Stamped concrete driveway in Pittsburgh
A stamped concrete driveway gives you the look of stone or brick on a single, solid slab. It's built like any other driveway, then colored and pressed while it's still wet, so the structure comes first and the pattern second.
Popular patterns for Pittsburgh homes
The best pattern usually picks up something already on the house. These are the choices that tend to work on local homes.
- Ashlar slate, which suits most brick homes
- Cobblestone, for the look of an old city street
- Herringbone brick, as a border or across the whole slab
- Random stone, for rustic suburban lots
- A plain broom field with a stamped border, to keep the price down
What a stamped driveway needs in a Pittsburgh winter
Sealer is what keeps a stamped driveway looking right, and salt is what wears it out. Reseal every two to three years with a product that isn't too slick when wet. A little grit mixed into the sealer adds grip, which matters on a sloped driveway. Skip rock salt and use sand for traction, or a calcium-based product in small amounts.
A deep pattern can be rough on snow shovels and plows, so choose a flatter texture if you have a plow service. On steep driveways, we may suggest a stamped border with a broom-finished center, since a heavily sealed surface is the last thing you want on an icy hill.
Stamped or exposed aggregate?
Stamped concrete has the stronger look and costs more. Exposed aggregate is plainer, gives better grip and needs less upkeep, which is why many homeowners on hills prefer it. Our concrete driveway cost guide shows what each finish adds.
How the job goes
- Choose
We look at samples and pick a pattern and color.
- Build the base
Stone and forms go in as for any driveway.
- Pour and color
Integral color is in the mix, and a release goes on top.
- Stamp
Mats are pressed in at just the right moment.
- Cut and seal
Joints are cut, and sealer goes on after curing.
Common questions
How long does stamped concrete take to dry?
Like any slab, it needs about 7 days before cars and around 28 days before sealing.
How long does stamped concrete sealer take to dry?
Usually a few hours to touch, and a day or two before you drive on it. Heavy sealers take longer in cool weather.
Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?
Usually, yes, by a modest amount. Pavers are easier to repair one by one, while stamped concrete has fewer joints for weeds.
More driveway services
- concrete driveway installation
- concrete driveway replacement
- concrete driveway repair
- concrete driveway resurfacing
- exposed aggregate concrete driveway
- driveway trench drain
- driveway drainage
- driveway apron
- concrete driveway sealing
- driveway crack repair
- sunken driveway repair
- driveway extension