Stamped & Decorative Concrete

Stamped concrete is a slab imprinted with a pattern and colored while it is still fresh, so it looks like stone, brick or slate at a lower cost than the real material. It is the most decorative concrete finish and the most expensive, and it needs periodic resealing to keep its color. Cieslak Concrete Construction installs stamped, colored and exposed aggregate concrete patios, walkways and entries across Macomb and Oakland County, on the same base preparation as any structural pour.

Decorative concrete gives you the appearance of stone, brick or textured finishes with the durability and lower maintenance of a single poured slab.

The decorative finish is the last step, not the whole job. The base preparation, thickness, drainage and jointing are handled exactly the same as any structural pour — that's what keeps the finish looking right years later.

Decorative finish options

Common questions

How much does stamped concrete cost?

Stamped concrete generally runs $20–$30 per square foot on projects of approximately 1,000 square feet or more, and exposed aggregate generally runs $15–$20. Where you land depends on the pattern, number of colors, borders and banding, and how much detailed forming the layout takes. Smaller stamped patios and entries are priced individually, with a $2,500 project minimum. These are general budgeting ranges, not quotes.

How much does stamped concrete cost?

Stamped concrete costs more per square foot than a broom finish because of the pattern work, release agents, color and sealing, plus the added labor during placement. Exposed aggregate usually falls between the two. The base preparation underneath is identical on all three, so the price difference is the finish — not the strength or life of the slab. We price the finish options side by side in your estimate.

What is the difference between broom-finished, stamped and exposed aggregate concrete?

Broom finish is a plain slab textured with a broom: the least expensive, very slip resistant, and standard on driveways and walks. Stamped concrete is imprinted and colored to imitate stone, brick or slate — the most decorative, the most expensive and the most maintenance, since it needs resealing. Exposed aggregate washes back the top layer of paste to reveal the stone in the mix, giving a durable textured surface that sits between the two in cost and upkeep. All three are the same slab underneath.

Does decorative concrete hold up to Michigan winters?

Yes, when it's built correctly. Base preparation, drainage and jointing matter more than the finish, and sealing on the recommended schedule protects the appearance.

Is stamped concrete slippery?

Texture and sealer choice affect traction. We'll talk through the options based on where the concrete is going, especially near steps or water.

Does decorative concrete need maintenance?

Periodic resealing keeps color and texture looking their best. We explain the schedule at the final walkthrough.