdoor living area looks, it is very important to make a wise decision. This can be done by getting the right education on how things are done. After all, each homeowner has a different preference in terms of features and solutions. At the end of the day, your personal decision will determine how your home will look like, which is why getting informed is very important.
