Stephens and Smith Construction worked with an Omaha, Neb., homeowner to select the overall design, patterns and colors for their patio and pool deck renovation. The homeowners had seen stamped concrete and were interested in giving their deck a fresh new look, as well as replacing their existing concrete and stoops, which had a spray texture overlay and stenciled brick borders in a pinwheel design.

Stephens and Smith, a Bomanite Imprint Systems licensee, demolished the existing deck and disposed of the rubble on site, which avoided disposal fees that would have increased the project's budget. Preparation of the project area took a few extra days, due to uneven real brick that was discovered under the overlay during the demolition.

Once the material was removed, Stephens and Smith graded and placed the concrete in four pours, which had to be transported 160 to 200 feet due to the length of the driveway and expansive 20-acre lot. After the pour, a cream color hardener that blends mineral oxide pigments, cement and graded silica aggregates in a dry-shake material was applied to the new concrete. The color hardener was followed by the application of release agents, a dry blend of chemical powders and pigments that adds color variation – in this case, brick red and natural gray – to the textured surface. Finally, the concrete was stamped with a slate texture and an eight-inch brick border for an updated, clean and inviting backyard space.

By the end of construction, about 2,700 square feet of the patio and pool deck had been resurfaced. The installation phase only took a crew of six with stamp tools, contret trowls and pump-up sprayers for color and sealer distribution two months; in time for the homeowners to use the pool and new deck for entertaining and cooling off last summer.