Stamped Concrete Comparisons

Why Stamped Concrete?

Decorative stamped concrete offers a number of advantages that other paving materials can’t match, particularly when it comes to design versatility. Here, we compare stamped concrete with some alternatives.

	Asphalt	Natural Stone	Precast Pavers	Stamped Concrete
Available in an array of patterns and colors With countless color combinations and hundreds of patterns available, stamped concrete offers unlimited design possibilities.	No	No	Yes	Unlimited
Longevity and performance Like conventional concrete, stamped concrete will provide decades of service when properly installed and maintained, even when exposed to harsh winter weather.	Poor	Good	Good	Excellent
Speed of installation Unlike stone or precast pavers, stamped concrete can be poured or pumped into place without the need to lift and place individual units. It takes about five days to install a 2,000 square foot stamped concrete driveway vs. 10 to 12 days to install natural stone or pavers.*	Fast	Slow	Slow	Moderate
Ability to customize Some manufacturers produce custom stamps that allow you to imprint logos or other one-of-a-kind designs.	No	No	No	Yes
Special maintenance requirements All of these paving materials, including concrete, will require removal of dirt or stains when necessary by scrubbing or pressure washing.	Annual seal coating	Removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints; refilling joints with sand as needed.	Removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints; refilling joints with sand as needed.	Resealing every few years or as needed to protect the surface from stains and maintain color vibrancy.
Average cost per square foot installed Depends on the complexity of the job. More elaborate stamped concrete installations will cost more.	$2 - $2.50*	$25 and up*	$4 - $20*	$8 - $20*

*Source: Bob Harris’ Guide to Stamped Concrete
Source: Concrete Network

Compare Resurfaced Concrete to Other Options

Compare Stained Concrete to Other Options

Available in an array of patterns & colors
Asphalt	No
Natural Stone	No
Precast Pavers	Yes
Stamped Concrete	Unlimited

Longevity and performance
Asphalt	Poor
Natural Stone	Good
Precast Pavers	Good
Stamped Concrete	Excellent

Speed of installation
Asphalt	Fast
Natural Stone	Slow
Precast Pavers	Slow
Stamped Concrete	Moderate

Ability to customize
Asphalt	No
Natural Stone	No
Precast Pavers	No
Stamped Concrete	Yes

Special maintenance requirements
Asphalt Annual seal coating
Natural Stone Removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints; refilling joints with sand as needed.
Precast Pavers Removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints; refilling joints with sand as needed.
Stamped Concrete Resealing every few years or as needed to protect the surface from stains and maintain color vibrancy.

Average cost per square foot installed
Asphalt	$2 - 2.50*
Natural Stone	$25 and up*
Precast Pavers	$4 - $20*
Stamped Concrete	Unlimited