Stamped & Decorative Concrete

Beauty Meets Durability

You don't have to settle for plain gray concrete anymore. Stamped and decorative concrete lets you create stunning outdoor surfaces that look like natural stone, brick, slate, or tile without the high cost and maintenance of real materials. This technique combines the durability and longevity of concrete with the elegant appearance of premium paving materials.

At EverSet Morgan Hill Concrete, we specialize in decorative concrete finishes that transform ordinary spaces into beautiful features. Whether you want a stunning patio that looks like European cobblestone or a driveway in Morgan Hill that mimics natural flagstone, we have the skills and experience to bring your vision to life. Our work looks beautiful on day one and stays that way for decades.

Design Possibilities

Decorative concrete offers incredible versatility. Here are the most popular options:

• Stamped concrete: We press patterns into fresh concrete to create realistic textures that look like stone, brick, slate, wood planks, or tile. Hundreds of stamp patterns are available, from rustic cobblestone to modern geometric designs.
• Colored concrete: Integral color mixes throughout the concrete, or we can apply color hardeners to the surface. This creates rich, lasting colors that won't fade quickly like paint or stains. Earth tones are most popular, but bold colors work great for certain styles.
• Exposed aggregate: This finish reveals the natural stones and pebbles in the concrete mix. It provides excellent slip resistance and a distinctive look that complements modern architecture and landscaping.
• Stained concrete: Acid or water-based stains create variegated, translucent colors with depth and character. No two stained surfaces look exactly alike, giving your project a unique, custom appearance.
• Textured finishes: Beyond stamping, we can create custom textures - from smooth and polished to rough and rustic. Different textures provide varying amounts of slip resistance and visual interest.
• Borders and accents: Combine different patterns, colors, or finishes to create borders, bands, or medallions that add visual interest and help define spaces.

Why Choose Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete costs more than plain concrete but offers significant advantages compared to the materials it imitates:

Lower cost than natural materials: Real flagstone, slate, or brick pavers cost two to three times more than stamped concrete that looks nearly identical. You get the high-end appearance without the premium price.

Easier maintenance: Natural stone and pavers develop weeds between joints, shift over time, and require periodic releveling. Decorative concrete is a monolithic surface with no gaps for weeds and no individual pieces to shift or sink.

Faster installation: Installing natural stone or brick pavers takes longer than stamping concrete. We complete most decorative concrete projects in days rather than weeks, and you can use the surface sooner.

Consistent quality: Real stone varies in thickness, strength, and appearance. Decorative concrete provides uniform thickness and strength while still offering the visual variety that makes natural materials appealing.

How We Create Decorative Concrete

Creating beautiful stamped or decorative concrete requires timing, skill, and experience. Here's our process:

We start with the same careful site preparation and base work as any concrete project. Then we pour high-quality concrete and level it to the right thickness. For colored concrete, we add integral color to the mix or apply color hardener to the surface while it's still workable.

Timing is critical for stamping. The concrete must be firm enough to hold the stamp pattern but still soft enough to accept the impression. We apply a release agent that prevents the stamps from sticking and adds subtle color variations. Then our crew presses large stamp mats into the surface, creating realistic texture and pattern.

For exposed aggregate finishes, we wash away the surface layer to reveal the stones beneath once the concrete has set enough. Staining happens after the concrete has cured, with careful application to achieve the desired color effects.

Finally, we apply a sealer that protects your decorative concrete from stains, moisture, and wear. The sealer also enhances colors and gives the surface an attractive sheen. Regular resealing every few years keeps your decorative concrete looking its best.

Where Decorative Concrete Works Best

Stamped and decorative concrete works beautifully for patios, pool decks, walkways, courtyards, and interior floors. It's also perfect for driveways when you want something more distinctive than standard concrete. We've created decorative concrete features throughout Morgan Hill for both residential and commercial properties.

The key is choosing patterns and colors that complement your home's architecture and existing landscaping. We'll show you samples and help you select options that fit your style and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions