Impinted concrete, whats the opinion?

[local patios and driveway]

i remember this being done in the 80's and now its made a heavy resurgence locally to me. ive never tried it etc but wanted to know what the professional opinions are here? is it any good? any long term issues?

i will say i dont like it, it looks plastic to me

[TheVictorianCobbleCo]

Looks artificial, prone to cracking, needs competent team to lay and colour properly, I'd avoid it.

[lutonlagerlout]

epic fail
LLL

[simeonronacrete]

Not sure if it conforms with SuDS regulations.

Cracking not uncommon.

Colour and surface often reported on this forum.

The modern surfacing is Ronadeck Resin Bound Surfacing

We make and sell it!

[Elite Crete]

Like anything else, there is quality tradesmen and quality products available. Stamped concrete doesn't necessarily crack or have to look artificial. Take a look at this example of stamped concrete that was done over existing concrete with Elite Crete Systems TEXTURE-PAVE.

If you take an Elite Crete Systems class you'll find that these polymer modified stamped concrete overlays are a very economical method for resurfacing existing concrete and really aren't all that difficult to create.

[Carberry]

Like anything else, there is quality tradesmen and quality products available. Stamped concrete doesn't necessarily crack or have to look artificial. Take a look at this example of stamped concrete that was done over existing concrete with Elite Crete Systems TEXTURE-PAVE.

If you take an Elite Crete Systems class you'll find that these polymer modified stamped concrete overlays are a very economical method for resurfacing existing concrete and really aren't all that difficult to create.

Seen plenty of examples of it being well done and long lasting in Australia. Not seen one good example of it in the uk.

[Tony McC]

That's because it doesn't piss down for 11 months of the year over there, and they have effective training, whereas all we have in the UK is "have you got the money?" and "watch these three videos" followed by an all-you-need-to-know practical involving the laying of a whole one square metre, and that's you allegedly qualified.

When I served me time, what used to be called a Concrete Finisher was a 3 year apprenticeship. Now, it only takes an afternoon!

I've said it dozens of times before, and it gives me no pleasure to repeat it, but this website gets more complaints from Joe Public about crappily installed PIC than all other forms of paving put together. The PIC industry just seems to attract all the wrong sort of people, the kind of cowboy who sees the generous profit margin but fails to appreciate that concrete is a cruel mistress. If you don't get her right the first time, she'll never be right. And how the f*** an extra coat of sealer is supposed to fix cracks, dips, hollows, ponding, mis-aligned print, incorrect colour, lack of contrast, exposed aggregate and bootprints is completely beyond me, but it does seem to be the standard remedial offer made whenever a client complains.

[lutonlagerlout]

agreed in oz and america you have the tools,training,and material
here they just lay 100mm of concrete ,throw some dyes on then stamp it
i have seen 1 -2 great examples but the crack control joints always make it look noddy to me
LLL

[Carberry]

agreed in oz and america you have the tools,training,and material
here they just lay 100mm of concrete ,throw some dyes on then stamp it
i have seen 1 -2 great examples but the crack control joints always make it look noddy to me
LLL

First driveway I helped lay was about 15 years ago in Australia, it was PIC. My brother in law told me it still looks good now.
They do really nice work with concrete and decking there, way ahead of the UK.

Monoblocking, setts, stonework, all much better here though.

[Elite Crete]

The same materials are used all over the world. It "pisses down" in many parts of North America and it's not an issue. Not only that, but they have the freeze and thaw cycles to deal with that we don't experience here in Australia. Snow plows and salt for 6 months of the year and still these products hold up to the continual abuse.

Just to clear any confusion, the example of stamped concrete that I shared was done over existing concrete with a polymer modified concrete overlay system. These products come with the perfect mix design in the bag and all that is required from you is to add water. Of course colouring, stamping and sealing is not in the bag