Want to Stamp Your Patio?

by Delmar Germyn

IF you thought that creating an attractive walkway of stone or brick pavers was something you could not afford. Or maybe you just didn't want to deal with the inevitable weeds growing up between them. Stamped concrete may just be the answer you are looking for.

This process will give you a high-durability, low-cost alternative to those expensive traditional surface treatments for walkways, patios, and driveways. The technique is surprisingly simple. Stamped concrete involves pouring in the traditional manner, finishing the surface as usual, and then treating it with a hardener. It is then colored to the customer's desire and stamped with molds that imprint virtually any surface texture imaginable.

Brick pavers, stone, tiles, slate, flagstone... almost any traditional surface treatment can be reproduced in stamped concrete. In addition to walkways, it's also ideal for patios, porches, pool decks and driveways. Since it is poured as a whole, it can be completed much faster than traditional bricks or pavers. Because it consists of one solid surface, no weeds grow as happens with individually installed pavers. It's also stronger than regular concrete. The hardener brings the stamped concrete's surface strength up to 8,000 psi: almost triple the tensile strength of regular concrete. Maintenance consists of resealing every five years or so.

Copyright © 2005 Delmar Germyn. All rights reserved.

Author - Del Germyn Web site http://www.delsmolds.com

My web site is setup to help you learn a little about molds and casting in general.

THERE YOU WILL FIND....

- Articles on how to mix your concrete, hypertufa, etc for different uses.

- Free information on how to make your own molds. Tips and hints on their use and care.

- Free information on making and using various types of molds to cast concrete, plaster, cement, ceramics, and molding with hypertufa.

- Suggestions for projects that you can do in a couple of hours that will make your yard / garden look great. All the information on the site is free to use and share. I am hoping that when you see what I have (or have not) set out you will send in your tips and stories. By sharing we can learn from each other. We can also help newcomers to the hobby / business.

The site is constantly added to, so please check it often. http://www.delsmolds.com