Concrete is a durable material that's good for many uses on your property. However, concrete isn't the most beautiful material, so you may decide against it for something that's more attractive. A good compromise is stamped concrete. It has all the benefits of concrete while having the attractiveness of pavers or stone. Here are some ideas for using stamped concrete on your property.

A Driveway

If you want something more eye-catching than a plain white driveway, then consider stamped concrete. The contractor can add color to the concrete and stamp a pattern into it before it dries so the end result is a driveway that looks like it's made of bricks or stones. The enhanced driveway improves the curb appeal of your home while still being durable and long lasting.

Walking Paths

Stamped concrete is an excellent choice for walkways on your property. The rich color and pattern design add glamour to your yard and contrast the green grass or colorful flower beds. Walkways are an important addition to your yard so you can keep foot traffic in a controlled area to protect your grass. Plus, it gives guests a stable walking area for safety reasons. You may want a walkway to your fence gate in the front yard and walkways in the back that wind through your gardens or lead to a fire pit, seating area, or fountain. The walkways can mimic the look of irregular stones or uniform bricks and they can be in a variety of colors.

The Patio

A stamped concrete patio is another way to beautify your property. If you use your patio a lot, you would appreciate an attractive surface for entertaining your guests. Stamped concrete has a more upscale look than plain concrete, so it's perfect for an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. Plus, the patio is more attractive when viewed from indoors through your patio doors. You can even extend the look from your patio to the deck of a swimming pool or walkways through the garden so your yard has a uniform look throughout.

Stamped concrete can take on many looks such as flagstone and slate for walking paths, tile and brick for driveways and patios, and even wood for indoor use. The contractor uses the right colors, textures, and patterns to create the look you want. However, the surface is still concrete, so it is easy to clean with a pressure washer or mopping. Stamped concrete costs more than plain concrete because stamping requires skill. The patterns have to be applied at just the right time in the curing process when the concrete is still wet enough to impress with a design, but dry enough to hold the patterns and textures. The cost is well worth it when you see the beautiful results.