How much does a stamped concrete patio cost in Los Angeles?

Tired of looking at your cracked and worn out patio tiles? Looking to change your drab gray slab into something fab? Considering wood, natural stone or tile, but want something more cost-effective? Consider customized stamped concrete.

Stamped concrete gives the look and feel of natural stone, brick, or wood at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it looks beautiful and will last much longer than the other alternatives with minimal maintenance.

What are the costs in installing a stamped concrete patio?

While the sizes and shapes of patios can vary considerably, the typical concrete patio is about 288 square feet. Depending on a variety of factors, the cost of your new stamped concrete patio will probably run between $5,760 and $10,000 (or $20 to $30 per square foot). Here’s a breakdown of the prices of different design options:

• Plain design
  •  $12 to $15 per square foot
  • Gray slab (no decorative finishes or colors)
  • Straight lines
• Elaborate design
  • Upto $18 per square foot
  • Borders
  • Sawcut designs
  • Hand-applied coloring techniques

What factors should I consider when installing a stamped concrete patio?

The cost of a stamped concrete patio depends on many factors. Are you demolishing and replacing an old patio? You will have to factor in the cost of demolishing the old patio and the costs of hauling it away and disposing of it. This would cost an estimated $3 to $5 per square foot or more.

A more budget- friendly approach would be to cover the surface of an existing patio with stamped concrete. You can simply repair any damage to the existing patio and resurface it. The cost of resurfacing your old patio would range between $5 and $9 per square foot.

Here are some other things to think about when considering installing a stamped concrete patio:

• Patio Size: Because the size of patios can vary greatly from house to house, this is perhaps the biggest factor in estimating the cost of your new stamped concrete patio. Typically, the price per square foot goes down as the patio gets bigger.
• Complexity of design: Stamped concrete comes in a wide variety of colors and designs -- from a plain one-color/one-design approach to a more intricate design made to mimic the look of real pavers. Adding texture, color, borders and other design features will add up. A basic shape with straight lines will be a cheaper option than a more complex design with curves.
• Property condition: Consider the condition of the property on which the stamped concrete will be poured. If you need demolition, grading or other prep work on the site, the price will go up. In addition, if your property cannot be accessed with the necessary equipment, the price of your project will go up.

Isn’t it cheaper to build a wooden deck?

A wood deck can cost $20 to $35 per square foot. This cost is related to the price of materials (hardwood, composite, pressure treated) and the amount of detail involved in the design. You also have to figure in the cost of labor and the amount of time it takes to build a deck as opposed to pouring and stamping concrete. In addition to the costs of installation and materials, the maintenance on a wooden deck is more intensive than a stamped concrete patio.

Although a wooden deck can give you an attractive finished product, it can be an expensive option when compared to a concrete patio. In fact, decorative concrete can give you the look and feel of real wood decking at a fraction of the price.

What is cheaper: pavers or stamped concrete?

Concrete pavers are individually placed bricks that come in a variety of designs and colors. These pavers need to be installed by hand, as opposed to being pouring like stamped concrete. As a result, a patio made from pavers costs an estimated $20 to $30 per square foot, depending on the size, shape, and complexity of the design.

While choosing a plain gray slab concrete patio will definitely save you money compared to pavers, the price does become comparable as you add upgrades, such as stamping and and coloring.

Why should I choose stamped concrete over other materials?

Stamped concrete can mimic the look and feet of pavers, natural stone, even a wooden deck at the fraction of the cost of the other materials. Not only that, but over time, you will save money on maintenance and upkeep with your concrete patio.

Stamped concrete can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Regular maintenance of cleaning and resealing stamped concrete should be done every 2 to 3 years on average. Stamped concrete can be easily cleaned with a hose or power washer and detergent. Other surfaces, such as pavers or natural stone, need ongoing maintenance to keep weeds out and to keep the joints filled with sand. A wooden deck needs to be repainted on a regular basis.

In addition, when poured correctly, stamped concrete is incredibly durable and highly resistant to cracking. Even if it does experience minor cracks, the cracks often blend in with the pattern and joint lines, making it hard to find.

Should I DIY my patio to save money?

While it may seem tempting to pour, stamp and color your own patio, you will get the best results if you hire a contractor. There are many elements to stamped concrete that must be done quickly and you have only one chance to get it right. You can’t finish it later if you run out time. You also can’t take it apart and re-do it if you make a mistake.

That’s why we suggest you call the professionals at Concrete Decor Contractor. We can complete your project on time and work within your budget to produce the finished look you desire. Call us at 1-818-722-8124 today.