Adding a patio to your backyard increases the available living space and makes it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors. However, it may be hard to decide which material to use for this patio. One option is to use stamped concrete in Waukesha WI. Understanding the pros and cons of this material will make your decision a little easier.
Pro: Available Designs
Stamped concrete can be made to resemble a wide variety of other patio flooring options or to have a totally different color or pattern than any of these materials. This means you’re sure to find a color and pattern that will suit the look and feel of your home.
Pro: Price
One of the wonderful things about using stamped concrete in Waukesha WI is that you can get a similar look to more expensive flooring options at a fraction of the cost. The easier installation helps keep the cost below that of pavers and many other patio materials.
Pro: Low Maintenance
You won’t have to worry about grass growing in the middle of your patio. With pavers, grass tends to grow in between the pavers, but this isn’t the case with stamped concrete since it’s all one piece. You can choose whether or not to seal the concrete once it’s installed, but if you do, just remember you’ll need to keep repeating this process every few years to maintain your patio.
Con: Cracking Risk
Because stamped concrete is all in one piece, it will eventually crack with the shifting of the ground underneath it. This is why they cut relief joints into the concrete. The hope is that the cracks that eventually occur will follow these joints and thus blend better into the pattern of the stamped concrete.
Con: Hard to Repair
Another of the potential drawbacks is that it is harder to repair damage to stamped concrete without it being noticeable. It is almost impossible to match the color with repairs. With pavers, you can simply remove a damaged paver and replace it with a new one, making it easier to repair the patio.
Contact Outdoor Living Unlimited for more information. They can also help you with any other hardscaping needs you may have.
