Decorative concrete is a style that mimics the appearance of many hardscaping materials such as bricks, wood, tiles, and stone. The stamps, color choices and finishes available in this option make it suitable for number of implementation from concrete driveways, to porches, patios and even sitting walls.
How is decorative concrete done?
The stamping technique is done before freshly poured concrete starts to harden. The large aggregate particles of the concrete are worked down into the concrete while it is still fresh. Then, large rubber mats are pressed into the concrete's surface, leaving a design or finish behind when the stamps are removed. Usually, before the concrete is stamped, the surface is covered with coloring or the color is added to mixture. Also, a release powder is applied across the concrete surface to prevent the stamps from attaching to the decorative concrete. This powder produces an antique effect on the surface further enhancing its look.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of decorative concrete is its value. In general, decorative concrete costs less than paver blocks. Also, stamping concrete is typically less labor intensive unlike installing other pavers that can really take up much longer time. The best thing about stamped concrete is its extremely versatility. Aside from the wide range of designs that can be done with it, other techniques such as antiquinig and scoring can also be used to enhance its look.
It also does not pose any tripping hazard because it's a single continuous slab not like individual paver blocks that can become loose or raised and, therefore may pose a tripping hazard. When it comes to maintenance, decorative concrete has very minimal requirements unlike paver stones which can be high maintenance. All you really need to do to keep stamped concrete in good shape is to apply a clear sealer over it every year or so depending on the amount of traffic the surface has to contend with and the harshness of the winter. With paver blocks, however, you need to check for any pieces that have settled to remove any tripping hazard, not to mention pull up weeds that grow between the paver blocks to keep the area tidy.
Disadvantages
The one big weakness of decorative concrete is the fact that almost all types of concrete surface inevitably cracks. A stamped concrete driveway can eventually crack due to heavy loads like large delivery vehicles regularly passing over it or the settlement of the soil underneath. Decorative concrete contractors are aware of the tendency of concrete to crack so they place expansion joints in the concrete paving to make the cracks occur neatly at the joints. Occasionally, however, stamped concrete|concrete|decorative concrete} can still crack outside of the control joints.
When this happens, filling up the cracks can become very difficult because it's hard to match the original pattern and color. Likewise, changes to the finish if not addressed properly, can be very obvious and unappealing should you try to alter the stamped concrete's shape or add on to it. However, with new technology methods in decorative concrete every year, it is becoming more and more likely that you will be able to match the existing textures and colors quite closely.
With paver blocks, it is less likely that you will have to worry about cracking with paver stones. Also, because they are individual blocks, repairs, replacements and modifications are easy and in most cases there is usually no problem with finding matching materials.
However, do note that professional concrete pouring greatly minimizes cracking if not altogether. So, it is very important to choose a seasoned company to do the job and also to use good quality concrete products to ensure that you get a astonishing decorative concrete surface that will last years to come. For more information for stamped concrete or interlocking concrete blocks you can find out more at [http://landscapinghardscaping.com/stamped-concrete-process.html read here] or you can also check [landscapinghardscaping.com stamped concrete].
