Stamped Concrete in Norfolk, VA

Stamped concrete in Norfolk gives a patio, front walk or pool deck the look of flagstone, slate, brick or tile while staying one continuous slab. That matters on soft coastal ground, where individual pavers can sink unevenly and weeds come up through the joints. A stamped slab has its own trade-offs, though: it needs a good sealer, it can get slippery if it is too smooth, and it costs more than plain concrete.

How it is made

The slab is built like any other patio or walk, on a compacted stone base with the right slope and thickness. Color goes in one of two ways: mixed into the whole batch (integral color), or broadcast on the fresh surface as a color hardener. A release agent in a second, contrasting shade goes on next, and the crew presses textured mats into the surface while it is still workable. The release leaves darker tones in the low spots, which gives the pattern its depth. Joints are cut to follow the pattern lines where possible so they disappear into the design.

Patterns that work here

• Slate and flagstone textures: the most forgiving looks, with natural variation that hides small marks.
• Ashlar and cut stone: a more formal, rectangular look for entries and courtyards.
• Brick and cobble: good for borders and for walks in older neighborhoods with brick houses.
• Wood plank: a deck look without boards to rot or replace.

A common choice is a plain or broom-finished field with a stamped border. It costs less than stamping the whole slab and keeps the part you walk on most simple.

Sealing in a humid climate

Sealer is what keeps stamped color from fading and protects the surface. HomeGuide's stamped patio guide says to reseal every 2 to 3 years, and puts professional sealing at $1 to $3 a square foot. In Norfolk's humidity, sealer that is applied too thick or over a damp slab can turn cloudy, so it goes on in thin coats over dry concrete. On pool decks and walks we add a non-slip grit to the sealer, since a glossy sealed surface gets slick when wet.

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Pool decks and walks

Around a pool, the deck has to slope away from the water and toward a drain or the lawn, and the surface needs texture for bare feet. Lighter colors stay cooler in the sun. For front walks, a stamped border along a broom-finished center is a popular look that keeps the main path easy to clean.

Cure time and care

HomeGuide gives a cure time of 7 to 10 days for stamped concrete. Sweep and rinse the surface a few times a year, clean off mildew before it sets in, and reseal when the color starts to look dull or water stops beading on the surface.