Decorative concrete in Pittsburgh
Decorative concrete covers everything that takes a slab beyond plain gray. It can be as bold as a full stamped slate or as quiet as a tinted slab with a clean tooled border. The aim is always the same, which is to make the concrete suit the house.
Ways to dress up a slab
Decorative cement and textured concrete come in many forms, with a choice for almost any budget. Here's how the common options compare, from simplest to most involved.
| Finish | What it is | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Tooled border | A smooth band around a broom field | $9 to $15 |
| Integral color | Color mixed through the slab | $11 to $17 |
| Saw-cut pattern | Scored lines that look like large tiles | $12 to $18 |
| Stamped border | A pattern only around the edge | $12 to $19 |
| Full stamped slab | Pattern and color across the slab | $15 to $25 |
How to keep it looking right
Good decorative work is mostly restraint. Pick one idea, and let the house guide it. A brick home often suits a warm tone and a simple border. A modern home often looks best in a large, plain saw-cut grid. Mixing too many patterns or colors in one yard is the fastest way to make it look busy.
Think about the way the light falls too. Colors look different on a wet sample in a shop than on a dry slab at noon. That's why we bring samples to you and look at them against your own walls.
Where to start
If you're not sure what you want, start with our guide to stamped concrete patterns and colors. If you're looking for a pattern on a slab that already exists, read about the stamped concrete overlay. If it's color you're after, see colored concrete.
How the job goes
- Talk
We look at the house and what you like.
- Sample
You see colors and textures in your own light.
- Quote
Each option comes with a written price.
- Build
Base, pour and finish are all done by one crew.
- Seal
Sealer protects the color and texture.
Common questions
How to make concrete backyard kid friendly?
Choose a smooth broom finish, keep edges rounded and paint games on a plain slab. Deep patterns are hard on knees and toys.
How to make concrete backyard?
Dig out the soil, compact stone and form the slab with a slight fall, then pour. Most yards need a crew and a pump.
More services
- stamped concrete
- stamped concrete patio
- concrete patio contractors
- stamped concrete walkway
- stamped concrete steps and porches
- stamped concrete pool deck
- stamped concrete overlay
- stamped concrete sealing
- stamped concrete repair
- concrete staining
- colored concrete
- decorative concrete driveway