Backyards Plus Stamped Concrete

What is stamped concrete?

Backyards Plus installs, maintains and repairs stamped concrete and gray concrete in Denver and along the Front Range. Stamped concrete allows you to achieve an affordable, custom look in your outdoor living areas. It is often the most cost effective way to create a visually stunning outdoor living space. Stamped Concrete is a decorative technique that is applied to a "fresh pour" of concrete that simulates stone textures and surfaces. Stamped concrete is used for patios, sidewalks, walkways, and driveways.

Stamped Concrete Photos ›

Why choose Backyards Plus?

Backyards Plus has the absolute best value for stamped concrete and gray concrete in the Denver area! Our craftsmanship and quality minimizes the possibility of cracks over a long period of time. Our proprietary concrete mixture is extremely dense and we strengthen it further by using rebar in every installation. Most importantly, we stand behind our one-year workmanship warranty - give us a call at (303) 635-0085 for our warranty details. Additionally, you can always find us at our outdoor showroom at Jared's Nursery unlike other contractors who only work out of their truck. If your existing concrete needs resealing and you can't reach the contractor who originally poured your concrete we can reseal it for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Stamped Concrete

Does Stamped Concrete Fade?

We have heard nightmare stories from homeowners about how their stamped concrete driveway started off an attractive brown hue and then gradually faded into an undesirable pink color. This is due to the contractor using an integral colored concrete, which is mixed inside the cement truck. Quality control is very difficult to maintain with integral concrete, that's why we USE COLOR HARDENERS! Only on rare occasions is it necessary to use integral concrete.

Cleaning and sealing stamped concrete created with color hardeners should be done on a regular basis to combat fading. The frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to. Resealing is a personal preference. It depends on how high of sheen you like. We recommend resealing every 2 or 3 years. Like waxing a car, resealing your stamped concrete will make the colors as vibrant as the day they were installed.

 

Will Your Stamped Concrete Crack?

Yes, hairline cracking will occur. Stamped Concrete is just like any other concrete slab in respects to cracks. To minimize the risks of cracks, our installers go beyond the standard practices for crack control:

1. Many years of hands-on experience, advanced technologies, excellent customer service and communication, superior attention to detail, licensed and bonded.

2. Jumping jack compacted site

3. Compacted base (if needed)

4. 3,500 PSI Backyards Plus proprietary concrete mix including:

a. Steel reinforcement (rebar), 2'-3' on center; adds strength to the entire slab

b. Mid to high range water reducers; less water equals stronger concrete

c. Air entrainment; improves freeze-thaw resistance and durability

d. Thickened edges; adds strength to edge where grounds slopes away

5. TWO COATS of Hand trowelled, high quality, POWDERED color hardeners and release agents vs. integral color (color mixed in the concrete)

a. Hardens and increases surface density; increases surface to 5,800 PSI

b. Deeper richer colors

c. More color choices

d. More natural "stone look"

6. AT LEAST TWO COATS of solvent base sealer vs. water base

a. First coat: diluted with xylene for deeper surface penetration

b. Second coat: 100% solvent for better seal and color intensity

c. Shark Grip is added to second coat to add traction to surface

 

7. Special Detail crew 3-5 days after original pour

a. Sweep off color release

b. Power washes entire surface and adds color (if needed)

c. Grind any areas that are not smooth

d. Apply sealer as listed above

BEWARE of those who skip one or more of the steps listed above. Our reinforcement process is the benchmark for quality in the industry. Rebar provides the very best in protection against cracking for the long term.

How Long Will Stamped Concrete Last?

If done correctly, stamped concrete should easily last 10 to 20 years. A lot depends on expansive soils and proper maintenance. Like all concrete hairline cracks may occur, but our system is double reinforced, which greatly minimizes cracks.

Maintenance involves the occasional cleaning and resealing of the stamped concrete. If resealing is done every 2 or 3 years the colors will remain vibrant throughout the life of the surface.

  BEWARE OF COMPANIES WHO DO NOT OFFER A WARRANTY, WHO HAVE NOT HAD A POSITIVE ON-LINE PRESENCE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS , OR DO NOT HAVE A SHOWROOM. THEY MAY CHARGE LESS, BUT YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LOCATE THEM IF PROBLEMS ARISE! THERE ARE MANY DISASTER STORIES WITH IMPROPERLY INSTALLED STAMPED CONCRETE! 

Do you have minimum order requirements?

Our minimum is 400 square feet. 

How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost?

Our cost for stamped concrete averages around $12 per square foot (depending on the size, slope and accessibility). We are priced below mid-range when competitively shopping while maintaining the ABSOLUTE HIGHEST QUALITY AND UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES!