If want to go beyond the typical linear brick or stone patterns in decorative concrete, why not throw in a few curves? There are several ways you can make distinctive circular patterns in both new and existing concrete slabs, from sunburst designs to medallions to serpentine borders. You can use these radial designs alone or as a curvy contrast to a linear pattern. As you can see here, there’s no limit to the looks you can achieve.
Design ideas for going radial:
- Create a focal point in the middle of your patio with a sunburst pattern
- Use a medallion stamp to create a graphic such as a compass rose or star
- Select a contrasting color for the radial design so that it will stand out even more
- Use a radial pattern to add texture to a round bistro patio
- Intersect radial designs to create a unique overlapping effect
- Soften the straight lines of a driveway with a radial centerpiece at the widest point
- Use a radial design to designate a landing or stopping point along a walkway
Stamped concrete is often used on patios, pool decks, driveways and paths, but have you ever thought about using it on your porch? Whether your porch is large or small, stamped concrete is a great option because of its decorative appeal, durability, wide array of customization options and more. Additionally, with the help of overlays stamped concrete is no longer only available for new porches, now it can be used on existing porches too.
Elite Crete Corporation in Valparaiso, Indiana
STAMPED PORCH OVERLAY
If you have a concrete porch that you’re not happy with you don’t have to tear it out and start fresh. In fact, you can get a porch that looks brand new in just a few days with a stampable concrete overlay.
The steps involved in resurfacing a porch with stamped concrete are as follows:
- Grind and pressure wash
- Mask off surfaces you want to protect
- Mix and apply skim coat
- Apply top coat
- Stamp or hand-tool
- Stain
- Seal
You can choose from a variety of stamp patterns and stain colors for your new stamped porch. However, many people like to mimic the beauty of natural stones such as slate or flagstone.
Allstate Decorative Concrete in Cokato, MN
FAUX WOOD PORCH
One popular look for stamped porches is the wood look. If you dislike the maintenance that comes along with a porch built of real wood, than concrete stamped and stained to look like wooden planks is a great solution. The wood stamps available today are made using real lumber so that you get an authentic grain and texture when you stamp your porch. Additionally, a skilled staining contractor will be able to create color variations similar to real wood.
Learn more about using concrete to replicate wood in this article about faux bois concrete.
Unique Concrete in West Milford, NJ
HAND-TOOLED PORCH
Stamped concrete is great for porches, but hand-tooling can also be used to create stone patterns in concrete. Hand tooling is when a saw is used to cut a pattern into the concrete. Often this pattern is colored a contrasting color to look like grout lines. While hand-tooling won’t impart texture onto the surface of your porch like a stamp, it can be used to create a completely custom pattern.
Butterfield Color in Aurora, IL
STAMPED PORCH DETAILS
One of the best things about going with stamped concrete for your porch is that it is easy to take care of the details. This stamped porch also received matching steps with decorative edges with continue around the perimeter of the porch. In this case, concrete step forms, sometimes called edge liners, were used when casting the concrete to get the look of chiseled stone. The result is a porch that appears as if it were a thick slab of natural stone fresh from the quarry.
Get ideas in the concrete walkways and entryways photo gallery