Homeowners Guide: Are Stamped Concrete Patios Durable?

A stamped concrete patio is an excellent choice for any property! Stamped and stained concrete mimics the look of high-end flagstone, pavers, and brick, for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, staining concrete allows more control over its final appearance and color tone.

While stamped concrete offers affordable style, many homeowners wonder if it’s as durable as pavers, brick, and expensive stone. This is a very valid question, as patios need to withstand foot traffic as well as weather exposure. Check out some vital information about stamped concrete patios and their durability, so you know if this is the right choice for your property.

This information is presented by our team of experts. Our company installs stamped concrete patios in Baton Rouge.

Is a Stamped Concrete Patio Durable?

First note that a stamped concrete patio starts with poured concrete, just like any driveway or walkway. Next, a contractor applies a specialty stamp across its surface, to create the look and texture of brick, stone, or another such material. Then, a contractor adds a specialty stain or coloring so that the finished surface looks like your chosen material.

In turn, your new patio offers the same durability as any walkway, pool deck, or other such surface! Stamping and staining don’t weaken the material somehow or make it more brittle and likely to crack. Also, a contractor can pour that concrete to a desired depth and thickness, just like driveways and walkways. Consequently, you can enjoy a very durable surface under foot, even if you plan an outdoor kitchen or other such features.

Additionally, that stamping doesn’t go all the way through a concrete block. In turn, your stamped concrete patio probably won’t see as many weeds growing up through individual sections as often happens with pavers and brick. This also adds to its overall durability!

Is Stamped Concrete High Maintenance?

Stamped and stained concrete is typically no more high maintenance than standard concrete! It’s vital that you keep concrete clean of anything corrosive or damaging. This includes motor oil and other automotive fluids, lawn care chemicals, snow salt, and the like.

Also, this cleaning should include pressure or power washing as needed. A standard garden hose can’t get into all those pits and pores along concrete surfaces! A pressure washing professional can also use specialty scrub brushes on tough stains and other areas.

Consistent sealing also keeps concrete in good condition. Sealing provides an added layer of protection between concrete and damaging chemicals, harsh weather, and strong sunlight. Additionally, sealing can help keep stain colors looking like new!

Stamped Concrete & Cracks

Many property owners are under the mistaken impression that stamping concrete somehow weakens it. In truth, those stamps or molds used to form concrete don’t go all the way through the material. In turn, they don’t create separate blocks or bricks that might crack easily due to everyday traffic.

Also, there is nothing about the stamping and staining process that makes concrete more brittle or somehow weaker, as said. Those stamps or molds only press a slight distance through concrete surfaces and stains don’t corrode or damage the material either!

On the other hand, note that stamped and stained concrete also doesn’t offer more support than standard concrete. In turn, it’s vital that you ensure the right depth or thickness during concrete installation. This is especially vital for driveways or stamped concrete patios that might hold heavy outdoor kitchen equipment and other such items.

What Makes Stamped Concrete Crack?

Poor-quality installation can increase the risk of cracks along stamped concrete. If a concrete installer stamps the concrete too soon after pouring, deeper joints might push into the stamped area. In turn, cracks and other damage soon form.

Also, keep in mind that moisture is usually the number one enemy of concrete, stamped or not! As concrete absorbs that moisture it then weakens and softens. Cracks then form along its surface or in areas that create the stamped pattern.

Additionally, overly moist soil can expand and heave, pushing against concrete from underneath. This also risks cracks and chips forming. To avoid this risk, ensure you keep your property’s soil graded as needed. A French drain system can also ensure moisture moves away from your stamped concrete installation.

How Long Do Stamped Concrete Patios Last?

Stamped concrete usually lasts about 25 years, which is the same lifespan as standard concrete. After that time, the material usually degrades and wears down so significantly that it might develop severe cracking, spalling, and other issues.

Additionally, note that everyday traffic and corrosive chemicals can affect concrete staining and other coloring, as said. Neglecting needed cleaning and sealing can leave your stamped concrete looking faded sooner than it should. In turn, it’s vital that you keep your stamped and stained concrete clean and free of debris!

Disadvantages of Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete offers many advantages over pavers, brick, stone, and other materials. Its lower price is just one reason to consider stamped concrete! Concrete installers can also work that installation around landscaping features or create rounded patios quickly and easily. Stamped concrete also might offer more finished options than any stone inventory in nearby home improvement stores.

However, this doesn’t mean that concrete is without its own disadvantages! First note that concrete does crack eventually, no matter how well you maintain it. Second, stain colors do fade over time and due to everyday wear and tear. Motor oil and other corrosive chemicals can also speed up this fading process.

Also, it’s vital that you use a reputable contractor for your stamped concrete installer. Poor-quality installation results in premature cracking and other issues. Also, an inexperienced contractor might allow for too much color variation in your stamped concrete, for an unsightly finish.

Lastly, because concrete is pitted along its surface, it’s vital that you invest in professional power washing every few years or as needed. For properties prone to airborne sand, silt, and other gritty residues, you might notice these trapped in concrete more often than usual. Consequently, you’ll need to clean that concrete frequently, to avoid premature damage and to ensure it looks its best.