It's well known that Color hardened stamped Concrete is considerably stronger than
traditional concrete due to the psi increases from the pure cement/sand ratio and
proportionate tri-calcium silicate, engineered concrete composites & entraining
admixtures we use setting the pace for the Decorative Concrete Industry
The engraving process - imprinting, texturing, stamping & our own formulation of
resin-seal, chemical staining and engraving - takes about 3 days for an average two-car
driveway or patio - Decorative Stamped Concrete in Houston Texas as seen to the left
Cost averages $12 a square foot. For example, a two-car driveway 20-feet wide and
40-feet from the garage door to the street, costs about $9,600, while projects such as a
stamped concrete patios will cost $14 per sq ft on the first 300 ft & $12 per ft thereafter
Often you must first remove your existing concrete, dirt or grass to make way for your
new stamped concrete patio or driveway and concrete break up and removal costs in the
Houston Texas area for example are usually included but run between 1.50 per sq ft to $2.50 per sq ft for more delicate projects requiring removal by hand, These prices
apply on most job site conditions regardless of whether it's cement, wood decks or dirt.
Our demolitions are quick and efficient with an average removal and haul off rate of 300
sq ft per hour, remember to stay off your new driveway for 15 days and your patio at least 48 hours....call us today to schedule a free estimate and design consultation
The process begins with coloring and entraining the concrete with tri-calcium silicate and
color hardeners. Then, Our seasoned artisans screed the cement with texture tools and
molds that transform the "slab" into a "fine work of art" Stunning authenticity and antiquing
effects truly add splendor to any home
The next step is to apply a heavy coat of a special formulated penetrating resin-stain. The
engraving produces a lot of abrasive grit, and the dual coating of sealant helps protect the
concrete during the carving.
Homeowners can choose from over a dozen standard colors of stains and colors -
red-buff, brick red, terra buff, terracotta, platinum grey are the most popular - or have
one custom-blended by a the folks at ConcreteForever.com.
The artisans at ConcreteForever.com cut the designs with a water-cooled,
diamond-blade saw and imprinting equipment. The saw can cut straight lines, circles or
combinations of both on any flat concrete surface. The cobblestone circle is one of the
most popular designs. Some of the texturing and stamping sets we use cost as high as
$10,000.00 per set because of the authenticity these remarkable molds leave behind
Adjoining concrete walls, steps and other surfaces can be stained, stamped, textured and
engraved or carved to match the stamped concrete.
The artisans at concreteforever.com make the cuts about 1/8" inch deep or sometimes as
little as one-sixteenth of an inch, so high heels won't snag in the joints.
"We like to cut them deep enough to make a bit of a contrasting shadow to authenticate
the look of a large hand laid granite or marble tile-look adding depth... but shallow
enough they don't catch much dirt and are easy to clean.
After the design is finished, our seasoned artisans add a final coat of clear acryl-resin. The
surface is OK to walk on after three hours, but we recommend letting a driveway cure at
least 10-21 days hours before driving on it, concrete takes 28 days to completely hydrate
and cure.
The colored and engraved concrete surface is durable, but it can be scratched by steel
snow shovels - use a plastic one instead - by dragging heavy patio furniture across it or
by studded snow tires.
"It's not bulletproof. Don't use this process where the concrete is subjected to a lot of
abrasion.
Day-to-day maintenance is easy, simply hose it off occasionally. Oil drips can be wiped
up with a rag, and any stubborn spots or spills can be cleaned up with a brush and an
all-purpose cleaner like 409.The folks at ConcreteForever.com will leave some matching
stain with homeowners for touching up any scratches or scrapes.
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