Decorative concrete is an excellent choice for enhancing pool decks, patios, porches, driveways, and sidewalks. While we are highly experienced in installing decorative concrete, many of our customers are curious about how this process works. Here, we’ll walk you through the steps of our recent project for the City of Hickory and the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, where we installed two new walkways with a stamped antique brick pattern.
Step 1: Forming the Area
Before pouring concrete, the first step is to properly form the area where the concrete will be installed. The standard pour depth for concrete is typically 4 inches, which is essential for structural integrity.
Grading the Ground
It’s crucial that the surface is smooth and level. Any uneven areas will require more concrete, which could increase the cost of the project. Grading ensures that the surface is even, helping to reduce material waste.
Step 2: Concrete Installation
Once the area has been properly formed and graded, we begin the concrete installation. For this project, we used a 3000-psi concrete mix with pea gravel, which is ideal for stamping as it’s easier to work with.
Using Integral Color
We selected an integral color called brick red, which is mixed directly into the concrete at the plant. This method ensures that the color is consistent throughout the entire slab, giving it a more uniform appearance.
Step 3: Screeding the Concrete
After the concrete is poured, the next step is screeding. This process involves using a straightedge to remove excess concrete from higher areas and help fill in lower spots, making sure the surface is level.
Step 4: Troweling, Floating, and Edging
Once screeding is done, it’s time to trowel, float, and edge the concrete. These processes smooth out the surface, remove moisture, and shape the edges of the concrete. As water evaporates, the concrete firms up, preparing it for stamping.
Step 5: Stamping the Concrete
Stamping requires the concrete to be firm enough to support the pressure of the stamps but still wet enough to hold the impression.
Applying Release Agent
Before stamping, we spray a release agent onto the concrete. This prevents the rubber stamps from sticking, similar to how cooking spray works on a pan.
Stamping with Rubber Mats
The rubber mats are carefully placed to form a pattern, and then tamped down using a special tool. This process transfers the desired pattern onto the concrete surface.
Correcting Imperfections
Specialty tools are used to fix any imperfections that may occur during the mat transfer, ensuring a flawless finish.
Step 6: Curing and Finishing
Once the concrete has been stamped, it is left to cure overnight. After the concrete has fully set, we move on to the finishing stages, which include color washing and sealing.
Color Washing
To give the concrete a more natural, antique look, we apply a silicon-based coloring agent. For this project, we added a charcoal tint to 5 gallons of water and poured it directly onto the stamped concrete. This process enhances the color and adds depth to the design.
Step 7: Sealing the Concrete
The final step is sealing the concrete. We use an acrylic concrete sealer that not only protects the surface but also gives it a glossy, “wet” look. For commercial installations, like this one, we added red quartz sand to the surface to increase traction and reduce slipperiness. The sand blends seamlessly with the concrete and does not affect the aesthetic.
Completed Walkway
Here is the finished walkway, showcasing the antique brick pattern and the sleek, sealed finish. Decorative concrete can transform any outdoor space, adding beauty and durability.
