Photographs: neocretetechnologies.com
The name stamped concrete suggests the type of floor it is, concrete which is stamped. This is a simple and effective technique that gives beautiful floor patterns. Stamped concrete is preferred for exterior areas where durability and aesthetics are of prime importance. This system is concrete based and is the best option for walkways-pedestrian bays, garden areas, patios etc. Prachi Mahajan, Director, Neocrete Technologies Pvt. Ltd. informs the benefits of stamped concrete.
- Stamping is done immediately on the green concrete, which saves time and cost of subsequent flooring system like tiles, paver blocks etc. This needs to be planned in advance to lay the concrete in desired colour, slopes and patterns of stamping. Once the concrete is laid and stamped, curing is done for few days and after final setting it is ready for use.
- Concrete is coloured using UV stable pigments, which gives beautiful earthy shades and two tone effect to the final floor. Stamping patterns of cobbled stones, European stone, sandstone, wooden plank, used brick look etc. looks appealing due to these special pigments used in the concrete.
- As the system is made of concrete itself, it has the strength of concrete. Generally it is done in M25 grade of concrete that is long lasting.
- Maintenance of the system is negligible. In 3 to 4 years depending on the exposure of UV on the surface, one coat of polyurethane sealer is required to protect the pigments from fading out. This coating is not expensive and can be done simply with a painting brush or spray.
- Features like easy to wash and clean, this floor is cleaned by water jet if it has more textured patterns. For simple floor finish like stone textured concrete or wood pattern, mopping is sufficient.
- Stamped concrete is an economic and effective floor solution for large areas in residential and commercial complexes. It gives strong floor and also saves time and money (while building and maintaining).