There are multiple options when it comes to decorative concrete. You can stain it, stamp it, or simply just protect it from environmental damage. People ask, whats the difference between stamped concrete versus concrete coatings? They both look great, so at this point its just a difference in opinion. Well, in our market (Columbus, Ohio), we have found a few different factors to talk about. We’ve found that contractors in our market either offer stamped or coatings; not many, if any offer both – so clients get only one side of the story about one or the other.
- Pricing
- Maintenance & Longevity
- Preparation
Stamped Concrete versus Concrete Coatings
- Pricing
- Stamped concrete typically costs between $8 – $12 per square foot with high-end designs above $18+
- Our concrete coatings cost between $4.50 – $9.00 per square foot (which includes labor, material, install). We pass our savings techniques onto our prospective clients.
- Maintenance & Longevity
- These two factors go hand in hand, one affects the other. Proper maintenance is required to extend the longevity of stamped concrete or a coating. We have found in our market that most stamped concrete contractors only provide customers with a 1 – 2 year protective coating. They do not realize that any concrete outdoors needs to have a protective coating to protect the coloring and texture of the design – otherwise the color will fade and the concrete will deteriorate.
- We receive calls all the time about how with customers want to fix their faded/deteriorating stamped concrete.
- These two factors go hand in hand, one affects the other. Proper maintenance is required to extend the longevity of stamped concrete or a coating. We have found in our market that most stamped concrete contractors only provide customers with a 1 – 2 year protective coating. They do not realize that any concrete outdoors needs to have a protective coating to protect the coloring and texture of the design – otherwise the color will fade and the concrete will deteriorate.
- Preparation
- Stamped concrete is usually installed when new concrete is poured. However, some contractors will do a stamped overlay which is fresh concrete troweled and stamped over existing concrete. Ensure that your contractor is diamond grinding the surface to allow for the install to properly bond with the concrete. Also make certain that he is honoring any joints in the concrete. If he was to fill in joints, they will certainly crack as the concrete expands and contracts.
If you are interested in learning more about our concrete coatings and how they can benefit you please visit our FAQ page or simply contact us about phone or e-mail. We offer free quotes for home and business within Central Ohio for decorative concrete coatings.
