Stamped Concrete Walkway in Los Angeles

Tripping over the uneven pavers on your walkway? Maybe that old grey concrete slab is riddled with cracks -- or the roots from your trees are pulling up. Maybe you’re just tired of looking at a grey slab when you walk to your door. Your walkway doesn’t have to be so utilitarian. Why not bring some fab to the boring grey slab? Invest in a stamped concrete walkway and get the look of pavers, stone or even wood. You’ll pay less for a more durable walkway. 

Why should I choose a stamped concrete walkway in Los Angeles?

When designing your new walkway in Los Angeles, you may be tempted to opt for brick, pavers, natural stone or even wood. They look good and are relatively easy to DIY. However, these choices demand a lot of upkeep and may only last a few years. Not only that, but over time, brick and pavers tend to get uneven as the earth settles underneath. Wood needs to be refinished every couple of years. And what about the weeds? You’ll have to be on top of all the plants that want to grow in between your pavers, bricks, and wood.

Want a better solution? How about poured concrete? It doesn’t have to be boring! A stamped and stained concrete walkway can mimic the look and feel of natural stone, pavers, brick and even wood. 

With poured and stamped concrete, you get a beautiful look that is much more durable than stone, pavers or wood. When poured correctly, stamped concrete is incredibly durable and highly resistant to cracking. Even if it does experience minor cracks, the cracks often blend in with the pattern and joint lines, making it hard to find. 

Not only that, but concrete is much easier to maintain and far more durable than pavers or wood. Regular maintenance of cleaning and resealing stamped concrete should be done every 2 to 3 years on average. Stamped concrete can be easily cleaned with a hose or power washer and detergent. 

What is stamped concrete in Los Angeles?

Just what is stamped concrete? With stamped concrete, the concrete is poured and while it is setting, a stamp is placed over it. These stamps are molded from the actual material they are mimicking -- be it a paver, slate or other stone, brick or even wood.  You can add color to the concrete itself (instead of painting the dry surface) to create even more natural and dramatic results. 

There are many steps involved in stamping concrete to create the amazing results. Because these steps must be completed carefully and quickly, this is by no means a DIY job. You want to make sure you hire an experienced professional to achieve uniform results across your entire slab before the concrete sets. What steps need to be taken?

• Planning: Your pattern must be pre-planned and drawn out, with tools and labor ready to go.

• Pouring: After the concrete is poured and allowed to set to the proper consistency, color hardeners and released agents will be applied.

• Stamping: The concrete is tested once more before the stamp patterns are applied. Because stamping maps are molded from the actual materials, they can be incredibly realistic with the right staining in place.

• Finish Work: Finally, all detailing and cutting contraction joints will finish out your project.

In general, stamping is done on newly poured concrete. HOwever, if you have existing concrete that’s in good condition, you can cover it with a stamped overlay, giving you the same look as newly poured stamped concrete.

Stamped concrete copies the look of stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick or even wood. With the wide variety of pattern and color choices, it is an excellent choice for sprucing up your patio, pool decks, driveways and any outdoor space. Pretty much any design you have seen with pavers, brick or natural stone can be replicated in concrete. 

Can I just DIY stamped concrete in Los Angeles?

So many things have to go right in a short amount of time to make stamped concrete look its best. That’s why it’s suggested that an experienced contractor do this kind of job. Remember, once the concrete hardens, you can’t take it apart and re-do it. If you run out of time, you can go back and finish it. You have just one chance to get it right. 

What steps are involved? There are many steps involved in stamping concrete to create the amazing results. 

• Planning: Your pattern must be pre-planned and drawn out, with tools and labor ready to go.

• Pouring: After the concrete is poured and allowed to set to the proper consistency, color hardeners and released agents will be applied.

• Stamping: The concrete is tested once more before the stamp patterns are applied. Because stamping maps are molded from the actual materials, they can be incredibly realistic with the right staining in place.

• Finish Work: Finally, all detailing and cutting contraction joints will finish out your project.

In general, stamping is done on newly poured concrete. However, if you have existing concrete that’s in good condition with only a few minor cracks, you can cover it with a stamped overlay, giving you the same look as newly poured stamped concrete.

How much does stamped concrete cost in Los Angeles?

How much your new stamped concrete walkway costs is going to depend on many factors. 

• Do you have an existing walkway? Can it be resurfaced or does it need to be demolished and hauled away?

• How big is your walkway?

• Are you pouring new concrete or applying a new layer on existing concrete?

• What needs to be done to prepare the ground beneath your walkway?

In general, a stamped concrete walkway is going to cost you anywhere from $20 to $30 per square foot for a simple design with one color and one stamp to $25 and up per square foot. The more elaborate you design, the more your walkway will mimic the look and feel of stone, brick and wood. It will also cost more. 

When you are ready to bring some bling to your walkway, call the pros at Concrete Decor Contractor at 1-818-722-8124. Schedule your consultation today! Our company offers a wide range of concrete services including expanding your driveway, installing a driveway with grass strips, repairing driveway aprons, as well as creating amazing patios and walkways.