Stamped and decorative concrete suits the Craftsman and Mediterranean homes found all over Oakland. We bring pattern and color samples, plan joints to follow the design, and add grip to the sealer for wet winter days. We also tell you what upkeep each finish needs.
Stamped concrete is one slab made to look like stone, brick, slate or wood. The color goes in or on the concrete, a pattern is pressed into the surface while it is soft, and a sealer protects it afterward. It suits Oakland homes well, because Craftsman and Mediterranean houses look better with a warm, textured surface than with flat gray.
The details count. Stamping takes a full crew working at the right pace, because the pattern must be pressed in before the surface stiffens. Cool foggy mornings give more working time than a dry, windy afternoon, so we choose the pour time with care. Joints are planned to follow the pattern where possible. We add a grip additive to the sealer on anything that gets wet or sits on a slope.
Decorative work is not only stamping. Exposed aggregate, integral color, sandblast finishes and saw-cut patterns are all options, and some need less upkeep than a sealed stamped surface. Stamped concrete does need resealing from time to time. We tell you plainly what each finish will ask of you over the years.
Stamped & decorative concrete in Oakland: common questions
Is stamped concrete slippery in the rain?
It can be if it is sealed to a high gloss with nothing added. We use a textured pattern and mix a fine grit into the sealer, which makes a clear difference on wet winter days.
Does stamped concrete crack?
All concrete can crack. Stamped slabs get the same base, steel and control joints as plain ones, and the joints are placed so any crack follows a line in the pattern.
Can I see samples before I decide?
Yes. We bring pattern and color samples to the estimate. Colors look different on a real slab in your light, so we talk through that before you choose.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.