Is Stamped Concrete the Right Choice for Your New Driveway?

Stamped concrete is often associated with driveways, and there’s a good reason behind this common practice. For example, many homeowners love the look of stamped concrete, especially because the patterns can be customized to fit their own style and decorating preferences. However, it’s important to note that there are other important factors to consider before choosing stamped concrete over more traditional designs such as brushed concrete. Read on to learn more about these pros and cons of different concrete to help you get started with your own new driveway project today! Or, if you’re ready to start a stamped concrete project, reach out to our stamped concrete contractors Kansas City!

Professional Stamped Concrete Driveways

There are many reasons why homeowners choose to install a new driveway in their yard. Safety, aesthetic appeal, and resale value are just a few factors that have people lining up to get a new concrete installation done on their homes. Although most would assume that installing a new stamped concrete driveway costs more than getting one made from other materials such as bricks or pavers, that isn’t always true. According to Home Advisor the average cost for stamped concrete is between $8 and $28 per square foot.

Benefits of stamped concrete driveways include durability, reduced maintenance costs, and a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from. Durability is a major benefit to stamped concrete. They are virtually indestructible, able to stand up to extreme heat and weather conditions year-round. This makes them a great choice for busy families with pets or kids who want peace of mind knowing their driveway will last for years to come.

Resale value is another major benefit of stamped concrete driveways. The unique designs and colors, coupled with their low maintenance costs, often result in significantly higher appraisals when homeowners decide to sell their homes. Brushed concrete driveways may also increase your home’s resale value, but not as much as a decorative stamped design.

Lifespan of Stamped Concrete

One of stamped concrete’s biggest benefits is that it looks great for many years. How long depends on a variety of factors, including your climate and how well you maintain it. In general, though, driveways typically last 25 years before major repairs are needed; repainting helps keep them looking good for much longer.

A second benefit of stamped concrete is that it’s durable. It doesn’t chip, crack or rust over time like many other types of driveway material do. That means you can avoid costly repairs and replacements, making it a great value.

A third benefit of stamped concrete is that it’s easy to repair. When small chips or cracks do appear, you can fill them with colored concrete sealer. That gives your driveway a fresh look and prolongs its life at a low cost. A new driveway is an important investment, so why not choose one that offers you so many benefits? You’ll get years of enjoyment and avoid costly repairs in the process!

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

To keep your stamped concrete driveway looking its best, you’ll need to perform a thorough cleaning on it every spring and fall. As part of those cleanings, you should use a power washer that has a low-pressure setting; turning up the pressure could damage your concrete. Alternatively, get into a good routine of using a pressure washer regularly in between major cleanings.

It’s also a good idea to power wash your concrete every year. This will help ensure that mold and mildew don’t build up and cause issues with its coloring over time. Since pressure washers use water as part of their cleaning process, you’ll need to take into account how much moisture is used when you choose one. If your driveway is near other surfaces—such as foundations or your home—that could be damaged by overspray, make sure you get a low-pressure model; otherwise, check out models that have flexible hoses and spray nozzles for more targeted cleaning.

Other stamped concrete maintenance includes sweeping or brushing it regularly to keep mold and grime from building up in between cleanings. There are also sealants that you can apply to your driveway every year or two. It’s a good idea to put these down at least once a year before snow starts falling, as they will help protect your drive during its most vulnerable time of year.

Should I Choose a Brushed, Asphalt, or Stamped Driveway?

If you’re thinking about installing a new driveway, you might be wondering whether you should choose asphalt, brushed concrete, or stamped concrete. As it turns out, there are both benefits and disadvantages to each type of driveway. The choice can be overwhelming!

For one thing, asphalt driveways are typically less expensive than other types of concrete. This might make them a good choice if you’re on a tight budget and want to install a new driveway as cheaply as possible. But asphalt also tends to require more frequent maintenance and repairs, which can be an additional expense. Asphalt is less durable than other types of driveway material, so you may need to replace it within 10 years or so of installation, depending on your climate and how much traffic your driveway receives.

A brushed concrete driveway can be a good choice if you like the look of traditional, textured concrete. Many homeowners prefer them because they are available in a range of colors and styles, so you can personalize your driveway to match your home’s architecture. Brushed concrete is typically less expensive than stamped concrete. However, it may not stand up as well over time as stamped or poured asphalt driveways do.

A stamped concrete driveway is probably your best choice if you’re concerned about durability. They tend to be a little bit more expensive than brushed concrete, but are available in a wider range of colors and textures. They also stand up better to normal wear and tear than asphalt driveways do, and can last 25 years or more with proper care. The downside of stamped concrete is that it will cost more to install than an asphalt driveway would—but over time, most homeowners find that their investment pays off because they don’t have to worry about repairs for as long as their new concrete remains in good condition.