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5 Easy Steps to Prepare for Stamped Concrete Installation

Stamped concrete can be made to look like almost anything - the options are limitless.

Stamped concrete installation is a great idea for adding a custom look to a basement, patio or any other concrete area. Some even stamp their driveways to give the appearance of a much more expensive material.

To make sure the job is done properly, professionals such GWC Decorative Concrete take certain steps to prepare for a stamped concrete install. Keep reading to learn more about the process.

Stamped concrete floor

1. We thoroughly prepare the subbase and subgrade. Concrete requires a stable foundation in order to prevent settling and cracking through time. The subgrade is the native soil that underlies the whole job. We tamp this soil to ensure a solid foundation. We then put in a subbase, which is a layer of gravel that increases the load the concrete can carry. We vary the subbase based on the end-use of the job, so a driveway and garage would receive more.

2. We take care with the placement of the joints in the concrete. When a slab is going to be stamped, it is important that we plan out how and where to joint the concrete so that the joints don’t disrupt the beauty our clients intend for the job.

3. We ensure that the proper mix of concrete is used for the job. Since we are well acquainted with Portland weather patterns, we are well ahead of the curve on this one. We here at GWC will mix the best concrete for your job, making sure that it can hold up to your particular needs.

4. We make sure the job is properly reinforced. In fact, we may go a bit overboard to make sure of this. Sloped driveways in particular need special care. The last thing anyone wants is a cracked driveway, especially after we’ve gone to the trouble of stamping a custom design. When a job is reinforced at the outset, it should remain intact for years to come.

5. We ″screed″ the concrete to bring the paste to the surface. The paste will allow for a well-defined imprint, supporting your design. Once this paste has surfaced, we get to work to exploit the narrow window of time available for stamping. This window will vary depending on the time of year and the weather. Warmer, drier weather will press workers for time. GWC’s skilled professionals know how to plan the job ahead of time so that the stamping can be expedited with time to spare.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our portfolio. When you’re ready to pursue your next project, contact us for a complimentary consultation.