Stamped Concrete in Joliet, IL

Stamped concrete is regular concrete that is colored and pressed with textured mats while it is still workable, so the finished slab looks like slate, flagstone, cobble or brick. It is popular around Joliet for back patios, front entries and borders along a driveway. HomeGuide's patio guide lists stamped patios at $9 to $30 a square foot installed, compared with $4 to $12 for plain concrete, so it is worth knowing what you are paying for before you choose a pattern.

Where stamped concrete works well

• Back patios, where it gets the most attention and the least plow traffic
• Front walks and entries, often with a plain broom center and a stamped border
• Driveway borders and aprons on private property, leaving the main lanes plain and easier to shovel
• Pool decks and fire pit areas, with a textured pattern for grip

A fully stamped driveway is possible, but in a snowy climate a stamped surface takes more care when shoveling and needs regular sealing. Many homeowners pick a stamped border instead.

Patterns and color

Common patterns include ashlar slate (rectangles of mixed sizes), random flagstone, cobblestone, running-bond and herringbone brick, and wood plank. Color usually comes in two layers: a base color mixed into the concrete or broadcast on the surface, and a contrasting release agent that settles into the low spots and gives the stone or mortar-joint look. At the estimate we show you pattern and color samples and talk about how they will look next to your siding, brick or limestone.

Why sealing matters here

A stamped surface has texture and color that need protection from salt, sun and water. A good sealer keeps the color from fading and slows the freeze-thaw damage that causes flaking. We reseal on the schedule we leave with you, which is typically every few years. Skip rock salt on stamped concrete; sand is the safer choice for traction.

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Stamping an existing slab

If your current patio is structurally sound but plain or worn, a stamped overlay may be an option. HomeGuide's resurfacing guide lists stamped overlays at $7 to $15 per square foot for a single pattern, and $15 to $20 for complex designs. Overlays only make sense on a slab that is not sinking or badly cracked; HomeGuide notes that cracks wider than a quarter inch usually rule resurfacing out. We will tell you honestly which way your slab should go.

How a stamped pour works

The base and forms go in just as for a plain slab. On pour day the crew places the concrete, finishes the surface, applies color, then stamps it in sequence while the concrete is at the right firmness. Timing is everything, so stamped work needs a full crew and a good forecast. After curing, the surface is washed to remove excess release, and the sealer goes on.

Permits

In Joliet, a stamped patio, walk or driveway border needs the same permit as any other flatwork, with the new surface marked on your plat of survey. We handle that filing for jobs inside city limits.