Jul 23, 2009 1:00 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Stamped Concrete Patio
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Patios are a big part of many backyard retreats. Plain concrete patios are durable and easy to care for but some consider them boring which is why many homeowners go for natural stone or pavers instead. But they can require a lot of maintenance.
In this week's Angie's List, Jim Donovan shows you how stamped concrete is growing in popularity because it delivers the best of both.
That's right, they look more elaborate than regular concrete patios. But you want to be sure to hire the right installer for the job.
Many like stamped concrete patios because they don't require much upkeep.
"On a stamped concrete patio you may need to power wash it every few years - you may even need to reseal it. Other than that, it's pretty simple," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
"I love it, it's great. It's easy to maintain. We've always like the look of stone, but i didn't want to have to pick the grass from out between the blocks. So this one, you just hose off , brush it off and you're done!," said homeowner, Angela Barnes.
But make sure you do your homework before having it installed.
"If you're looking for stamped concrete, you should find a contractor that specializes in stamped concrete. Ask them for pictures of previous jobs and even take time to visit some of their former customers to be sure you'll be happy with the final product," said Hicks.
Tips for hiring a stamped concrete contractor:
- What type of decorative concrete work does the contractor specialize in? Ask what type of training and experience the contractor has and whether the contractor has received professional training or certification in the technique you want done.
- Check references; take a look at photos of the contractors work. Ask the contractor for photos of past projects and complete descriptions of the services. Visit the home of a past client, preferably a client who had work done 1-2 years ago, so you can see how the concrete has held up.
- Details in writing: Ask about the removal of existing concrete, base preparation, the thickness of the concrete, costs, timeline, and follow-up.
- Manage your expectations. Homeowners should remember that weather is the number one factor that all concrete contractors face. Sometimes jobs take longer due to weather delays.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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