How to Use Stamped Concrete & Stained Concrete to Get the Look of Wood

Concrete can be used in a variety of ways to recreate the look of wood. Some contractors use stamps, others use scoring and staining and still others allow the natural grain of real wood boards to leave an imprint on the surface of the concrete. Compare these methods and get ideas for your own project below.

Browse pictures of concrete projects that replicate wood.

WOOD STAMPED CONCRETE

Stamping is perfect for making new or resurfaced patios and more look like wood decks. When combined with carefully selected colors, you can get a look that is a lot like the real thing, but with improved durability and easier maintenance.

Check out these popular wood stamp patterns and the looks they create:

Classic Wood

Multiple wood grains offer bold texture with six-inch wide planks.

Cedar Wood Flooring

Three-inch wide cedar wood planks laid end-to-end.

Weathered Wood Plank

Planks of various lengths with an aged appearance.

Wood Block

Wood blocks cut perpendicular to the grain.

Patterns courtesy of Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors.

Contact a decorative concrete contractor near you to find out what wood patterns they have available.

Here are some examples of projects using wood stamps:

Concrete Creations in Plymouth, IN.

Wood stamped concrete patio

A wood plank stamp was used to impart the texture of real boards to this patio. This is a great way to get the rustic look of a deck without all the upkeep. When selecting a stamp for your project, look for one made from actual wood planks for the most realistic grain patterns.

ESPJ Construction in Linden, N.J.

Wood stamped concrete pool deck

Wood stamps are becoming a popular choice for homeowners who like the look of wood decking but don’t want to deal with the upkeep and deterioration. Not only is wood stamped concrete more durable than actual wood decking, but it won’t cause splinters on bare feet. To create an authentic wood look, this pool deck was stamped with a wood plank pattern and colored with a tan dry-shake color hardener accented by a dark brown release agent. Learn more about this project: Concrete Pool Deck Replicates Wood Planking.

Baltz and Sons Concrete Services in Somerville, TN.

Concrete bridge with stamped wood-grain

The owners of this property wanted a koi pond in their side yard, but in order to provide walk-through access a footbridge was necessary. In order to avoid extensive maintenance, concrete was selected as the best material. The arched bridge was poured in place with boardwalk stamps set in the form. It was colored with acid stains and topical highlighting oxides and sealed for protection and slip resistance. Read more: Concrete Footbridge Looks Like Wood.

Allstate Decorative Concrete in Cokato, MN.

Wooden plank concrete walkways

The owners of this home wanted a deck, but without all the maintenance that wood requires. Stamped concrete helped them achieve the look they wanted and a surface that is about as maintenance free as you can get. The concrete was integrally colored and textured with a stamp that replicates pine planks. The result is a deck with a weathered wood appearance from the start that never changes. To learn more about this project read Wooden Plank Walkways from Concrete.

Envision Concrete in Escondido, CA.

Concrete patio replicates reclaimed timber

According to Andy Espinoza of Envision Concrete in Escondido, California, the owners of this home wanted a surface that would rejuvenate their old concrete, yet tie in with their existing brick patio. After reviewing several design concepts, they decided on using a reclaimed timber plank stamp with a soldier brick pattern as a border. Get more details: Patio Overlay Replicates Reclaimed Lumber.

MORE WAYS TO MAKE CONCRETE LOOK LIKE WOOD

There are three other popular techniques for recreating the wood look with concrete:

• Scoring and staining - great for finishing concrete to mimic hardwood floors
• Board forming - good for creating poured concrete walls with authentic wood graining
• Vertical stamping or carving - best for building faux bois tree stumps, branches and more

Here are a few examples of these techniques:

Concrete Solutions in San Antonio, TX.

Concrete wood floor

Wood floors may not always be the best option, like for these homeowners who wanted they look of wood, but the durability of concrete. Their contractor started by cutting offset joints in the floor to create the appearance of boards. Then he stained the floor and ran a graining tool over it. The end result is a smooth surface that looks three-dimensional, as if it were stamped. To learn more about the process: Concrete Floors Look Like Wood.

Stamped Artistry in Pasadena, TX.

Concrete countertops with a wood plank finish

This outdoor kitchen at a Texas ranch was full of rustic details. Robert Salinas, a contractor who had done other work on the property, suggested making wood-grain concrete countertops. The countertops were precast in molds lined with HardiePlank siding panels. The concrete was integrally colored with an ivory pigment and antiqued with an espresso stain to mimic natural cedar. Read more: Wood-Grain Countertops.

ConcreteNetwork.com

Board formed concrete walls

According to Chris Sullivan, an expert in the decorative concrete world, the roughsawn look of wood is making a come-back as a desirable finished concrete texture. The rough texture of the unfinished wood leaves a recognizable wood grain in the cast concrete surface that many find appealing. Board formed concrete is being used both on the interior and exterior of commercial and residential buildings. To see more board formed concrete check out Concrete & Architecture.

JM Lifestyles in Randolph, NJ.

Concrete table mimics reclaimed lumber

The owners of this home wanted a unique basement entertaining area. Jeff Kudrick of JM Lifestyles created the room’s wine tasting table using a proprietary WoodForm mold system, along with muted gray and brown colors to mimic reclaimed barn wood. See the whole project: Concrete Table Mimics Reclaimed Wood.

Millercrete in Sewel, NJ.

Vertical concrete trees grow in a basement

To recreate the atmosphere of New Orleans in this basement, the support poles were transformed into realistic trees using a vertical concrete mix over styrofoam. Bark-patterned stamping mats were used to add realistic looking texture to the trees. Get more information: Concrete Trees Grow in a New Orleans-Themed Basement.

COMBINING CONCRETE WITH REAL WOOD

Concrete can also be combined with real wood for stunning effects. Here’s some inspiration:

Crafthammer Design in Kirkland, WA.

Handcrafted table blends concrete and wood

This unique yew wood dining table features a strip of concrete running down the center that complements the natural graining of the wood.

Total Concrete Innovations in Cambridge, ON.

Dining in style

A maple inlay running seamlessly through the center of this concrete dining table creates a permanent table runner showcasing the dramatic effects that can be achieved by combining concrete and wood.

Hyde Concrete in Annapolis, MD.

Elegant concrete flooring with wood inlays

This home features a decorative stained concrete overlay accented by walnut inlays. Notice how the grid of wood beams in the ceiling is mirrored by the walnut plank grid in the stained concrete floor.

Total Concrete Innovations in Cambridge, ON.

Mixed-media bar top combines concrete, wood and steel

The custom counter at this bar and eatery was made of pieces of concrete and maple joined together with stainless steel ties.

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