Sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks are the most common uses of colored/stamped concrete in residential construction. Commercially it has become popular for business entrances and sidewalks, floors, and parking lots. Municipalities often use colored/stamped concrete for crosswalks, rumble strips, ADA access requirements, and even major downtown renovation projects.

The process is simple but very labor intense, and attention to detail is imperative. The most successful installers are those who have taken the time for proper training from the color and/or form manufacturers.

In most colored/stamped applications, a dry-shake color hardener is applied to the fresh concrete. Specially designed templates are then placed on the concrete and surface to create the imprinted design. Clear sealer/hardeners are applied to the finished texture to protect the color and design.

There are hundreds of patterns from which to choose. Ashlar slate, European Cobble Stone, Mexican Tile, Herring Bone Brick, Random Stone are a few examples. Custom-made patterns such as floral designs, corporate logos and even family crests are also possible.

Design flexibility has established architectural concrete as a leading player in today's residential and commercial construction markets. Architectural concrete is the only material with the ability to provide a coordinated look to a building's exterior elements. Whether it is a traditional or contemporary façade, architectural concrete creates a beautiful first impression.