Texian Concrete in Houston, TX
Slate is undeniably one of the most beautiful paving materials for patios, walkways and other outdoor surfaces. But slate can be very expensive and isn’t the most durable choice. So how do you get the gorgeous look of natural slate without suffering sticker shock or sacrificing performance? The solution is slate-stamped concrete, a cost-effective alternative that replicates the patterns and natural color variations of real slate while giving you all the durability of poured-in-place concrete.
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What Is Slate-Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is a versatile material that can recreate the look of many different types of stone, slate being one of the most popular. What makes slate-stamped concrete look so realistic are the coloring methods used to replicate the earthy tones of natural stone. Coloring agents can be mixed into the concrete, applied to the surface, or added to the sealer (see this guide to coloring concrete). A skilled decorative concrete contractor can even custom blend colors so that only the most discerning eye will notice the difference between stamped concrete and natural slate.
What Patterns Are Available?
Slate stamp patterns are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures as well as a wide array of patterns, including herringbone, running bond, basketweave, and random stone. There are also special seamless stamps, called texturing skins, that allow you to replicate the texture of slate without creating distinct pattern lines. Textures range from smooth and lightly sanded to chiseled, which gives the surface a hand-tooled look.
Stamped concrete patterns are used to create the look of brick, slate, flagstone, cobblestone or other patterns on your concrete patio, driveway or other surface. These patterns are a cost-effective way to achieve realistic looking textures.
Ashlar Cut Slate
Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors, Inc.
Grand Ashlar
Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors, Inc.
Fractured Cyprus Slate
Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors, Inc.
Sanded Slate Texture
Brickform, a division of Solomon Colors, Inc.
Ashlar New England Slate
Proline Concrete Tools
Herringbone Belgium Slate
Proline Concrete Tools
Rotating Ashlar Italian Slate
Proline Concrete Tools
Hexagon Roman Slate
Proline Concrete Tools
Sources: Brickform and Proline.
How Much Does Slate-Stamped Concrete Cost?
For many homeowners, budget is the factor that tips the scales in favor of slate-stamped concrete versus real stone. Not only are slate paving stones expensive, costing anywhere from $18 to more than $40 per square foot, they are labor-intensive to install because every piece must be laid by hand, which adds significantly to the overall cost.
In comparison, pouring, stamping, and coloring concrete will cost around $12 to $18 per square foot, or about half the price of installing real stone (see Stamped Concrete Cost). With stamped concrete, there is also no material waste because stones don’t have to be cut to create the desired pattern.
