Imprinted Concrete Paving

Decorative texture and colour, with a fraction of the maintenance

Imprinted concrete paving is a popular decorative technique for driveways, patios, and paths currently used in Britain and Ireland. The process involves laying the concrete screed, applying a surface colour in powder form, and then imprinting a pattern on the surface by means of special textured mats. Once the concrete has gained sufficient strength, the surface is sealed.

In addition, colours tend to be somewhere in the black-brown-buff-red part of the spectrum, although there are greens and blues. Often a lighter shade and a darker shade are combined to give the impression of extra ‘depth’ to the surfacing. For example, an ashlar stone effect surface might feature a darker brown base colour with ‘highlights’ done in a buff.

Imprinted concrete paving can look very attractive, and will require almost no maintenance other than sweeping and re-application of the sealant every 2-4 years.

Finally, prices for imprinted concrete paving are variable from €95 to €135 per square meter, making it a relatively affordable option when considering the cost of paving a patio.