Stamped Concrete in Coral Gables
Patterns, Colors, and Sealing
Decorative stamped concrete gives you the look of stone, slate, or wood with the durability of concrete. We design and install stamped surfaces across Coral Gables for patios, walkways, pool decks, entries, and driveway accents. From pattern selection to final sealing, our process focuses on drainage, reinforcement, and finishes that hold up to South Florida sun and rain.
What You Get With Our Stamped Work
- Design help: pattern books, sample boards, and color mockups to match your home.
- Solid base & forms: compacted sub-base, accurate elevations, and clean edges.
- Correct slab thickness: typically 4" for patios/walks and 5–6" for driveways.
- Reinforcement: #3 rebar grid or fiber mesh to help control cracking.
- Color system: integral color in the mix + antiquing release for realistic depth.
- Imprinting & detailing: crisp stamp lines, tool work at borders/bands, and joint layout for a natural flow.
- Sealing: washed and sealed after cure for color richness, protection, and your preferred sheen.
- Safety options: non-slip additive for wet areas like pool decks.
Our Step-By-Step Process
- Design & layout
We confirm size, transitions, and drainage; review patterns (ashlar slate, random stone, cobblestone, wood plank, flagstone) and color pairings. - Base prep & forms
Subgrade is compacted; forms set to slope water away from structures and into planned drains or landscaping. - Reinforcement
Rebar on chairs/ties or fiber in the mix per your spec. - Pour, color & stamp
We place the mix, hard-trowel as needed, add release, and imprint the chosen pattern with consistent pressure for even texture. - Detailing & joints
Borders/bands are cut or formed; control joints are placed to align with the pattern where possible. - Wash & seal
After cure, we wash, clean up release residue, and apply a high-quality sealer (gloss, satin, or matte) with optional non-slip grit.
Layouts & Design Ideas
- Patios with a contrasting border band that frames furniture areas
- Walkways in running-bond slate or cobblestone to complement landscaping
- Pool decks with cooler-tone colors and non-slip additive in the sealer
- Driveway borders or ribbons that elevate curb appeal without full stamping
- Entry steps & landings with matching nosed treads and accent bands
Specs That Matter
(and Why)
- Thickness: 4" patios/walks; 5–6" driveways/load areas.
- Joints: tooled/saw-cut joints help control shrinkage cracking and keep lines crisp.
- Sealers: solvent or water-based; sheen from matte to high-gloss. Non-slip additive recommended for wet areas.
- Maintenance: re-seal every 2–3 years (sun exposure and traffic may vary timing).
- Color: integral color resists fading; antique/release adds depth and highlights texture.
Curing, Sealing & Use Timeline
- Foot traffic: 24–48 hours
- Light furniture/grills: 3–5 days
- Stamped driveway (passenger cars): 7–10 days after pour
- Sealing: typically after ~28 days of cure (or per job-specific spec if using cure-and-seal)
Repair, Refresh, or Replace?
Faded stamped concrete often needs
cleaning + re-seal to restore color depth. If texture is intact but color has worn unevenly, we can recolor before sealing. Widespread scaling, heaving, or base failure points to a
tear-out and replacement. We’ll assess on site and walk you through options.
Permits, HOA & Clean Sites
If your project requires permits or HOA submittals, we’ll help with drawings or specs. During the job we protect landscaping, keep paths passable, and leave the site tidy each day.
Want pattern and color ideas for your space? Contact us today or request your free on-site estimate!
FAQs
Is stamped concrete slippery?
- We use textured stamps and can add a non-slip grit to the sealer, especially important around pools.
Will the color fade?
- Integral color is throughout the slab; sealing and reasonable maintenance protect the surface and keep tones rich.
Can you mix patterns?
- Yes. Popular combos include an ashlar slate field with a cobblestone or wood-plank border.
Do you stamp driveways?
- We often stamp borders or entry panels and keep the main field broom-finish for traction and budget. Full stamped driveways are available with proper thickness and reinforcement.