Is Stamped Concrete Worth the Money in the UK?
Most of the houses that can be seen in the UK have a concrete patio. A well-maintained one adds personality and appeal to every home. Like many homeowners, having a patio installed means improving the exterior of your home. These patterns guarantee eye-catching patterns that will make the home stand out from the others.
One of the most affordable materials for building a patio is concrete. However, getting a stamped concrete driveway surface may cost more than the regular one. Using stamped concrete can provide a lot of benefits to your property, but there are still factors that may affect the cost of the concrete.
Some homeowners choose to install stamped concrete since it replicates the use of natural paving materials. This type of concrete is made by adding pigments to the surface, then using a printing mat for pressing to get the textured patterns.
Is Using Stamped Concrete Worth It?
The cost of installing these on driveways depends on the material costs and labor charges. However, stamped concrete provides a long-lasting surface that requires less maintenance. Considering this, it can save you money in the long run.
In the UK, stamped concrete has an average cost of $80 per square meter. The materials may be inexpensive, but completing the driveway may cost higher since this requires professional skills to get a perfect finish. Installation should also be handled with care because it can easily get scratched.
A stamped concrete is durable but is not recommended for driveway use since it may have cracks due to heavy loads. But for patios and walkways, it will add an aesthetic finish.
Pros and Cons of Using a Stamped Concrete
On stamped concrete, weeds are likely to grow out on gaps which means you will not be required to worry that it might become uneven in time. Also, these are more cost-effective than using bricks. However, if you opt to do sealing on the concrete surface, it may require regular resealing every 3 years.
Customizing these stamped concretes may also depend on how you want them to look. With stamped concrete, you may choose any shape or texture that you like. Whatever design is printed, it still has the durability of concrete.
Using stamped concrete may be aesthetically pleasing, but matching colors may be difficult at times. Sometimes repairing your stamped concrete will not match its original color.
Another disadvantage of getting stamped concrete is it is difficult to repair. Once a part of the stamped concrete breaks, it will be difficult to get a matching pattern. Doing it on yourself is also not possible since these may require tools that require professional skills. Changes in climates may also add damage to the stamped concrete. It can be damaged by thaw cycles and freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
Using stamped concretes can be worth it, considering that the materials are inexpensive, but it still depends on how many areas you are planning to install it. Also, good maintenance can keep your stamped concrete looking good and be used for a longer time due to its durability.
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