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One of the first things contractors interested in adding concrete stamping to their services may notice is the bewildering variety of tools on the market. However, these options can be somewhat simplified by grouping the full selection into types. At LCN, we?EUR??,,????'???ve decided to do just that.
Texture mats are used to imprint a specific feel to the concrete, like a non-slip or decorative aggregate finish, by creating very small mountains and craters in the surface. With texturing, various aesthetic and practical characteristics can be molded into the concrete. A non-slip texture can be molded around a pool for increased safety. Contrasting textures can be used to create a unique appearance orsubdivide an area by function.
This is the most basic tool you can buy, as it will likely be used on 70 percent of the concrete stamping projects worked on. Another benefit is that it?EUR??,,????'???s easier to learn how to use. This is a result of the ease with which a sense of timing regarding when to stamp in the concrete drying cycle can be developed compared to other tools.
While on the subject of timing, two handy methods exist to know when concrete is ready for stamping. If you stick your finger in the concrete and it will only go in up to the first knuckle, it?EUR??,,????'???s time to work. Also, if a rock is tossed onto stamp-ready concrete, it should leave a divot and bounce, rather than sink. It?EUR??,,????'???s worth noting that these jobs are commonly offered at reduced prices as a result of the easier and faster nature of the work. A popular texture at this point is both heavy and light slate.
There are several tool types that utilize graphics or 3D designs.They include pattern, border, and custom tools.
Pattern mats are used to simulate another surface, such as natural stone or brick pavers, by using distinct, deep lines that subdivide the surface. Pattern tools will be used on roughly 20 to 30 percent of concrete stamping jobs and are more challenging to develop a sense of timing on. That makes these a secondary purchasing priority for the contractor entering the business. Some popular pattern stamps are random stone and ashlar.
Border tools are designed to stamp borders, and features like coiled vines or raised edges can be placed in the concrete with ease. This tool will be used on the majority of jobs.
These are available for all tool types and have substantially higher costs associated with them. However, these higher costs are often expected and tolerated by clients interested in a custom job. Another important thing to note here is that offering custom concrete stamping services can be a great way to distinguish oneself from the competition. This is particularly important since industry standards have risen to the point that most contractors offering concrete stamping are capable of quality installations.
These stamps are available from several manufacturers, although some are franchises and therefore only produce custom tools for franchisees.
Large tools, such as 5-foot by 5-foot mats, are easier to work with and more efficient, as they can stamp a substantially greater area at once. This reduces the number of times the mat must be moved and assembly is also simplified compared to smaller, more intricate stamp designs.
A shovel and wheelbarrow or concrete mixer will be needed to mix the concrete before pouring. Standard concrete finishing tools, such as floats, trowels, and edgers will be needed. A quality set of chisels work well to detail grout lines, where mats don?EUR??,,????'???t go flush against a wall and therefore won?EUR??,,????'???t stamp properly. Finally, a mallet or tamper will be needed to press the stamp into the concrete.
A final consideration with stamped concrete is the quality of the plastic used to construct the tool. The more rigid and thick the material is, the harder it is to work with. It should be flexible enough to ease removal of the stamp without damaging the pattern or texture beneath, but not so flexible it rips easily or is difficult to grip.
8 to 20: Hours. If concrete texturing is achieved by applying a top surface retarder, the surface can be hosed off during the next 8-20 hours after applying a viscous liquid retarder, revealing the underlying aggregate.
1/2 to 3/4: Inches. If using the stamped concrete method, a contractor should order a ?EUR??,,????'??stamp?EUR??,,????'?? mix from the ready mixed supplier with coarse aggregate of 1/2 to 3/4 inch and a slump of four inches to reduce bleed.
Source: Decorative Concrete Ideas
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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