Exposed Concrete vs. Stamped Concrete: What Is the Difference?
Concrete is a popular surfacing material in many homes, and it is ideal for use in walkways, driveways, floors, patios, and a variety of other applications. However, you can’t just apply concrete just because it is a popular choice. There are numerous factors to consider if you want to use concrete in your construction or home improvement projects.
The first factor to be considered is the type of concrete to be used. Here, we will explain the distinction between stamped and plain concrete. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can decide which one fits your needs and preferences.
So, without further ado, here’s a breakdown of their differences.
Exposed Concrete
Unparalleled Stylishness
Say goodbye to the idea that concrete is grey, cold, and uninteresting. With this decorative concrete, you have an almost limitless number of options. There are virtually limitless design options in terms of appearance, texture, and colour. Even the shape of the flooring can be changed to meet your needs and preferences.
Even when the same mixes are used, different finishes can be achieved. This allows you to easily transition from polished flooring in one area of the space to an outdoor finish that ensures a non-slippery texture. With this, you can achieve a consistent appearance throughout the property. The indoor and outdoor areas of the house are seamlessly connected.
Trusted Durability
To be considered cost-effective, any item must last for an extended period of time. It should be worth every penny you’ve paid for it. The tensile strength of exposed aggregate is unrivalled. Even without maintenance, it can last for several years. Other types of concrete, as well as other materials, can be difficult to keep in good condition. You must reseal them regularly or hire a professional to ensure they continue to function for the years to come.
Exposed aggregate gives you good performance that will last a lifetime. Let us make a comparison with stone pavers. These materials are also well-liked in Australian households. However, many property owners have discovered that they are difficult to maintain and can be damaged quickly.
Stone pavers are frequently compacted, reducing the space between them. Exposed aggregate, on the other hand, employs inert materials that are connected and moulded into a single homogeneous form. They have high compressive strength and abrasion resistance when combined. From the start, you can tell how long-lasting this material is.
Easy to Maintain
This type of decorative concrete does not necessitate a lot of upkeep. In fact, you can leave it alone for a year without having to worry about withering or degrading quality. You can be confident that it will continue to look as good as new even after several months.
If there is a problem, it is simple to solve. If you are still covered by the warranty, you can contact the installer. The pathway or wherever exposed aggregate is installed will be taken care of in this manner.
Cracks are frequently a major source of concern for many homeowners who use decorative concrete. With proper maintenance, including cleaning, the material can last for five years or more without showing signs of wear and tear.
Money-Saver
You can save money by not having to worry about maintenance because you won’t have to pay for a professional service. Exposed aggregate does not have grout that will change colour over time. You also don’t have to worry about weeds, gaps, or sand erosion. All of these issues may arise with other materials, such as bricks and pavers, but not with exposed aggregate.
There is also no need to cut tiles to fit the area or wait for the curing process to complete. Though it is a type of decorative concrete, unlike the others, it does not require re-staining. In addition, it will not warp or crack in most situations.
Stamped Concrete
Wide Pattern and Colour Options
Because the concrete is poured on-site, it can be customised in a variety of ways. The concrete can be coloured to match your home’s exterior, pool, existing concrete, or anything else. In this manner, you can make a new patio appear to be an integral part of your landscaping design from the start. Concrete can also be stamped in virtually any pattern, giving you limitless design options.
Excellent Performance and Longevity
A stamped concrete patio will last for many years. It will not sink unevenly, as some patios do, and it will withstand heavy traffic, patio furniture, and the demands of children and pets. A stamped concrete patio may be the right solution if you want a patio that will perform well without causing any problems.
Quick Installation
A stamped concrete patio is one of the quickest patios to build. Because it goes down like a slab and requires less labour, it is much faster to install than natural stone or paver patios. Your backyard will be out of commission for less time, and you can resume your normal life much sooner.
Low Maintenance
Use stamped concrete for your patio if you want to keep your home maintenance to a minimum. Although stamped concrete appears to be expensive, its only maintenance requirement is that it should be resealed every other year. Resealing your patio will keep it from chipping or cracking and will also help preserve its colour. Aside from resealing, simply sweep it to keep it free of debris and dirt.
Affordable
Stamped concrete is significantly less expensive than a variety of other patio surface options. The overall cost is lower because it does not require as much installation labor as natural stone or pavers. Concrete is also less expensive than a variety of other patio surface materials.
Which One Is for You?
Both exposed and stamped concrete driveways look very clean and pleasing when done right. But in general, we recommend exposed concrete driveways for those who want a clean and practical look to their driveways. Exposed concrete is also very low maintenance, making it perfect for those who want to save time and money on regular check-ups.
On the other hand, a stamped concrete driveway is recommended for those who prefer to customise their driveway. There are so many design options out there. Whether you want the stoned driveway aesthetic or prefer the look of bricked flooring, the choice is completely up to you!
The important thing is that you have the right installers and concrete driveway experts to help you out. Here at Decorative Concrete, we wish to help homeowners and businesses get the most out of their driveways. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!