5 Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios in St. Louis

Incredible Design Flexibility and Customization Options

Homeowners have countless design opportunities to create an exterior living space with a stamped concrete patio. Stamped concrete is created using specialized tools that allow a contractor to mimic the look of natural stone, slate, flagstone, brick, cobblestone, or even wood planks. Stamped concrete can be used to create unique fieldstone textures, travertine finishes, and even elegant multi-tonal designs. Earthy tone designs allow homeowners to blend the stamped concrete patio with the existing landscaping. In addition, designers can choose from a wide variety of color options for stamped concrete that go far beyond the typical gray color found in traditional concrete. These colors can range from earth tones to reds, browns, and combinations of colors that create a sense of depth and interest in the design. For example, a homeowner in The Hill may desire a decorative Italian-style terracotta design for their stamped concrete patio, while a homeowner in the neighborhood of Lafayette Park may prefer a more formal design that incorporates a Victorian architectural style and slate design.

Customized Outdoor Living Areas

Stamped concrete patios offer homeowners endless opportunities to create unique and functional outdoor living areas. Decorative borders, contrasting colors, and unique designs can all be incorporated into the stamped concrete patio to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor room. Homeowners can use multiple stamp patterns to define different areas of the patio for seating, dining, and cooking. When installed professionally, the transition between the stamped concrete patio and surrounding hardscape, plants, and trees is seamless. Homeowners can also create a realistic stone appearance by applying multiple colors and using different techniques to mimic the natural variations found in stone. To add additional dimension to the design, homeowners can also hire a contractor to hand-stain and antique the stamped concrete to give it the appearance of weathered natural materials. Lastly, a homeowner can customize their stamped concrete patio with their company logo, family crest, or personalized artwork, giving their home a truly unique character.

Durability in Harsh St. Louis Weather Conditions

While Missouri’s climate poses its own set of challenges to outdoor surfaces, a properly installed stamped concrete patio has proven itself to be incredibly durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, often outliving other outdoor materials by decades. When installed correctly with a 4,000-PSI or higher concrete mix, a stamped concrete patio is capable of providing the structural support needed for heavy furniture and grilling equipment. Additionally, the color hardener applied to the stamped concrete increases the surface density and abrasion resistance of the surface. As such, homeowners in Dogtown and Central West End are able to take full advantage of the durability of a stamped concrete patio, while also being able to protect themselves from cracked surfaces that result from poor installation, lack of reinforcement, and maintenance.

Performance and Longevity

Contractors report that when properly cared for and well-maintained, a stamped concrete patio can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years or longer, which is a lifespan that exceeds the lifespan of a wood deck by a wide margin. The solid, continuous surface of a stamped concrete patio also eliminates many of the problems that arise from having individual pavers, such as weeds growing up through the joints, settling and shifting of the pavers, and the need for periodic releveling of the pavers. While a stamped concrete patio will eventually develop fine hairline cracks, these cracks will not detract from the appearance of the surface, unlike smooth concrete that can crack and deteriorate over time. By regularly sealing their stamped concrete patio every two to three years, homeowners can protect the surface from moisture penetration, staining, and surface wear. Unlike wood decking that requires frequent staining and repairs, or pavers that require periodic releveling, a stamped concrete patio requires very little maintenance while providing decades of reliable service for homeowners in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Tower Grove Park and Shaw.

Comparative Cost-effectiveness to Other Materials

When considering budget-friendly options for outdoor projects, many homeowners consider the cost of materials. A stamped concrete patio provides homeowners with an affordable option for creating a high-end-looking exterior space. Installation costs for stamped concrete patios vary from $9 to $30 per square foot, depending on the design and number of colors selected. This compares favorably to the cost of natural stone, which can range from $16 to $35 per square foot, and premium pavers, which can cost from $15 to $50 per square foot. Homeowners can achieve the look of much more expensive materials at a lower cost. Labor costs for installing a stamped concrete patio remain relatively low because most residential stamped concrete installations can be completed in a few days. Because contractors pour and stamp the concrete in a single layer, material costs remain consistent and predictable, unlike the premium pricing that comes with quarried stone or manufactured pavers. With respect to the cost-effectiveness of stamped concrete patios, homeowners in Botanical Heights and Franz Park can take advantage of this cost-effective approach when designing large outdoor entertainment areas.

Maximizing Return on Investment

Real estate experts confirm that well-designed outdoor living spaces increase the value of a property and attract potential buyers. A beautiful stamped concrete patio adds curb appeal and functionality to a property without the substantial investment required to install a natural stone patio. Buyers appreciate low-maintenance surfaces that continue to look great for decades with minimal upkeep. The combination of the beauty of a stamped concrete patio and the durability of the material makes it a popular option for homebuyers in competitive real estate markets. In fact, the value of a home increases with a beautiful outdoor living space, and the installation costs of a stamped concrete patio are usually recouped in increased property value. Therefore, homeowners in University City and Webster Groves who invest in a well-designed stamped concrete patio receive both the benefits of an attractive outdoor living space and a financial return on investment.

Low-maintenance Requirements

Compared to other outdoor materials, a stamped concrete patio requires a low level of ongoing maintenance. Unlike wood decking that requires annual staining, sealing, and repair, a stamped concrete patio requires only the occasional cleaning and resealing. A homeowner simply sweeps off debris from the surface of the patio and occasionally washes the surface with mild soap and water. Power washing the surface of the patio once or twice a year will remove dirt and organic matter from the surface. Resealing the surface of the patio every two to three years will help maintain the color vibrancy and surface protection of the patio, and should cost approximately $1 to $3 per square foot. Given these easy-to-follow maintenance requirements, homeowners in Compton Heights and Clayton-Tamm will find a stamped concrete patio to be an ideal solution for homeowners seeking beautiful outdoor spaces without extensive upkeep obligations.

Common Material Problems Avoided

As a solid, continuous surface, a stamped concrete patio eliminates many problems that occur with other types of patio materials. For example, weeds cannot grow through the joints of a stamped concrete patio as they can through the joints of individual pavers, thereby eliminating the need for weeding and removal of weeds. Pavers, whether made of brick or stone, can also settle and/or shift over time, requiring periodic releveling of the pavers. Wood products used for outdoor decking can experience wood rot and termite damage, as well as moisture-related deterioration. Porous natural stone surfaces can be stained with oils, greases, and foods that can cause permanent marks on the surface of the stone. Finally, removing snow and ice from a stamped concrete patio is easier than from an uneven paver or a textured natural stone surface. Homeowners in the area of Forest Park will greatly appreciate the ease of maintenance of a stamped concrete patio, and spend more time enjoying their outdoor space and less time maintaining it throughout the year.

Slip-resistant Traction and Enhanced Safety Features

Many homeowners have safety concerns related to the slip-resistance of outdoor surfaces, particularly those with young children, elderly family members, or pools. A properly finished stamped concrete patio offers homeowners excellent traction due to the textured patterns created in the surface of the patio. Designers can control the depth of the texture to provide sufficient traction for the intended use of the surface. Designers can create deeper textures for wet conditions, such as pool decking, and can use sealers with slip-resistant additives to enhance safety without reducing the aesthetic appeal of the surface. The solid, continuous surface of a stamped concrete patio eliminates tripping hazards caused by uneven pavers and raised edges. Homeowners in South City will appreciate the added safety features of a stamped concrete patio, particularly around pools and other entertaining areas where moisture and foot traffic combine.

Safety Concerns Related to Weather Conditions

Homeowners in St. Louis face unique weather-related safety concerns related to their outdoor surfaces. The textured surface of a stamped concrete patio provides better traction than smooth concrete on rainy days or after dew forms on the surface of the patio. Unlike some natural stones that become extremely slippery when wet, a properly sealed stamped concrete patio maintains a reasonable level of traction. Regardless of the type of outdoor surface, winter ice and snow accumulation can pose safety concerns. However, the solid, continuous surface of a stamped concrete patio makes it possible to easily remove snow and ice without catching shovel edges as would be the case with individual pavers. A properly designed and installed stamped concrete patio also drains properly and does not permit standing water to accumulate and freeze, reducing the risk of injury. Homeowners in Hi-Pointe and Lindenwood Park will appreciate the safety-enhancing features of a stamped concrete patio throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions.

Efficient Installation Process

The speed at which an installation project can be completed plays a critical role in material selection. Stamped concrete patios can be installed in a surprisingly short period of time, usually one to three days, depending upon the size of the patio and the complexity of the design. In contrast to paver installations that involve considerable base preparation, individual paver placement, and edge securing, and natural stone installations that require fitting and setting of irregular stone pieces, as well as creating a stable foundation for the stone, a stamped concrete patio can be installed in a fraction of the time. Homeowners will enjoy their new outdoor spaces in days rather than weeks, and those planning special events or seasonal entertaining will particularly appreciate the rapid completion of a stamped concrete patio installation. Due to the quick nature of the installation process, homeowners in the vicinity of the Missouri Botanical Garden will experience less disruption to their landscape and fewer project inconveniences.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Contractor

Professional contractors possess the necessary skills and knowledge to execute stamped concrete installations with precision and speed, ensuring that the final product meets homeowners’ expectations. Due to the fact that the process of installing a stamped concrete patio involves coordinating multiple stages of the process before the concrete sets, a homeowner cannot successfully complete the installation of a stamped concrete patio without the assistance of a qualified contractor. A team of experienced contractors will arrive prepared with the correct stamps, color hardeners, release agents, and finishing tools for the job. Site preparation will include leveling, compacting the base, constructing the forms, and ensuring proper drainage and measurement.

The contractor will pour the concrete at the appropriate consistency, apply the color hardener evenly, stamp the desired patterns onto the concrete, and monitor the set time to ensure successful completion of the installation. In addition to completing the installation of the stamped concrete patio, a contractor will also provide the homeowner with the necessary reinforcement, expansion joints, and sealing for long-lasting performance. At St. Louis Concrete Works, our knowledgeable crews will complete your stamped concrete patio installation efficiently throughout the entire metropolitan area, creating an attractive outdoor living space that combines superior beauty with lasting durability for generations of enjoyment.