Swap The Gravel For A Low-Maintenance Statement Path And Patio

Gravel driveways, patios, and paths are attractive, and there are plenty of ways to look after them. However, there's no getting away from the fact that they all require regular maintenance to keep the pea gravel looking pristine. There are key pointers for maintaining your gravel driveway, and while using landscape fabric underneath gravel can prevent weeds from growing through, seeds can still set in the surface and soon make the area look unsightly.

There is a statement alternative for your paths and patios that is attractive, versatile, and low-maintenance. It can provide anything from classic elegance to rustic charm, it's available in a range of colors, and is more affordable than pavers. What is this wonder material? Stamped concrete. If you think concrete is something plain and ordinary, only used for utility areas, it's time you took a closer look at the variety of styles and finishes that can be achieved.

A quick note before we continue: It's not unusual for people to use the term "stamped cement" instead of "stamped concrete." While it can be dangerous to confuse cement and concrete, in this case, both terms refer to the same thing. When laid properly, safety should not be an issue.

There's very little that can't be achieved with stamped concrete, and compared to pea gravel, it is virtually maintenance-free once installed. The overall shape can be anything from square or rectangular to curved and sinuous. If the outline can be created from plywood (which may be rigid or very flexible depending on thickness), it can be filled with concrete and stamped. The stamps themselves vary from tile or brick patterns to those that mimic slate and even wood grain. Adding a smooth border or varying the texture around the edge can help elevate the appearance even more.

If you thought concrete was just shades of gray, you're in for another surprise. Integral dyes can alter the concrete while it's still being mixed, ensuring consistent color. Finished concrete can also be stained, although it's important to avoid certain concrete staining mistakes, and results can be unpredictable. Finally, there are waterproof paints that are formulated specifically to bond with concrete. Some really vivid colors are available, so your imagination can run riot.

You'll find plenty of advice online for how to make concrete and the right mix of sand, gravel, and cement to use for different projects. When it comes to the actual stamping, you can use mats like the Vevor Concrete Stamp Mat or rollers like the SBC Original Designed Weathered Flagstone tool. Numerous other designs are available if you shop around.

Whether you want to tackle it yourself might well depend on the size of the job. Obviously, the stamping has to be done while the concrete is still wet. If it's a modest path, or it can be done in sections, that should be relatively doable. If it's a large patio, it will be more of a challenge. A contractor might have a whole bunch of mats they can lay at the same time, but they will probably have invested several hundred dollars in them. Maybe you're prepared to do that, too, but it might be worth getting a couple of quotes to see how the numbers add up.

Those who are worried about whether stamped concrete will hold up over time will be reassured that it's just as tough as the ordinary gray stuff. With an occasional wash using just soapy water, it could stay looking good for decades. So, if you're looking for a way to create a low-maintenance statement path or patio that is also budget-friendly, stamped concrete has a lot going for it.