Imprinted concrete is a coating technique that is becoming increasingly popular. It is based on printing a picture or design on fresh concrete before it begins to dry. This gives the surface a unique and attractive appearance, which has made it a popular choice for patios, sidewalks, terraces and other outdoor and indoor spaces.
But how much does imprinted concrete cost? And what should be taken into account when doing a renovation with this material? In this article we will go in-depth about the price of imprinted concrete and we will discuss the factors and reasons why the final budget may vary.
Imprinted Concrete: a resistant character coating
Imprinted concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, water, and pigments used as a coating for floors and walls. Its price is more economical compared to other decorative materials, especially when considering its long-term value, as it guarantees a resistant character endowing it with great durability and in perfect condition. This makes the price of imprinted concrete more than efficient.
Next, we will show you 7 of its most exclusive characteristics and those that work best on the surfaces where they have been applied:
Durability
Thanks to its properties in terms of strength, it's a material that can last for decades without needing maintenance. It is ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, sidewalks, and driveways, as it withstands daily wear and tear.
Low maintenance
Stamped concrete is very easy to clean and doesn't necessarily require sealing or polishing. Once installed, maintenance will be minimal to keep the surface looking like new.
Non-slip character
A material that in itself offers a safe finish that prevents any unfortunate slipping, without the need to apply any type of varnish or sealant.
Resistant to moisture
Because it is a porous material, stamped concrete also has the ability to absorb and retain water, making it an ideal choice for areas with high levels of humidity, like pools, parks, terraces, and bathrooms.
Thermal insulation
Stamped concrete maintains heat and cold isolated, making it an excellent choice for use in areas with extreme climates.
Resistant to solar radiation
Being one of the most requested decoration materials for the remodeling of outdoor spaces, it is important that it has high resistance to ultraviolet rays. Especially in a country like Spain, where the sun traditionally hits hard.
9 variables that influence the price of stamped concrete
Next, we will present 10 variables that should be taken into account before installation, as they will directly affect the price of the stamped concrete.
1. State of the base
As is obvious, the state of the base is one of the essential parts to consider in the process of applying a stamped concrete surface. Installation cannot begin until the base is in perfect condition, which may present irregularities such as unevenness, imperfections, or some type of dirt like grease or dust.
It's also important to consider subsurface conditions because, in the case of moisture, a plastic layer is necessary to prevent seepage. All these sanitation measures for achieving suitable support contribute to the installation cost rise, increasing the final expense.
2. Surface dimension
There's a misbelief that the more square footage you have to cover, the more expensive the restoration will be because more material will be needed. However, this way of thinking is far from reality, as working with large quantities allows us to use the stamped concrete more efficiently.
In areas with a large number of square footage, the application is more effective as it presents higher planimetry. Thus, the larger the terrain, the better, due to its greater ease of application and product profitability.
3. Complexity of work
Before defining a budget, you have to consider how simple the work to be performed will be. If it is near a water area, or has many curves or terrain unevenness, all these make the process more complex.
The design of the stamped concrete also affects the final cost. If the client requires various designs, and some of them being more difficult, it will take longer to install, hence becoming more costly in the end.
Another factor that affects the price of stamped concrete is the size of the area to be paved. As mentioned before, the design is based on the size and the arrangement of the area to be paved. The larger and more complex the area, the more molds and work will be required, which in turn will result in a higher price.
4. Surface to covering
For stamped concrete, the type of surface does matter. Decorating a floor is not the same as a wall, and neither will it be the same if it’s a pool or bathroom area coating. The treatments will be different, adapting to each of the environments in order to provide effective finishes that enhance high performance.
Due to its complexity, the cladding of facades, walls, and partitions will be more expensive. The product's performance is lower, so a greater amount will be needed than in the case of horizontal surfaces. Another aspect to consider is the release agent to be used, in the case of vertical surfaces it will be the liquid version, a product that is more expensive than the powder version.
In the case of swimming pools, garages, bathrooms, and generally, spaces with high humidity or the like, these are surfaces where a special non-slip varnish must be used, which also increases costs.
5. Type of mold and its influence on the price of stamped concrete
The design of stamped concrete is a process in which molds are used to shape the material. The design is the most important factor and determines the final price of the product. The number and size of the molds necessary for the surface design, as well as the number of layers of concrete needed, are determined based on the size and shape of the area to be covered.
More complex designs require a larger number of molds and, therefore, are more expensive. However, many customers consider the additional cost to be worth it, as the final result is unique and attractive paving. Other customers prefer simpler designs to save costs. However, even the simplest designs require a lot of work and experience from the design team.
In general terms, the more relief and weight it has, the more expensive it will be. It is also possible for its price to increase if we request specific geometric patterns or decorative shapes.
Following this theory, blanket molds being lighter and with less relief are much cheaper, unlike those of imitation stone, brick, slate and wood, which are aesthetically really attractive but have a higher cost.
6. Decorative style
Another aspect to consider will be the decorative style that you want to carry out. High customization can guarantee greater exclusivity in your rooms, but it will also affect the price, raising it.
Do you want more complicated designs? Combine several? Or, decorate with multiple colors? The result can indeed be surprising and unique, but you will have to consider if you are willing to pay the difference compared to other simpler decorative styles.
7. Type of varnish
The type of varnish, resin, or sealant used to protect the surfaces of printed concrete or waterproofing is also an element that we should consider when we are going to calculate the price of printed concrete per m2. As a general rule, water-based varnish will be cheaper than solvent.
8. Climatology
Probably one of the variables that are least taken into account. The context affects, and a lot. In the case of places where very low temperatures usually occur frequently, it is necessary to resort to the use of a special additive printed concrete, which is more expensive.
It can also happen that it is an outdoor installation and adverse weather conditions occur, which would extend the installation time making it more expensive.
9. Access limitations to the work area
There are certain situations that usually occur more extraordinarily, like the case of working in an area where the concrete mixer cannot enter. In this case, additional machinery should be hired, which translates into an increase in cost.
How much does it cost to maintain a surface of printed concrete
Maintenance is essential to prolong the useful life of printed concrete and to keep its look fresh and new. Next, we will give you a brief introduction to the cost of maintaining this type of surface.
Printed concrete is a long-term investment, and the cost of maintenance is minimal. If you take good care of your surfaces, they will last for decades. Here are some tips for keeping them in perfect condition.
The first cost you should consider is the cleaning cost. Since the printed concrete is exposed to the elements, it's important to wash it frequently to prevent it from getting damaged. It's recommended to wash the surface at least once a month. You can use a soft-bristled broom or a hose with a spray nozzle to remove dirt and dust.
If there are particularly dirty or stained areas, you may need to use a special concrete cleaner. Make sure to rinse with clean water to prevent detergent residues from staying.
Another cost to consider is that of the varnish. Sealing printed concrete is important to protect it from damage that can be caused by water and pollution. It is recommended to seal the surface at least once a year. The sealer also helps maintain the color and shine of the concrete.
In summary, the cost of maintaining a printed concrete surface is quite low compared to the installation and maintenance of other surfaces.
Price of printed concrete in case of repair
There are a series of errors in the application of printed concrete that can lead to an increase in the final budget. Over time and with bad practices, this all ends up causing certain imperfections and irregularities to appear on the surfaces.
The best way to avoid the occurrence of problems in the future is to hire professionals from the start. Experienced experts who know the product in detail. They will know how to act in case the terrain has irregularities, excessive humidity, or different environmental conditions.
The application of printed concrete may seem very simple, but if not all these steps are complied with, it will surely end up leading to the appearance of cracks and fissures.
So, it is best not to ever have to evaluate how much it is to repair a printed concrete surface, but if it is the case, below we will show you some approximations of what it may represent in general terms.
In the case of Spain, the price of printed concrete is different depending on the area and ranges between 40 and 100 €. However, to know a price better adjusted to your case, we recommend that you contact a professional with proven experience who knows how to calculate a better approximation based on the variables we have previously described.