Stamped and decorative concrete in Long Beach
Decorative concrete gives you the look of stone, tile or brick at the cost and strength of a single slab. It comes down to timing: the pattern goes in during a short window while the concrete is still plastic, and color has to be consistent from the first mat to the last.
Or call / text (657) 300-7519 with a few photos.
Finish options
Choose a look for your decorative concrete
Every option is priced on the same base and slab. Tell us which ones you like and we'll price them side by side.
Stamped
- Look
- Pressed patterns like slate, ashlar stone, cobble or wood plank, with release color.
- Upkeep
- Reseal every 2 to 3 years to keep the color and protect the texture.
- Relative cost
- Mid to high, depends on pattern and colors.
Stained or colored
- Look
- Color mixed into the concrete or stained into the surface after it cures.
- Upkeep
- Sealer keeps the color even; UV and pool water wear it over time.
- Relative cost
- Low to mid on top of the base slab.
[[CONFIRM: client photo of exposed aggregate]]
Exposed aggregate
- Look
- Top paste washed off to show the stone underneath. Grippy and hides dirt.
- Upkeep
- Seal after cure; occasional rinse. Good around pools.
- Relative cost
- Mid, a step above broom finish.
Broom finish
- Look
- Fine brushed texture, plain gray or integral color.
- Upkeep
- Reseal every 2 to 3 years if you want it to stay stain resistant.
- Relative cost
- Lowest per square foot.
What's included
What goes into the job
These are the line items you'll see in your written quote. If something doesn't apply to your project, the quote says so.
| Pattern and color samples | We show pattern mats and color charts at the site visit so you pick in daylight, next to your house colors. |
|---|---|
| Integral color | Color mixed into the truck so chips and wear don't show gray underneath. |
| Release color | Antiquing powder or liquid release that settles into the texture for depth. |
| Staining | Acid or water-based stain on new or existing slabs. [[CONFIRM: stain types offered]] |
| Overlays | Thin polymer-modified overlay over a sound existing slab to change its look. [[CONFIRM: overlay work offered]] |
| Saw-cut and engraved patterns | Tile, border or grid patterns cut into cured concrete, often combined with stain. |
| Sealing | Sealer once cured to lock in color; resealing every 2 to 3 years keeps it looking new. |
Projects
Stamped and Decorative Concrete: recent work
[[CONFIRM: these are your own jobs, plus city for each]]
Process
How a decorative concrete job runs
Site visit
We walk the area, check grade and drainage, take measurements and talk through finishes.
[[CONFIRM: usually within X days of your call]]Written quote
You get a written price with slab thickness, reinforcement, finish and what is excluded spelled out.
[[CONFIRM: X days after the visit]]Forming and prep
Demo if needed, excavation, compacted base, forms set to grade, rebar or mesh placed and inspected if a permit applies.
[[CONFIRM: typical duration]]Pour and finish
Concrete placed, screeded, floated and finished, with control joints tooled or saw-cut the same day or next morning.
[[CONFIRM: typical duration]]Cure and walkthrough
Forms stripped and cleanup done. We walk the job with you and go over cure times and sealing.
[[CONFIRM: typical duration]]
FAQ
Stamped and Decorative Concrete questions
How do stamped patterns differ?
Ashlar slate and random stone read as natural stone. Cobble and brick patterns work for borders and driveways. Wood plank suits decks and covered patios. Deeper textures grip better but hold more dirt.
Does stamped concrete crack?
It's still concrete, so it follows the same rules. We hide control joints in the pattern's grout lines so they're far less visible.
Can you stain my existing patio?
Often yes, if the slab is sound and clean. Old sealers and paint have to come off first, and stain shows what's in the concrete, so patches will look different.
Stamped or pavers?
Stamped costs less per square foot and has no joints for weeds. Pavers can be lifted and reset if a section settles. Both look good when they're done well.
How often does stamped concrete need sealing?
Every 2 to 3 years in our sun, sooner on pool decks and driveways.
Related services
Get a quote for your decorative concrete
Send us the basics online, or call or text (657) 300-7519. We come out, measure and price it in writing.