If you’ve been looking for a way to add texture and interest to the floors and walls of your home, concrete stamps and concrete overlays can do just that. Concrete stamps and concrete overlays both allow you to create the appearance of cobblestones, wood, stacked rocks, and more, without the time and money actually having those renovations done would cost you.
Many homeowners are a bit confused about the difference between concrete stamps and concrete overlays, and we don’t blame you. The two both offer decorative benefits and can transform your space into something more luxurious without the luxury price tag. In order to best determine whether you should opt for concrete stamps or concrete overlays for your property (or both!), it’s important that you understand what each is.
Here is what you need to know about the difference between concrete stamps and concrete overlays.
Concrete stamps are when you pour new concrete and then stamp it with a design. After the design is stamped onto the new concrete, a sealer is applied so that the design can last without any chipping or fading. Concrete stamps come in many different designs. They can make your concrete surface look like wood, like cobblestones, give it a unique texture, and much more.
Here at Stone Edge Surfaces, we offer a wide variety of concrete stamps. These include:
Concrete stamps can be applied on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Some are designed specifically for horizontal surfaces, like if you want a cobblestone floor, while others are designed for vertical surfaces. Some can be used on both.
Concrete overlays are when you have a thin coat of concrete applied onto an existing concrete surface that is then stamped or carved with a design. Because concrete overlays do not involve starting fresh with brand new concrete, but rather, putting a layer on top of your existing concrete surface, they are a bit more cost-effective than concrete stamps.
There are all sorts of different design options with concrete overlays. Concrete overlays can be stamped with concrete stamps. You can also have some really unique work done, like having them carved. Because concrete overlays go over your existing concrete, you need to ensure that your existing concrete is in good condition prior to having an overlay applied. Overlays can fail after a few months if you try to use them as a solution for your damaged concrete.
Your contractor will be able to look at your concrete surfaces and let you know how much preparation needs to be done before you can have a concrete overlay applied.
Whether you choose concrete stamps or concrete overlays for your project is dependent on a variety of factors. Concrete stamps and concrete overlays both give you some really beautiful textures and patterns for your concrete surfaces. The main difference between concrete stamps and concrete overlays is how they are applied. As previously mentioned, you can stamp a concrete overlay.
With the difference between concrete stamps and concrete overlays, they’re each better suited to different situations. For instance, if you’re trying to decide between concrete stamps and concrete overlays and you have existing concrete that is in fairly good condition that you don’t want to rip up, a concrete overlay could be the way to go for you. If you want to have your surface ripped up and decorative concrete put in its place, you would likely be better off with a concrete stamp.
In short, if you’re trying to decide between concrete stamps and concrete overlays: concrete stamps are better for complete replacement while concrete overlays are better for an existing surface that you want to give a new look too.
The truth is that both concrete stamps and concrete overlays are good options for decorative concrete. It just comes down to what you’re trying to achieve with your surface. Concrete stamps would be better for complete replacement while concrete overlays would be better for a refresh of an existing concrete surface. A contractor can help you decide between concrete stamps and concrete overlays for your specific project.
Stone Edge Surfaces provides both concrete stamps and concrete overlays. If you’re uncertain which option is right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re more than happy to help you with your decorative concrete needs.