Written by

Sarah Noel

June 26, 2023

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Average stamped concrete cost

Stamped concrete costs $8 to $19 per square foot on average. A 20'x20' stamped concrete patio costs $3,200 to $7,600. A 2-car stamped concrete driveway costs $6,900 to $10,400. A 4'x20' stamped concrete walkway costs $800 to $1,700. Stamped concrete prices depend on the patterns, colors, and ground-prep requirements.

Stamped concrete cost per square foot

Stamped concrete costs $8 to $19 per square foot for basic to average coloring and design complexity. These prices don't include various site preparations based on the project type.

Stamped concrete prices by project

Stamped concrete patio cost

A 10'x20' stamped concrete patio costs $1,600 to $3,800 to build on average. In comparison, building a regular 10'x20' concrete patio costs $1,000 to $3,000.

Alternatively, general patio installation costs $5 to $35 per square foot on average for other types like a natural stone surface, gravel, or pavers. Prices depend on the size, material choice, and the amount of customization.

Stamped concrete driveway cost

A 2-car stamped concrete driveway costs $4,800 to $7,200 on average or $12 to $18 per square foot. Large projects typically have a team of people to complete the design before the concrete dries.

Stamped concrete walkway cost

A stamped concrete walkway costs $10 to $21 per square foot installed. In comparison, a regular concrete walkway costs $7 to $17 per square foot total.

Interior stamped concrete flooring cost

An interior stamped concrete floor costs $13 to $26 per square foot on average. A 500-square-foot stamped concrete basement floor costs $6,500 to $13,000. Interior floors typically have more intricate designs and patterns, increasing the cost.

Stamped concrete wall cost

Building a stamped concrete wall costs $2,000 to $5,000 for a 25' long wall or $20 to $50 per square foot. These prices apply for walls 2' to 6' tall. Adding a stamped concrete wall texture to existing walls costs $5 to $20 per square foot.

Stamped concrete cost calculator

The following table breaks down total stamped concrete costs:

Common cost factors include:

• Thickness – Higher costs apply for thicker layers of stamped concrete on a driveway vs. thinner layers on small jobs like a garden border.

• Shape – Complex designs with custom concrete shapes require handmade molds and wood forms at higher labor fees.

• Concrete quality – Concrete mix prices go up for architectural grade blends that can bear much more weight than cheaper ready-mix types.

• Standard vs. custom designs – Selecting a standard stamping pattern is much cheaper than paying a contractor to create a new pattern.

• Colors & patterns – Prices increase for every extra color and pattern added to the concrete.

• Finishing & sealants – Costs for the top protective layer vary by brand, hardness, tint, UV-protection level, and matte vs. shiny finishes.

• The cost to stain concrete $3 to $10 per square foot.

• Installation supplies – Prices vary according to the number of lumber forms that mold the concrete.

• Site prep – More labor applies in difficult property conditions with limited accessibility, poor-draining ground, and overgrown plants.

• Permits – A permit costs $50 to $350 on average, depending on the project type, size, and local regulations.

• Gravel base – Gravel prices are $15 to $75 per cubic yard. A stone base under concrete is essential in areas prone to drainage issues.

• Vapor barrier – Adding a vapor barrier costs $0.50 to $1.00+ per square foot depending on the type. The barrier prevents cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.

• Sand base – Sand costs $15 to $50 per cubic yard. Contractors spread a sand layer instead of gravel before pouring concrete in low-to-average draining soil.

Labor costs to stamp concrete

Extra labor costs to stamp concrete will apply according to site conditions:

• Base excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.

• The cost to level or regrade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.

• Old concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot.

• Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

Cost to stamp existing concrete

The cost to stamp existing concrete is $7 to $15 per square foot on average. This process involves applying a 1/4" to 3/4" concrete overlay on top of the existing concrete. Total costs depend on the surface size and detail complexity.

Stamped concrete patio with fire pit cost

Building a stamped concrete patio with a fire pit costs $3,525 to $9,600 total, without seating. For existing patios, adding a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.

For a sunken in-ground fire pit with retaining-wall seats, add:

• Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.

• Dirt removal costs $140 to $230 per cubic yard.

• The cost to install a drainage system in the yard is $1,000 to $4,000. Drainage is necessary to prevent flooding the fire pit when it rains.

Stamped concrete upgrades & add-on prices

Optional upgrades for a stamped concrete patio include:

• Precast concrete steps cost $500 to $3,000.

• An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $20,000.

• An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.

• An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.

• Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.

• A 2' tall retaining wall costs $40 to $120 per linear foot for patio seating.

• Outdoor lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture.

• The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350 each.

• Landscaping costs $300 to $800+.

• Hot tub prices are $3,000 to $10,000 for above-ground models.

• Basic hot tub installation costs $150 to $500 on average.

• An outdoor sauna costs $5,500 to $34,000.

• The cost to build a pool is $15,000 to $30,000.

• Adding a pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750 installed.

Stamped concrete prices vs. regular concrete or pavers

Regular concrete slabs cost $5 to $10 per square foot and are the most affordable pavement. Stamped concrete is typically the most expensive at $8 to $19 per square foot. The following table shows the differences between these paving types:

Stamped concrete pros & cons

The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of stamped concrete:

DIY stamped concrete patio cost

Stamping a concrete patio is not an easy DIY project and typically requires a professional concrete stamping contractor for best results.

DIY costs for experienced homeowners include:

• Concrete prices are $120 to $150 per cubic yard delivered for grades from 2,000 to 5,000 PSI. Higher-grade concrete is stronger and used for driveways or to support posts.

• Colorant or concrete dye costs $100 to $500 per color to cover 100 square feet.

• Vapor barrier materials cost $0.20 to $1.50 per square foot depending on the thickness.

• Gravel prices are $1 to $3 per square foot for a base.

• Styrofoam insulation costs $1 to $2 per square foot to prevent concrete from cracking in extreme freeze-thaw cycles.

• Concrete forms cost $2 to $3 per linear foot for the framing lumber.

• Roller stamps cost $40 to $200 each.

• Floppy stamp mats cost $30 to $400 each in sizes 2' to 3' wide.

• Textured hand trowels cost $30 to $40.

• Cement carving tools cost $10 to $15.

• Handheld concrete mixers cost $100 to $500.

• Stamped concrete sealer costs $35 to $100 per gallon depending on the color and type.

Stamped concrete FAQs

Is stamped concrete worth the money?

Stamped concrete is worth the money for:

• Boosting curb appeal to help a home sell faster

• Increasing overall property value, which allows for higher selling prices

• Getting a fully customizable design that imitates stonework

• However, adding stamped concrete paving outdoors won't increase a home's square footage.

How long does stamped concrete last?

Stamped concrete lasts 25 to 50 years, depending on if it's regularly resealed and well-maintained. Stamped concrete lasts longer in moderate climates where the ground doesn't freeze.

Is stamped concrete hard to maintain?

Stamped concrete is low maintenance when sealed. Sweep and wash the surface every couple of months. Reseal the surface every 2 to 3 years. Ask installers which colors resist fading the best.

Getting estimates from stamped concrete contractors

When choosing a stamped concrete contractor near you, be sure to:

• Collect at least 3 estimates from several concrete stamping companies.

• Select licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with 5+ years of experience.

• Check if they have certifications from the American Concrete Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association, or other local concrete-contractor societies.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Get copies of the detailed bid, contract, and warranty before work starts.

• Beware of the lowest quotes that typically indicate low-quality results.

• Never give the last payment before they finish the job.

Questions to ask

• How long have you worked with stamped concrete?

• Can I see photos of your past stamped concrete projects?

• Will you pull permits and supervise site inspections?

• Which stamped design ideas best suit my home?

• Can you make a custom design for me, and how much will that cost?

• How much do grading and site preparation cost?

• For retaining walls, what type of drainage will you install to stop pressure from building behind the wall?

• Will you put expansion or contraction joints in my concrete to stop cracks from temperature changes?

• Are you installing the base below the frost line or adding a vapor barrier?

• Will I need steel reinforcements inside the concrete?

• How should I prepare space for the crew?

• Are all materials, labor, and cleanup fees in this bid?

• How will I contact the project supervisor?

• Do you hire subcontractors, and if so, are there extra fees to manage them?

• What does your warranty include?

• How long will this construction take?