Stamped & Decorative Concrete
Get the elegant look of stone, brick, or tile at a fraction of the cost with custom stamped concrete for your Lake Oswego property.
Why Choose Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete gives you the high-end appearance of natural stone, brick pavers, or slate tile without the premium price tag. We pour regular concrete, then press patterns into the surface while it is still workable. The result looks remarkably like the real thing, but costs significantly less and requires much less maintenance.
Real stone pavers cost 15 to 30 dollars per square foot installed. Individual pavers can shift, settle unevenly, and develop weed growth between joints. Stamped concrete typically runs 10 to 18 dollars per square foot and gives you a solid, stable surface that stays level. You never have to worry about pulling weeds from cracks or resetting sunken pavers.
We install stamped concrete on patios, walkways, pool decks, and driveways throughout Lake Oswego. The technique works on any project where you want decorative concrete. Our team has the skills and equipment to create patterns that look natural and complement your home style.
Pattern and Color Options
Stamped concrete offers dozens of pattern choices. We have stamps that replicate slate, flagstone, cobblestone, brick, wood planks, and various tile patterns. Each stamp creates realistic texture and joint lines that make the concrete look like individual pieces rather than one solid slab.
Popular Pattern Styles
- Ashlar slate for an upscale, natural stone appearance with irregular rectangular shapes
- Random stone that mimics fieldstone or natural flagstone with organic shapes
- Running bond brick pattern for traditional walkways and patios
- Cobblestone for Old World charm on driveways and courtyards
- Wood plank stamps that look like real wood decking without the rot and maintenance
Color takes stamped concrete from good to great. We use integral color mixed into the concrete, then apply color hardeners and antiquing stains to create depth and variation. This multi-layer color approach makes the surface look more natural, with subtle tone differences like you see in real stone.
You can choose from earth tones like tan, brown, and gray for natural looks, or bolder reds and charcoals for more dramatic effects. We bring pattern samples and color charts to your property so you can see how different combinations work with your home exterior and landscaping.
How We Create Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete requires precise timing and skill. We have a short window after pouring to apply color and stamp the patterns before the concrete hardens too much. Our crews are trained in these specialized techniques and work efficiently to get consistent results across your entire project.
The Stamping Process
We start with the same solid foundation work as any concrete project. That means proper excavation, compacted base, reinforcement, and quality concrete mix. The decorative work happens at the surface, but the structure underneath is what makes it last.
After we pour and level the concrete, we broadcast color hardener onto the wet surface. This adds both color and extra durability. Once the concrete reaches the right consistency, we press the stamp mats into the surface systematically, overlapping each impression to create a continuous pattern.
After the concrete cures for a day or two, we apply antiquing stains. These highlight the texture and joint lines, creating shadows and depth that make the pattern more realistic. Finally, we seal the entire surface with a high-quality concrete sealer that protects the color and makes cleaning easier.
Sealing is essential for stamped concrete. The sealer prevents water penetration, protects against stains, and enhances the color. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain the appearance and keep the surface protected from Lake Oswego weather.
Stamped Concrete Questions
Homeowners often have questions about how stamped concrete compares to other options. Here are the answers we give most often.
Stamped concrete can develop hairline cracks just like plain concrete. The stamping process itself does not make cracking more likely. We minimize cracking by using proper reinforcement, placing control joints in strategic locations, and preparing a solid base. When small cracks do appear, they often blend into the pattern joints and are barely noticeable. The decorative finish hides minor imperfections much better than plain concrete.
Stamped concrete has texture from the pattern, which helps with traction. However, sealed surfaces can be slippery when wet. For areas like pool decks or steep walkways, we use slip-resistant sealers that add grit to the surface. We can also choose patterns with more aggressive texture. The key is matching the sealer and pattern to how you will use the space.
Stamping only works on fresh concrete, so we cannot stamp existing surfaces. However, we can extend your current patio with new stamped concrete. There will be a visible seam where new meets old, but we can work that into the design or use saw cuts to make it look intentional. Another option is resurfacing your entire patio with a thin decorative overlay that can be stamped, though this costs more than working with good existing concrete.
Ready for Decorative Concrete?
Let us show you pattern and color samples so you can visualize your finished project. We will provide a detailed estimate and answer all your questions about stamped concrete.
Call (971) 289-1988