Have you always wanted the elegant look of stamped concrete at your home, but aren't so thrilled about the high price that comes along with hiring a professional to get the job done? If so, and if you're the type of person who enjoys DIY work around the house, then you may want to consider taking on this project yourself. With a few tips and some help from Deco-Crete Supply, you'll be well on your way to success!

Prepping the Area

When it comes to stamped concrete, preparation is key. A poorly prepared area will result in concrete that cracks and crumbles prematurely. There are many steps involved with preparing an area for pouring concrete, both inside and outside. Some steps you'll need to follow include:

• Preparing the subgrade
• Placing wood or plastic forms
• Reinforcing with welds or bars

Only after the area is prepped can you pour the concrete and smooth it out. Consider using a Deco-Crete Supply notch squeegee for a smooth, level surface.

Deciding on Color

Another important step in taking on a stamped concrete project at your home is to decide how you'll achieve the color you're looking for. Essentially, there are two main options when it comes to stamped concrete color:

• Integral color: a dye that's mixed in with your concrete and is uniform throughout
• Color hardener: a layer of color that's applied on top of your regular concrete

There are potential pros and cons to each option; for instance, integral color may provide uniformity in the event that your concrete chips or cracks down the road, but using a color hardener is easier and generally less expensive.

Once your color is decided upon, you'll also want to figure out which kind of stamp you want on your concrete. Deco-Crete Supply has a wide variety to choose from, including medallions, edge liners, border art, and everything in between.

Protecting Your Work

No matter which option you choose when it comes to achieving your ideal color and stamp, you'll want to protect your work by sealing it. This will help to prevent damage from hail, rainfall, ice and other elements. Your stamped concrete should be sealed at least once every few years. Shop Deco-Crete Supply's collection of quality sealers and coatings to prolong the life of your new stamped concrete.

Taking on your own stamped concrete project doesn't need to be a huge challenge. As long as you have the right tools and supplies from Deco-Crete, you can make it happen!