Stamped concrete is a coating technique that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves imprinting an image or design on fresh concrete before it begins to dry. This gives the surface a unique and attractive look, making it a popular choice for patios, walkways, terraces and other indoor and outdoor spaces.
But how much does stamped concrete cost? And what should be considered when renovating with this material? In this article we will talk in depth about the price of stamped concrete and discuss the factors and reasons why you might end up with one final budget or another.
Stamped concrete: a resistant coating
Stamped 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 it comes to long-term value, as it is a material that guarantees resistance, giving it great durability and in perfect condition. This makes the price of stamped concrete more than efficient.
Next, we will show you 7 of its most exclusive characteristics and how they perform best on surfaces where they have been applied:
Durability
Thanks to its properties in terms of resistance, it is a material that can last for decades without needing maintenance. It is ideal for use in areas with heavy traffic, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, sidewalks, and driveways, as it endures daily wear and tear.
Low maintenance
Stamped concrete is very easy to clean and does not need to be sealed or polished. Once installed, the maintenance will be minimal to keep the surface looking as new.
Slip-resistant character
A material that already provides a safe finish that prevents any unfortunate slip, without the need to apply any 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 option for spaces with high levels of humidity, such as pools, parks, terraces, and bathrooms.
Thermal insulation
Stamped concrete keeps heat and cold isolated, making it an excellent option 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 usually strikes with force.
9 variables that influence the price of stamped concrete
Next, we will present 10 variables that must be taken into account before installation, since they will directly affect the price of the stamped concrete.
1. State of the support
As is obvious, the state of the support is one of the essential parts to consider in the process of applying a stamped concrete surface. The installation cannot begin until the support is in perfect condition, it may have irregularities such as unevenness, imperfections or some type of dirt like grease or dust.
It is also important to consider the conditions of the subsoil, since in case of humidity, a plastic must be placed to prevent its transfer. All these sanitation measures to achieve an appropriate support cause the installation price to go up, increasing the final cost.
2. Size of the surface
There is a false belief that the more meters there are to coat, the more expensive the restoration will be since more material will be used. However, this thought is far from reality, since working with a larger quantity allows us to make efficient use of the stamped concrete.
In areas with a large number of square meters, the application is more effective, as it presents a greater planimetry. This way, the larger the terrain, the better, thanks to its greater ease of application and product profitability.
3. Complexity of the work
Before defining a budget, it must be evaluated how simple the work to be done will be. If it is near a water area, or has many curves or unevenness in the terrain, all this makes the work more complex.
The design of the stamped concrete also influences the final cost, in such a way that if the client demands several designs and one that is more complicated, this will make the installation take longer and therefore, be more costly.
Another factor that influences the price of stamped concrete is the size of the space to be paved. As mentioned before, the design is based on the size and configuration of the space to be paved. The larger and more complicated the space, the more molds and labor will be required, which in turn will translate into a higher price.
4. Surface to be covered
In the case of stamped concrete, the type of surface does matter. Decorating a floor is not the same as decorating a wall, just as it will not be the same if it is the lining of a pool or bathroom area. The treatments will be different, adapting to each of the environments, with the purpose of providing effective finishes and enhancing high performance.
Due to its difficulty, the cladding of facades, walls, and partitions will be more expensive. The product's performance is lower, so a larger quantity 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 walls 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, in general, spaces with high humidity or similar, are surfaces where a special anti-slip varnish must be used, which also makes the costs more expensive.
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 needed for the surface design, as well as the number of concrete layers needed, are determined based on the size and shape of the space to be covered.
More complex designs require a greater number of molds and, therefore, are more costly. However, many customers feel that the additional cost is worth it, as the end result is a unique and attractive paving. Other customers prefer simpler designs to save costs. However, even the simplest designs require great work and experience from the design team.
In general terms, the more relief and weight it has, the more expensive it will be. It can also happen that its price increases if we request geometric patterns or specific decorative shapes.
Following this theory, the blanket molds being lighter and with less relief are much cheaper, unlike those that imitate stone, brick, slate and wood, which aesthetically are 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 complex designs? Combine several? Or, decorate with multiple colors? Certainly, the result can be surprising and irreproducible, but you should evaluate if you are willing to pay the difference compared to other simpler decorative styles.
7. Type of varnish
The type of varnish resin or sealer that is used to protect the surfaces of printed concrete or waterproof them, is also an element that we should consider when we are going to calculate the price of printed concrete per square meter. As a general rule, water-based varnish will be cheaper than solvent-based varnish.
8. Weather
Probably one of the variables that is least taken into account. Context influences, and a lot. In the case of places where very low temperatures usually occur frequently, it is necessary to use a special additive printed concrete, which is more expensive.
It could also happen that it is an outdoor installation and adverse weather conditions occur, which would lengthen the installation time making it more expensive.
9. Access limitations to the work area
There are certain situations that usually occur more extraordinarily, such as working in a space where the concrete mixer cannot enter. In this case, additional machinery should be hired, which translates into a cost increase.
How much does it cost to maintain a printed concrete surface
Maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of printed concrete and for keeping 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 maintenance cost is minimal. If you take good care of your surfaces, they will last decades. Here are some tips to keep them in perfect condition.
The first cost you should consider is the cleaning cost. Because printed concrete is exposed to the elements, it is important that you wash it frequently to prevent it from being damaged. It is recommended to wash the surface at least once a month. You can use a broom with soft bristles 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. Be sure to rinse with clean water to avoid leftover detergent residues.
Another cost to consider is that of the varnish. Sealing the stamped 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 to maintain the color and brightness of the concrete.
In short, the cost of maintenance for a stamped concrete surface is quite low compared to the installation and maintenance of other surfaces.
Price of stamped concrete for repair
There are a number of mistakes in the application of stamped concrete that can result in an increase in the final budget. Over time, bad practices end up causing certain imperfections and irregularities to appear on the surfaces.
The best way to avoid future problems is to hire professionals from the start. Experts with experience who know the product in detail. They will know how to act in case the terrain presents irregularities, excessive humidity, or different environmental conditions.
The application of the stamped concrete may seem very simple, but if all these steps are not followed, it will surely result in the appearance of cracks and fissures.
So, it's best not to ever have to evaluate how much it costs to repair a stamped concrete surface, but if that happens, we'll show you some general approximations below.
In the case of Spain, the price of stamped concrete varies by area and ranges from 40 to 100 €. However, for a more accurate price for your situation, we recommend that you contact a professional with proven experience who can calculate a better approximation based on the variables we previously described.