DIY Stamped Concrete?

[ddawg16]

Yes...I did a search....can't find where anyone has actually done their own stamped concrete.

So...has anyone done it themselves? I'm getting ready to put in a path from the front door to the sidewalk...it's only about 22'....

It's not really a matter of trying to save money...it's more of personal satisfaction......wood workers know what I'm talking about. I have 'some' concrete experience....but nothing like this.

Am I taking on too much?

 

[PAToyota]

There isn't really anything complex about stamped concrete. If you can do a normal slab you would be able to do a stamped slab.

Only problem is the stamps. May be different in your area, but I haven't found anyone that rents them around here. And they are pretty spendy to buy.

If you could come up with some way to make your own at a reasonable cost it may be possible...

 

[FL_Javelin]

I always thought it would be cool to do this. The Bass Pro shop here has that, different animal tracks, fish skeletons, ect. It is also dyed green and brown, looks very nice. I have also heard guys using wrenches and other tools to stamp concrete. I would think you would need some way to ensure it comes out clean to use again, oil, saran wrap or maybe just water. I'm sure others here would know.

Good luck, let us know.

Rereading the post, I realized you may have been talking about a brick paver look, shows how scattered brain I am today

 

[DigitalFusion]

I used to work doing stamped and stained concrete. Its 100% easier than it looks. Just wait till the concrete it set enough so when you push your thumb into it, it leaves only a slight indent, then toss your powder release on (powder > liq release) and start stamping using foot pressure. Depending on how many SqFt you are doing and/or how fast you work, you may need a hand tamper towards the end of the job.

Your best bet is to find a contractor in your area that will rent you the stamps, powder release, etc.

 

[BooUrns!]

I've had this in the back of my mind for a driveway pad to be placed next summer. I priced out the stamps and recoiled somewhat. Interesting suggestion about renting them.
Good to see I'm not the only one thinking about this kind of DIY. I'm wondring how hard it wold be to build a few detail stamps?

 

[ddawg16]

I have a friend who does concrete work......he has offered to come over next Saturday with stamps.......all I have to do is get the path poured and he will show up right after that and help me stamp it....

I'll take pictures and keep you posted.....

 

[BooUrns!]

Bottom of a beer bottle stamped sidewalk?

 

[Frank Elson]

I saw in a website details of a stamp a guy had made himself.
I'm in the office now so can't go googling...

 

[MC]

We had a stamped concrete patio done several years ago at our old house in Kansas City. We were going to do it ourselves but the problem we ran into was the lack of available stamps. We found several, but none that we were crazy about, so we ended up hiring a guy who had a wide variety. But that was about eight years ago so I'm sure there are a lot more 'stamp' options these days....

MC