Glossary
Stamped Concrete Glossary: Plain-English Terms
Words you will hear from a concrete crew, explained simply.
Call us today720-295-9670- Stamped concrete
- Concrete pressed with rubber mats while workable to look like stone, brick or wood.
- Ashlar slate
- A pattern of rectangular slate stones in mixed sizes.
- Cobblestone
- A pattern of small rounded stones set close together.
- Flagstone
- A pattern of large irregular stones with narrow joints.
- Herringbone
- A pattern of rectangles set at angles in a zigzag.
- Basketweave
- A pattern of paired bricks turned back and forth in a woven grid.
- European fan
- A pattern of interlocking arcs of small stones.
- Seamless texture
- A natural surface texture pressed with no stone outlines or joints.
- Stamp mat
- A rubber tool with a pattern that is pressed into fresh concrete.
- Texture skin
- A flexible mat that presses a seamless natural texture.
- Integral color
- Color mixed into the concrete before it is poured.
- Color hardener
- A pigmented powder broadcast onto fresh concrete to color and harden the surface.
- Release agent
- A powder that keeps stamps from sticking and leaves a contrasting tone in the texture.
- Antique release
- A darker release that gives stones an aged, shadowed look.
- Sealer
- A clear or tinted coating that protects color and the surface.
- Matte sealer
- A sealer that leaves a natural, low-sheen look.
- Gloss sealer
- A sealer that leaves a shiny, wet look.
- Grip additive
- A fine material added to sealer for better traction.
- Control joint
- A planned cut that guides where a slab cracks.
- Expansion joint
- A gap that lets concrete move with temperature changes.
- Slab
- A flat poured section of concrete.
- Base
- A compacted layer of gravel under a slab.
- Subgrade
- The soil under the base.
- Compaction
- Pressing soil or gravel tight so it does not settle.
- Forms
- Boards that hold the shape of the concrete while it sets.
- Rebar
- Steel bars that reinforce concrete.
- Wire mesh
- A grid of steel wire used to reinforce a slab.
- Screed
- To level fresh concrete with a straight edge.
- Float
- A tool that smooths and compacts fresh concrete.
- Broom finish
- A textured finish made by drawing a broom across the surface.
- Curing
- The time concrete takes to harden and gain strength.
- Air entrainment
- Tiny air bubbles in concrete that help it handle freeze-thaw.
- Freeze-thaw
- The cycle of freezing and thawing that stresses outdoor surfaces.
- Expansive clay
- Soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry.
- Spalling
- Flaking or chipping of the surface.
- Scaling
- Loss of the thin surface layer, often from freeze-thaw and de-icers.
- Efflorescence
- A white mineral deposit left on the surface by evaporating water.
- Overlay
- A thin layer applied over an existing slab to renew or restyle it.
- Microtopping
- A very thin, smooth cement-based coat.
- Exposed aggregate
- A surface where the stones in the mix are revealed.
- Acid stain
- A chemical stain that reacts with concrete to create mottled color.
- Saw cut
- A cut made in concrete for joints or decorative lines.
- Bullnose
- A rounded edge on a step or slab.
- Border
- A band around the edge of a slab, often in a contrasting color or pattern.
Can you stamp over my existing patio?
Often yes, with a stamped overlay, if the slab is sound. We inspect for cracks, movement and moisture first and tell you honestly whether an overlay or a replacement makes more sense.
Is stamped concrete slippery?
A textured surface and a sealer with a grip additive give good traction, including around pools. We choose the texture and sealer for the way you will use the surface.
Do you work on commercial properties and HOAs?
Yes. We build plazas, entries, pool decks and walkways for offices, shops, restaurants and communities, with samples, schedules and phasing that work for managers and boards.
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Tell us the address, what you want to build or fix and the look you like, and we will get back to you quickly. Prefer to talk? Call 720-295-9670.
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Colorado Stamped Concrete designs and builds stamped and decorative concrete in Firestone and across the northern Front Range: patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks, overlays, sealing and repair for homes and businesses.
- 720-295-9670
- Stamped patios, drives and walks
- Serving Firestone and the Denver area
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Popular Services
- Stamped Concrete Patios
- Stamped Concrete Driveways
- Stamped Concrete Walkways
- Stamped Concrete Pool Decks
- Fire Pit and Outdoor Living Patios
- Stamped Concrete Overlays
- Concrete Sealing
- Ashlar Slate Stamped Concrete
- Flagstone Stamped Concrete
- Custom Color Stamped Concrete
- Concrete Crack Repair
- Design Consultations and Mockups