The forecast might lie, but the calendar doesn’t: Spring has sprung, and it’s finally time to turn our attention outdoors. If the New York and Connecticut temperatures don’t have you ready to dig out your garden gloves quite yet, consider a hardscaping project to jumpstart your beautification this season.
If you’re looking to punch up your patio or add drama to your driveway, stamped concrete is a great option to consider. Here are 10 reasons why you should give stamped concrete serious consideration for use in your New York or Connecticut landscape.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #1: Limitless Design Options
With a rainbow of colors and plethora of patterns to choose from, stamped concrete can be designed to fit whatever aesthetic you’re seeking, from rustic to whimsical and anything in between. And if you don’t want to stray far from the look of traditional pavers, it’s popular to mimic bricks or other stones.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #2: Customizable
A logo, monogram or your favorite design can really set your yard apart from the neighbors’. Stamped concrete is completely customizable for whatever project you choose: a patio, walkway, or even an outdoor firepit.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #3: Cost Effective
Stamped concrete tends to be more budget-friendly than its paver counterparts, though it depends on the complexity of the job. The process is generally cheaper than natural stones and competitive with brick or other precast pavers, and it will be most affordable if you choose just one color and pattern for the job—but remember, the sky’s the limit!
Stamped Concrete Benefit #4: Minimal Maintenance
Anyone with a traditionally paved patio or walkway knows that de-weeding and sanding comes with the territory. But as a single slab, stamped concrete skips that. Day-to-day maintenance is merely a matter of keeping it free of debris. And every few years, all it takes is a re-sealing to preserve color and protect from stains.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #5: A Sealer to Suit Your Needs
Depending on the sealer, the protectant on stamped concrete will prevent penetration of water and deicing chemicals, resist abrasion, add sheen, and block the penetration of oil and grease. This ensures that whatever the project and needs, your hardscaping is prepared for the elements.
Ask your landscape design and installation professional about which sealer is best for how you’ll be using your hardscaping.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #6: Speedier Installation
We know as well as anyone that when you’ve put your mind to a project, you don’t want to hurry up and wait! Stamped concrete isn’t as fast as pouring asphalt, but the process will generally take less time than laying individual stones or pavers.
Note: Once it’s actually stamped, it will have to sit a few days while it “cures,” or properly sets.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #7: Increased Curb Appeal
Stamped concrete instantly dresses up the look of your home, giving you a look that cost or material may otherwise prohibit.
Consider this when, say, repaving your driveway: if you love the look of tile (impractical for the project) and can’t afford cobblestone, stamped concrete can emulate either.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #8: Environmentally Friendly
Concrete is a green choice for your New York or Connecticut landscape. A resource-efficient option, concrete is made only in the quantities needed for each project.
The most predominant material in the cement found in concrete is limestone, one of the most abundant raw materials on earth.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #9: Long Lasting
With proper care, stamped concrete is poured to last. It’s durable and excellent for high traffic—if you’ve ever tripped over a brick or stone because of settling, you can see the appeal.
It stands up to harsh weather (think New England winters) and is less likely to need to be replaced over time compared to asphalt.
Stamped Concrete Benefit #10: Easy to Install
Your installers won’t need to haul and painstakingly place each individual paver — the pour-and-stamp method is much simpler. But stamped concrete is not a recommended DIY.
So contact the hardscaping professionals at Neave Masonry to get started! We can help you design a hardscaping design using stamped concrete or any other material you desire.
If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call (845) 463-0592. From Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or, fill out our simple web form, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free consultation.