How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? [2024 Data]
Put your own stamp of style on the concrete hardscaping around your home
Stamped concrete costs between $8 and $28 per square foot, with an average of about $12 per square foot. Of course, a small walkway will cost a lot less than a long, winding driveway, and factors such as the grade of the concrete and the complexity of the design will also affect the price tag. While stamped concrete costs more than standard concrete surfaces, the value added by the texture is often worth the investment.
In this guide, we’ll explain the cost of stamped concrete, and how you can get an accurate estimate for your project.
Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
---|---|---|
$8 per Square Foot | $12 per Square Foot | $28 per Square Foot |
Stamped Concrete Cost Factors
You can expect to pay a local concrete company between $8 and $28 per square foot for stamped concrete hardscaping. Beyond the basic concrete slab cost, the price will depend on the size and location of the project, the grade of the concrete, and labor prices in your area. Extras, such as land preparation and additional concrete fortifications, will up the price as well.
Size and Thickness
Whether it’s a heavy-use driveway or a simple garden path, the thickness of the concrete won’t vary all that much: The standard range for any stamped concrete hardscape project is between four and eight inches, with thicker slabs being better suited for stamped concrete driveways that you’ll park heavy vehicles on. These may require reinforcements, as well, and the added thickness and rebar can add an average of $500 to your total.
But the square footage of your project plays a more significant role in the cost. After all, that garden path might only be 50 square feet, while the average residential driveway is 600 square feet.
The table below includes a quick look at some standard pricing for different project sizes.
Project and Size | Cost |
---|---|
5'x10' walkway | $400 – $1,400 |
5'x20' walkway | $800 – $2,800 |
10'x10' patio | $800 – $2,800 |
12’x12’ patio | $1,150 – $4,000 |
12’x16’ patio | $1,550 – $5,400 |
12'x24' driveway | $2,300 – $8,100 |
16’x20’ driveway | $2,600 – $9,000 |
20’x20’ driveway | $3,200 – $11,200 |
24'x36' driveway | $6,900 – $24,100 |
Concrete Grade
The grade and type of concrete you choose for your project will affect the overall cost by driving up your material prices. Concrete grade is based on factors such as the quality of its ingredients and its compressive strength, which is a measure of its capacity to withstand heavy loads.
Concrete for residential use comes in grades of M10, M15, M20, and M25. These mixtures—the M actually stands for "mix"—reach over 3,000 PSI, or pounds per square inch of compressive strength. These grades are fine for patios, walkways, and most driveways. M15 is the most common choice for residential projects.
Concrete costs will increase by grade and PSI, though most residential concrete grades will fall between $100 and $150 per cubic yard. In most cases, grades will not have a massive impact on the price of your stamped concrete project unless you're working on a load-bearing area of your home. For example, if you're installing a multi-car driveway, your concrete costs could end up at the higher end of this price range.
Reinforcements
Contractors may recommend adding reinforcements or insulation to make the stamped concrete last longer. In very cold climates, for example, styrofoam insulation can help keep the concrete from cracking in the cold and will cost an extra $1.25 per square foot. A vapor barrier for balancing moisture, particularly in basements or on damp ground, adds $0.50 per square foot.
Lastly, mesh reinforcement to strengthen the concrete for driveways adds just $0.35 per square foot while extending the slab's lifespan. And if your project requires more heavy-duty reinforcement, the cost to add rebar ranges from $1.40 to $1.85 per linear foot.
Existing Concrete
There are two ways in which existing concrete can play into your stamped concrete installation costs.
If you already have a concrete slab that’s in good shape, you can add a stamped concrete overlay for just $3 to $5 per square foot to save an average of around $8 per square foot. An overlay is a layer of new concrete (typically between one-fourth to two inches thick) that goes on top of the existing slab and gets stamped with the design of your choice. Keep in mind that you'll need to pay for any concrete repairs necessary beforehand.
On the other hand, if you have an existing concrete patio, walkway, or driveway that’s in poor condition, you’ll probably want to remove it and replace it entirely with a new stamped concrete slab. In this case, the existing concrete will drive up your costs, as you’ll pay around $1,100 to demolish and haul away the old concrete, or between $2 and $6 per square foot.
Materials
Materials account for just about a third or less of the total stamped concrete costs. The concrete itself, concrete sealers, and the stamping tools cost $2 to $6 per square foot, or an average of $1,000. Your project will cost less if you're pouring a top coat over existing concrete and stamping that instead. In that case, labor will make up the large majority—likely around 70% of your total—and the materials will account for about 10%.
Labor
Stamping concrete adds extra steps to the overall installation process, which is why labor accounts for an average of $6 to $22 per square foot when it comes to stamped concrete costs. After any color goes into the concrete, contractors use molds or rollers to add intricate designs to the surface of the curing material.
Prep
Preparation costs before installing stamped concrete all come down to the size of your project. If you're updating an existing concrete slab with a decorative stamped layer, you'll need to factor in the cost of basic concrete repairs. For example, as part of the cost of repairing a concrete driveway, leveling an uneven slab costs $3 to $25 per square foot.
For new concrete slabs, contractors may need to level your lawn, install drainage, or test your soil for strength.
Location
As is always the case, the cost of labor and materials will vary depending on where you live. High demand for specialized hardscapes in your area will drive up the price. You may also need to pay more for stamped concrete in cold regions that require greater fortifications, or for reinforcements if earthquakes or other natural disasters are prevalent in your area.
Stamped Concrete Cost by Style
Stamped concrete can replicate the look of wood, brick, stone, and more. Simple designs will be more budget-friendly. Intricate designs, meanwhile, will raise the price, but they can make your hardscaping stand out while increasing curb appeal.
Stained and Stamped Concrete
In general, stained and stamped concrete costs range from $10 to $28 per square foot. Of course, If you want to make a design statement that your neighbors will envy, add embellishments like concrete stain, multiple colors, and intricate borders.
These additions bump your costs to the high end of the range, especially if the contractor uses intricate handwork to replicate wood grain or another material that needs beveled edges or sandblasting.
The table below includes some typical price ranges for the different textures your stamped concrete can replicate.
Stamped Concrete Design and Texture | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Cobblestone | $8 to $12 |
Flagstone | $8 to $12 |
Fractured Earth | $8 to $18 |
Fractured Slate | $8 to $28 |
Riverstone | $8 to $28 |
Sandstone | $12 to $18 |
Wood | $18 to $28 |
Yorkstone | $8 to $28 |
Intricacy of Design
Depending on the company you choose, they could have hundreds of combinations of colors and textures of stamped concrete available. Don’t get overwhelmed; just ask for a bit of guidance. The vast number of choices is why the cost of stamped concrete varies so widely.
Basic Design | Intermediate Design | Complex Design |
---|---|---|
$8-$12 per Square Foot | $12-$18 per Square Foot | $18-$28 per Square Foot |
Cost of Stamped Concrete by Type of Project
By opting for a stamped patio, driveway, or walkway, you can create a cohesive look without laying hundreds of pavers. Here’s a breakdown of the common costs of each stamped concrete project.
Stamped Concrete Patio Cost
The cost to install a concrete patio ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot when opting for stamped concrete. Patios typically range anywhere from 80 to 400 square feet, bringing the total price to between $400 and $6,000.
Stamped Concrete Driveway Cost
The cost of stamped concrete driveways ranges from $8 to $28 per square foot. Driveways typically range between 200 and 860 square feet, bringing the total to between $1,600 and $24,000. Additional concrete driveway costs for new installations include the cost of grading, installing drainage, and adding a subbase or fortification for strength.
Stamped Concrete Walkway Cost
The cost of a standard concrete walkway averages $9 per square foot, and adding stamping brings the price to $14 per square foot. Most walkways range in size from 50 to 200 square feet, bringing the total to between $450 and $2,800.
Ongoing Stamped Concrete Costs
Stamped concrete doesn’t require much upkeep, but regular maintenance such as cleaning and periodically applying a sealant will prolong its life. You should consider these ongoing maintenance costs when deciding whether stamped concrete is the right choice for your property.
Maintenance
Maintenance for stamped concrete is minimal compared to other materials. Regularly cleaning your stamped concrete patio, walkway, or driveway will extend its lifespan, and you should plan on at least two good cleanings per year. Most homeowners opt for the spring and fall. Getting these services done professionally will cost between $100 and $200, but you can save some money by doing the work yourself.
For a light wash, use dishwashing detergent and a stiff brush. A power washer is a good choice if you need a heavier cleaning, but it’s a good idea to check with the concrete manufacturer to make sure the material can handle the pressure. (It’s also a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area before you go all in with the power washer.)
You should also ensure that your stamped concrete stays free of cracks, holes, and stains. Familiarize yourself with concrete repairs to catch small problems before they escalate, and consider calling in a professional for concrete repairs rather than trying to restore the surface or texture yourself.
Repairs
Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures will cause damage to the material. You might see cracking, crumbling, and color fading over time, especially if you live in a harsh climate.
The table below includes some average stamped concrete repair costs.
Concrete Repair | Typical Cost Range |
---|---|
Filling small cracks | $50 to $150 |
Raising or leveling | $300 to $600 |
Repairing large cracks | $150 to $400 |
Resealing | $300 to $500 |
Resurfacing | $3 to $5 per square foot |
Sealant
Part of the appeal of stamped concrete is the long-lasting durability of the poured concrete as compared to the materials the stamped surface can replicate. Still, to maintain the quality look of the design, you'll have to seal the concrete on a schedule according to the manufacturer's guide, usually about every two to five years.
“Consider how your concrete is used when choosing a sealant,” says Tara Dudley, owner of Plant Life Designs in Iowa. “Concrete around a pool, for example, requires a different sealant than concrete used for a front entryway.”
Depending on the type of concrete sealant you use, you’ll pay $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot. Water-based elastomeric sealers are the least expensive and have a smooth appearance. Water-based clear coats have a natural finish and run in the middle of the price range. Acrylic sealants add the most shine, but they also cost the most. You can apply sealers yourself to save money.
Cost to Pour Stamped Concrete Yourself
You could save an average of $400 to $700 by pouring and stamping your own concrete. However, unless you have the experience and the tools needed to pour concrete, you should probably let professionals handle the installation.
Not only do you have to know how to mix and spread the concrete, but you also need the confidence to lay the stamps quickly and precisely to get the best results. You will need to place the stamps in the correct order and add in the color at the right time. Unfortunately, you won’t have the chance to practice perfect placement, so it’s easy to make mistakes.
A professional will have the tools and skills necessary to get the look you want and the durability you need. We recommend contacting a concrete stamping company near you for the best results.
How to Save Money on Stamped Concrete Costs
While the DIY route may look tempting, remember that errors can be more costly than hiring a professional in the long run. Instead, consider these tips to stay away from the higher end of the price range while still collaborating with a pro.
Add a stamped concrete overlay instead of working from scratch.
Stick to a single concrete pattern and stain color.
Stay away from custom designs and go with the specialty of the company.
Speak with at least three professionals to compare prices.
Book your contractor several months ahead to avoid rush prices.
Seal the surface after it is complete to avoid costly maintenance or repairs.
Carry out maintenance and upkeep yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, the concrete installation team pours concrete into the desired size and configuration using pre-made forms. Any colors that you want included are added when the concrete is mixed. Then, after the concrete dries partially, the experts use stamps to add textures and patterns to the surface of the concrete, often replicating the look of other materials like cobblestone, brick, or wooden planks.
You should consider stamped concrete for your next hardscaping project because it's affordable and durable. It also boosts your home’s curb appeal and offers plenty of options for customization. In addition, stamped concrete is low-maintenance, and you won’t have to deal with weeds poking through the way you would with pavers.
It might make sense to complete other hardscaping projects at the same time as a stamped concrete walkway or patio. If you’re installing a patio, for example, would it be enhanced by adding stamped concrete patio steps ($275 to $325), a walkway ($800 to $2,800), or a sidewalk ($1,600 to $5,600)? The answer is likely yes, but keep in mind that as the scope of your project grows, so will the overall price tag.
The average stamped concrete patio lasts about 10 to 15 years. As the concrete ages, you’ll start to notice cracks and fading, but proper maintenance and the use of sealers will help lengthen the life of your concrete patio. Also, staying ahead of concrete repairs will prolong the slab—so, always be sure to fix concrete cracks as soon as you detect them.
Yes, in most cases, stamped concrete, which costs an average of $12 per square foot, tends to be more affordable than laying pavers. This is especially true if you’re comparing stamped concrete to brick pavers, which cost between $8 to $50 per square foot. With the right design choices, you can closely mimic the look of brick using stamped concrete.