Decorative Concrete Services Massillon OH | Frequently Asked Questions

Your concrete patio, walkway or driveway is only as good as the base upon which it is poured. Here at Lombardi, we want to make certain your concrete lasts you for many years. Whether you want to begin the ground preparation yourself, or you want our team to handle it, we promise meticulous work that assures a solid base for your concrete.

Read More

Decorative concrete is becoming a popular choice for walkways and patios for homeowners and business owners. Even large office complexes are choosing stamped or stenciled concrete for entryways, both outside and inside. But is decorative concrete always the best choice? Below are some common questions regarding application and wear of decorative concrete.

Small cracks are inevitable in concrete, especially over time and in an environment where the temperatures are extreme. The texture and markings in stamped and stenciled concrete provide a big advantage because they can usually disguise some of the small cracks that begin to develop over time. They won’t hide everything, however. You will want to consider what type of wear your decorative concrete will receive based upon your application. Cracks that may ultimately need repair can sometimes be difficult to match in color and texture.

Stamped and stenciled concrete needs almost no maintenance to retain its textured appearance, but it is not as durable under heavy loads and it can be a bit more susceptible to scratches. So, while the look of brick, slate or stone for your driveway may be a striking addition to your home, stamped concrete may not be a good choice if your driveway is going to see a lot of vehicle traffic. You also will want to consider how a backyard patio or outdoor kitchen will be used and if a few scratches will be bothersome to you before making a decision on your decorative concrete.

Decorative concrete is ideal for walkways and entryways that primarily see foot traffic. With minimal maintenance, your walkways will look like new, with no issues of pavers sinking or becoming uneven, and no seams to invite weed growth.

Installation of stamped or stenciled concrete is relatively simple, with technicians utilizing forms or paper patterns to create texture and mortar lines after the concrete is poured and before it has set. Unlike pavers, the concrete must cure, so do not plan to use your patio for 3 to 5 days, depending on weather and manufacturer’s instructions.

While decorative concrete carries a higher price tag than standard concrete, it is less expensive to install than pavers, stones or bricks, primarily because of labor costs. You will want to consider how your decorative concrete surface will be used when determining overall cost, however. Driveways or outdoor kitchens that will get a lot of use, traffic or heavy loads, may need a bit more maintenance over time, so consider those additional costs when making your decision.