Pros and Cons of a Stamped Concrete Patio in Kansas City

Have you decided to transform your backyard into a location where you can gather with family and friends? If so, there are countless features and options to consider, including a stamped concrete patio.

If you plan to install a backyard patio, you need to decide if stamped concrete is the best option. While the options offered by stamped concrete have come a long way in recent years, it is still important to consider the pros and cons of stamped concrete before deciding.

About Stamped Concrete Solutions

The development of stamped concrete has transformed the plain, hard slabs of the past, providing a beautiful facelift. With stamped concrete, you can add value to your home and aesthetic appeal. It is also a long-term and durable solution for your backyard space.

Pros and Cons: Aesthetic Appeal

Looks matter when it comes to your backyard space.

Pros: With stamped concrete, you have a huge option of textures, patterns, and colors for your patio. You can choose earth tones or something more vibrant. It can also mimic other hardscape surfaces.
Cons: Even though stamped concrete looks like other hardscape materials, such as natural stone and slate, it is still a simulation. Stamped concrete is a smart solution for any patio, but it is never really mistaken for the “real thing.”

Pro: Installation

Another consideration for stamped concrete is the installation process.
Since stamped concrete is a continuous form, it is not as labor-intensive as concrete pavers’ installation. With concrete pavers, you must haul in each stone and create the pattern by hand. However, with stamped concrete, it is mixed, poured, and formed using stamp templates.

Con: Cracking

It is important to note that it is not if the concrete will crack; it is when it will crack. Since stamped concrete is a continuous type of hardscape without much (if any) room for any moving, the relief joints put into the surface are important. The relief joints are predicted guidelines for the cracks to follow. Keep in mind that not all relief joints are blended into the pattern. There is a possibility that the joints will be seen on the patio.

Pro: Cost-Effective Alternative

Stamped concrete compared to concrete or brick pavers is considered an economical way to increase your outside living space. While some stamped concrete won’t require a seal, some clients prefer to have a sealed surface, which will provide a wet look to protect it from the elements and offer slip resistance. When stamped concrete is a more affordable option, to begin with, if you decide to seal the surface, you will have to reseal it every three to five years.

When it comes to stamped concrete, there are both pros and cons to consider. Use the information above to ensure the right decision is made for your outdoor space. Being informed, and knowing what to expect, will help ensure that you make the right decision regarding the finish for your patio is selected. If you choose stamped concrete, be sure to find the right contractor for the job. This will ensure you get the desired results.