If you are looking to replace or revive your home's exterior with a stamped concrete overlay, then you need to contact a decorative concrete contractor. By using a professional concrete company you will be able to avoid common mistakes with DIY concrete jobs. Instead of replacing the company walkway or the household driveway with expensive natural materials, contact a decorative concrete contractor who will help you create the artistic exterior you've of which you have been dreaming. Homeowners and business owners often ask whether a stamped concrete overlay can really mimic the appearance of cobbles, brick, wood, and pavers. The answer is that aesthetically, the look mimics natural materials for a fraction of the cost.  When you use a professional concrete company, you will reap the many benefits that a decorative concrete contractor and concrete have to offer.

With bricks, cobbles, and pavers, weeds can grow between cracks. With a stamped concrete overlay, there is no space enough for weeds to grow since the surface is solid and continuous. This means that the maintenance is greatly reduced. However, your decorative concrete contractor might suggest that instead of attempting to mimic natural materials, you instead seek a concrete design that doesn't try to duplicate and instead is unique in its color, texture, and patterns.

Using a professional concrete company is useful because laying stamped concrete is actually a very artistic process which requires specific tools and a large and experienced crew. When you work with a decorative concrete contractor the process for stamped concrete application will be explained as follows: the first step in this process is placing the concrete no less than a thickness of four inches. After this the color is added into the mixer or once the concrete has been placed. If it is added into the mixer it is referred to as integral coloring, whereas if it is added after the placement of the concrete it is referred to as surface coloring. The releasing agent is added after this which allows the mats to be removed without removing or harming the concrete surface. The mats are then placed in succession and once one mat is finished, it is removed and placed on the next area. The area should dry for at least twenty four hours and then the release agent can be pressure washed off of the concrete, allowing for the final step of applying the clear sealing.

After this point, you are left with nothing but the beautiful and unique design created by you and your decorative concrete contractor. The exterior of your home and business will act as a showcase for your creativity and originality, drawing attention from customers and home visitors alike for years to come.