Wood is a material that brings warmth wherever it is installed, creating a pleasant feeling of coziness. It also combines perfectly with other materials, so it is very satisfying to use it to create appealing contrasts that lead to more modern rooms.
With stamped concrete we achieve all that and much more, as it preserves the great advantages of wood, with the bonus of being infinitely more economical, as well as much simpler to maintain, as it is a coating of high strengths and with a prolonged useful life.
What is wood imitation stamped concrete?
Wood imitation stamped concrete is the result of a innovative process through which a special mold that imitates the shape, texture and color of wood is stamped on fresh concrete. This technique is mainly applied to pavements, but it is also possible to use it on vertical surfaces.
It provides environments with the same elegance and sophistication as if they had originally worked with wood, however, its advantages have been favored and apart from having been able to apply it at a more economical price, it must also be known that its installation is much simpler and that the conditions of the support will be much more durable, especially in exteriors where wood is more likely to weaken.
A product that as can be seen is not very complex, but nevertheless its effectiveness is undeniable, a strong reason why it has become one of the options most in demand by restoration experts.
Reasons why wood imitation stamped concrete is the alternative for success
Next, we will expose the reasons that make it obvious why opting for wood imitation stamped concrete is a guarantee of success. A coating that has exponentially growing popularity and with which you will be totally satisfied.
More ecological
One of the most obvious reasons to abandon wood and switch to concrete. The harmful effect that working with wood provokes is undeniable, as it favors deforestation, a phenomenon that is causing serious environmental consequences. With wood imitation stamped concrete this problem is over, since only a mold that is stamped on the product is needed and we will already have our surface with the aspect we wanted.
More economical
When it comes to renovating a space with wood, the process is much more complicated, as it will be necessary to reconstruct the terrain that had already been built previously. How does this translate? In money, since the reform will be more laborious, it will require a larger number of installation hours, as well as greater efforts. Stamped concrete has the great virtue of being applied directly on the existing support, in such a way that it is simpler and, therefore, less expensive.
More resistant
Continuing with the point made above, wood is clearly a fragile product that requires excessive maintenance, proof of this is the more constant need for varnishes, in order to improve its resistance and keep it in optimal conditions. Stamped concrete shows a wide durability, favoring a long product life.
With wood, you'll know its limits since its use is not recommended in any environment. Elements such as humidity are extremely harmful to this material; hence, if the surface is outdoors or in a bathroom, its condition could easily get damaged, deteriorating and consequently, rotting the wood.
The fact that you cannot apply it wherever you want is already a real headache, unlike wood imitation stamped concrete, a coating that easily adapts to any environment: swimming pools, terraces, gardens, bathrooms... You won't have to worry about its condition, just enjoy the peace of mind that a material you know will withstand in perfect condition against any phenomenon.
Concrete is resistant to sudden temperature changes, humidity, wear from abrasion, pedestrian traffic wear, stains, scratches, and hits. Want more potential? In that case, protect it with a varnish layer to get a totally waterproof and strengthened surface, which is recommended to renew every 2 or 3 years, so you won't have to worry excessively.
Lesser maintenance
As we've mentioned, its maintenance is minor. Only the use of household cleaning products like brooms or surface cleaning with water is needed for the surface to look like new. However, if preferred, a specialized detergent can also be used to guarantee an even more outstanding cleaning.
Discover the virtues of wood imitation stamped concrete
Wood imitation stamped concrete is becoming the ideal alternative not only for the material we are treating, but also as a successful decorative option over many other products. This is logical considering that it combines everything necessary to provide a high-performance aesthetic and functionality. Next, we will show you some of its most distinguishing and noteworthy properties:
- Aesthetically, it offers a wide variety of finishes. It can mimic different types of wood such as: oak, walnut, pine, maple, among others. Varying in shape, colors and textures.
- Stamped concrete guarantees the surface a long lifespan due to the large number of resistances mentioned above. And all this without hardly needing maintenance.
- Its installation is really simple and cheap, requiring less time and saving you exhaustive renovation processes.
- One of its great virtues is that by using decorative concrete it prevents the growth of molds and weeds.
- Neither sun nor rain make the material lose color, which makes it an ideal outdoor coating.
- Its application knows no limits as it is equally effective in interiors, exteriors, floors and vertical surfaces.
- It has the ability to make surfaces non-slip and waterproof.
Wood imitation stamped concrete manufacturing process: step by step
Its application is surprisingly simple, as long as you have a professional applicator who has experience in decorative renovations and knows how to bring out all the properties of wood imitation stamped concrete. Now we will show you point by point the steps to consider:
1. Choice of the mold and the surface
In this step we will define the mold that we want to use, as well as choose where we will stamp this mold: floor, wall, pool area, interiors, exterior...
2. Delimitation of the surface
The work area should be specified and the ground prepared for the correct application of the concrete. Cleaning the surface and checking if it is well leveled, otherwise, proceed to leveling. It will be compacted and framed.
3. Application and Smoothing of Concrete
Cover the surface evenly with the product. As a tip, it is recommended to use a mesh to reinforce the coating. Finally, proceed to smooth with the help of a trowel or float.
4. Troweling of Concrete
The surface must be troweled when the concrete is still fresh and has begun to cure.
5. Coloring of Concrete
In this step, we will proceed to add the layer of mortar or roll over the concrete in order to give it color. We will sprinkle the proportions indicated by the manufacturer and finally, it should be troweled so that the product is firmly introduced and smooth.
6. Application of the Release Agent
Valid for both powder and liquid versions. This product prevents the concrete from sticking inside the mold.
7. Stamp Application to the Mold
Apply the mold chosen in step 1 to define the design on the concrete. We will help ourselves with feet or a tamper to stamp it satisfactorily.
8. Cut Imprinted Concrete Joints
It is recommended to use an electric cutter to get straight lines.
9. Removal of the Release Agent and Cleaning
Remove the release agent from the surface. After about 72 hours, wash and remove any remaining residue.
10. Application of Varnish or Resin to Imprinted Concrete
Para aportarle una mayor resistencia e intensidad al color se recomienda aplicar un barniz o resina protectora que garantizará una mayor vida útil. Previamente se deberá comprobar que el soporte está seco del todo.
Imitation Wood Imprinted Concrete Molds
In order to obtain a surface that mimics the finish of original wood, certain specific molds are necessary. As the intention is to achieve the most realistic effect possible, different molds that present other wood designs can be imprinted, this way the aesthetics of natural wood will be accurately reflected.
The use of these molds can be carried out on all types of surfaces, anywhere where wood is normally used for decoration and much more, as they produce a more resistant product. Its aesthetics will reflect an environment of great elegance where you can play with the textures and colors, as well as the contrast with other materials.
En MyRevest contamos con una gran diversidad de concrete molds that perfectly mimic wood and have excellent features for their impression on the surface.Dream come true: wood effect stamped concrete in pool
A wish that can now be fulfilled, to cover the outdoor pavement of a pool in a wood effect. Until now, for many this idea seemed untenable, since the simple fact of wood in contact with water it was already known that it would require even greater maintenance. Nowadays, with the wood imitation stamped concrete, the ideal product to become the best alternative has already been found.
A fundamental and basic reason is aesthetics, since the results it offers are truly realistic. To this is added its technical properties which, as we have already mentioned before, this decorative coating guarantees us a waterproof and anti-slip surface, two aspects to take into account in this type of terrain.
Wood imitation stamped concrete price: variables you should know
The good news is that, compared to other decorative alternatives, wood imitation stamped concrete is considered one of the most economical. The downside is that a specific budget cannot be defined in principle for its use, as this will be determined based on variable factors which will be presented below.
- Geographic area: one of the most important factors and, therefore, that will most mark the final price. Based on this variable, the budget can vary enormously since its role will determine to a greater or lesser degree the complexity of the reform. An example would be in extremely humid cities. In this type of terrain, the professional will have to carry out certain tasks before the installation that will ultimately result in an increase in price.
- Labor: this price will be stipulated by the construction company, as well as the cost of tools and machinery used.
- Square meters: the smaller the surface, the cheaper the installation will be. In this aspect, the thickness of the concrete also influences.
- Amount and quality of material: something that is obvious, the more product required and the higher its quality, this will increase the final result. It is also necessary to evaluate whether varnish or other products will be applied.
- Complexity of the finish: going for simple always turns out to be more affordable, so if you're looking for a surface that combines designs, colors, shapes and textures, the price will increase.
As an estimate, it can be said that the current imprinted concrete in Spain is around 15-30 euros per square meter. However, we must not forget that this is only an approximation, to evaluate a figure securely, it is best to get in touch with an expert who knows how to develop a detailed budget.