How Stamped Concrete Can Transform Your Patio

At the height of summer, sometimes all you want to do is get in the pool, start up the grill, and invite some friends over to hang out on the patio. If you’re going to spend so much time out there, you should invest the time to kick it up a notch! 

A stamped concrete patio is a great way to customize your backyard without breaking the bank. There are tons of high-end custom patio designs to choose from—all easy to clean and maintain! Read on to learn why stamped concrete is a popular choice for homeowners.

• What Is Stamped Concrete?
• The Pros of Stamped Concrete Patios
• Stamped Concrete Patio Ideas
• How Much Does a Stamped Concrete Patio Cost?
• Ready for an Estimate?

Are you ready to transform your patio? Contact B&W Custom Concrete for a free estimate on your next project!

What Is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is created by imprinting specific patterns onto wet concrete, allowing the mixture to maintain the design as it cures. The most in-demand designs include:

• Natural stone
• Cobblestone
• Brick
• Slate
• Wood

Stamped concrete is compatible with other finishing techniques such as acid staining, aggregate exposure, and sealing.

The Pros of Stamped Concrete Patios

Stamped concrete patios share all the benefits of a standard concrete patio—but with more style! Installing a stamped concrete patio can help boost your home value by upwards of 15% thanks to its luxurious look and overall aesthetic appeal.

In a nutshell, stained concrete is:

• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Low-maintenance
• Economical
• Highly-customizable
• Aesthetically-pleasing

Stamped concrete can be a clear investment with strong returns if well-maintained. Leverage our concrete experts to bring your vision to life! 

Stamped Concrete Patio Ideas

Mixing stamped concrete with different techniques can yield a fantastic custom patio design. Of course, you can always enhance your patio by furnishing it with plants, furniture, and lights. But focusing on the concrete will give you a beautiful foundation to start.

• Add an acid stain – Combining an acid stain with a pattern will let you mimic most building materials. If you’re more adventurous, go with a vibrant neutral tone that goes well with any decor.
  
  
• Use accent colors – There’s no reason to make your patio one color. Using an accent color as a border or focal point can give visual interest without being overwhelming.
  
  
• Mix textures – In the same vein, you can create a visual impact by accenting large, plain concrete areas with stamped concrete designs.
  
  
• Vary your shapes – Spice up your patio by contrasting straight lines with organic curves. This helps better define your space without seeming too cookie-cutter.

If you’re still unsure about what to do, explore Pinterest boards or design blogs that highlight creative stamped concrete looks. Your custom patio design is just a click away!

How Much Does a Stamped Concrete Patio Cost?

Using stamped concrete for a custom patio is one of the most economical ways to upscale your patio. Depending on your design and finishers, the average stamped concrete patio will cost about:

• $8–$19 per square foot
• $3,200–$7,600 for a 20’x20’ patio

The average homeowner will spend about $4,664 nationally, which factors in the cost of labor, project complexity, thickness, and sealant. 

Overall, stamped concrete costs fall below averages for brick ($14–$20 per square foot) and stone ($14–$28 per square foot). Factor in concrete’s longevity and customization, and you’ll find the returns well worth the investment! 

It goes without saying that it’s important to get an accurate estimate to gauge your budget for any project.

Ready for an Estimate?

Stamped concrete is one of the most popular methods for transforming a patio into a real hang-out spot. You can easily create a custom patio design by taking advantage of concrete’s versatile patterns and stains. Not to mention, the overall cost savings are a no-brainer thanks to concrete’s affordable price and durability.

Are you thinking about updating your patio and improving your home value? Reach out to B&W Custom Concrete to get a free estimate on your project!

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Which Is the Better Choice for Your Driveway?

Concrete and asphalt are two of the most popular materials used for driveways, and for good reason. Both are durable materials that work well in most environments. And each has clear benefits depending on your project needs.

In the concrete vs asphalt debate, we’re ultimately team concrete thanks to our team of exceptional concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY!

In our breakdown, we’ll cover: 

• The pros and cons of concrete vs asphalt
• Is it cheaper to use asphalt or concrete?
• Popular Buffalo, NY concrete driveway designs
• Which is easier to maintain, concrete or asphalt?
• Concrete in Buffalo, NY’s cold weather
• Why you should install a concrete driveway

Ready to seal the deal (no pun intended) with a concrete driveway? Get a free quote from a B&W Custom Concrete rep!

The Pros and Cons of Concrete vs Asphalt

When it comes to installing a concrete driveway, the pros generally outweigh the cons. The TLDR version is that concrete is a high-quality material that comes in a variety of design choices. It doesn’t require much hands-on maintenance and tends to last longer than asphalt.

Concrete Pros: 

• Is long-lasting and durable compared to other materials
• Easy to maintain
• Stays cool in hot weather due to its lighter color
• Comes in attractive tints and patterns

Concrete Cons: 

• May stain over time because of its lighter color
• Is more expensive than asphalt
• Will need to be replaced if damaged

Asphalt on the other hand, tends to be cheaper and can be installed quicker thanks to its ease of use. You’ll need to invest in regular preventative maintenance to maintain your driveway. Cracks may appear more frequently with asphalt since it is a softer material, though it’s easier to repair or apply a top coat.

Is it Cheaper to Use Asphalt or Concrete?

In general, asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete, but you may need to spend more over time on maintenance. 

Home Advisor estimates asphalt installation costs to be 50% less than concrete driveways of similar size. As of 2023, the average cost of a concrete driveway installation in Buffalo, NY is $5.03 per square foot. Compare that to an asphalt driveway, which is about $3.21 per square foot and requires sealing (an additional $0.32 per square foot).

Concrete driveway installation costs will increase if you choose additional design finishers such as concrete staining, tinting, or polishing.

Having said that, it’s important to consider both your initial budget as well as the time and expense required for driveway maintenance. 

Concrete’s durability means you won’t incur maintenance costs associated with asphalt, which can save you money over time. However, to ensure that asphalt is cost-effective, you’ll need to invest in regular upkeep. 

Popular Buffalo, NY Concrete Driveway Designs

One of the main benefits of choosing a concrete driveway is the variety of designs and finishes available!

Stained concrete floors are a popular choice for homes—acid stains are chemically reactive, which causes a permanent change in a rich palette of colors. You can marble the color by unevenly distributing the cement as you finish it to give a high-end, organic feel.

Prefer to keep it classic but with a twist? B&W Custom Concrete offers patterns to give character to your driveway while keeping that signature gray tone. The lighter color compliments a variety of styles well, making it a versatile choice.

In contrast, asphalt comes in a limited range of darker colors and stamped designs due to its base material. Concrete is ultimately the best choice for customizability, while asphalt offers a standard look.

Which Is Easier to Maintain, Concrete or Asphalt?

Concrete is ideal for homeowners who prefer not to actively maintain their driveways. Once finished and sealed, concrete doesn’t need to be maintained beyond occasional cleaning. Just remember to use sand instead of salt on the first winter after you install your driveway.

Concrete driveways can last upwards of 30–40 years under normal conditions thanks to its durable material. Any blemishes tend to be artificial, which is to say it won’t affect performance. To keep your driveway clean, avoid using fertilizer on the concrete or dripping oil as they can cause stains.

If you go with asphalt, you can expect a lifespan of 20–30 years, though you’ll need to reseal your driveway every 3–5 years to maintain it. This can start to add up if you hire a professional. 

An unkempt asphalt driveway may also need regular repairs since asphalt tends to deteriorate faster than concrete. You can easily repair cracks, though it’s best to take preventative measures or go with a more durable material.

Concrete in Buffalo, NY’s Cold Weather

Concrete can be affected by extreme cold, causing it to deteriorate as the material expands and contracts. That’s why B&W Custom Concrete only uses the highest-quality concrete at maximum standards to mitigate extreme climate effects.

Our 4,000 psi concrete driveways are 4” thick with a 10 gauge wire mesh. We also spray, cure, and seal your driveway to protect your investment, ensuring longevity through many upcoming winters.

With concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY, you’re guaranteed a team that understands the environment’s specific challenges and solutions!

Asphalt will also do well in Buffalo’s cold winters but will heat up considerably during hot summer months. Ultimately, you may find that other factors around design, performance, and maintenance will outweigh asphalt’s cold tolerance.

Why You Should Install a Concrete Driveway

When it comes to durability, performance, and design, concrete takes the win. Concrete driveways are endlessly customizable and can add a lot of personality to your home. Not to mention, staining and patterns can shift your property’s look between upscale and modern to timeless and classic.

Concrete is more expensive than asphalt, but the upfront investment goes into 30–40 years of low-maintenance performance. Our concrete driveways in Buffalo, NY are designed to withstand extreme winters, too.

If you’re a homeowner who wants an aesthetic, long-lasting driveway that doesn’t require diligent, hands-on maintenance, concrete is the way to go! 

Looking for concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY? Chat with a B&W Custom Concrete rep to get a quote!