With its attractive appearance and easy maintenance, stamped concrete driveways are popular for good reason, mimicking the kerb appeal of brick or cobblestone for a fraction of the price and with less maintenance.
While this type of driveway might seem like a dream on paper, there are a few things to keep in mind before installing one at home – such as the fact that it can be harder to modify later down the line if you want to make changes to your driveway.
Below, we unpack the pros and cons of a stamped concrete driveway, along with the costs, maintenance, and installation advice you need to know first.
What is a stamped concrete driveway?
A stamped concrete driveway is created by pouring wet concrete onto a suitable sub-surface. This is then imprinted with a pattern, and coloured to imitate the appearance of cobblestone, brick, slate, or stone.
You can choose from a range of different patterns - from European fan (pictured above) to herringbone brick (an interlocking zigzag shape).
With the variety of designs available, it can be a good driveway idea for a wide variety of property styles.
What are the pros and cons of a stamped concrete driveway?
Pros
- Appearance: With a range of patterns and colours to choose from, stamped concrete is an attractive choice driveways of all shapes and sizes – without the hassle associated with laying brick or cobblestone driveways (which we explain later)
- Durable: When designed and installed correctly, landscape designer Rosie Wilkins says a stamped concrete driveway can last more than 20 years
- Low maintenance: You won't need to worry about repositioning loose bricks or pulling up pesky weeds in block paving, since it's one continuous surface.
- Easy to clean: This hardy material is a breeze to clean using one of the best pressure washers
Cons
- Not the most eco-friendly choice: If an eco-friendly home is your goal, Rosie warns that stamped concrete driveways are resource-intensive and contribute to the urban heat effect (where a town or city is warmer than nearby rural areas)
- May not comply with drainage requirements: Unless you choose permeable or porous concrete, Rosie says this type of driveway won't comply with sustainable drainage (SUDS) requirements, meaning you'd need to install a separate driveway drainage system to comply with building regulations
- May discolour or crack: Building expert Mark Brinkley warns that concrete driveways can crack over time poorly laid, and the material can also be prone to discolouration
Rosie Wilkins studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield, and now heads up Rosie Wilkins Landscape Design. She enjoys working on both domestic and small public projects.
How are stamped concrete driveways installed?
If you like the sound of a stamped concrete driveway, Andy Simms, building expert at MyBuilder.com, says installation will involve the following steps:
- Your existing driveway will need to be dug up
- The driveway foundation needs to be replaced with a new one
- A strong, single concrete mix is poured on top
- A colour hardener or integral colour will be applied to give the concrete your desired shade
- Your chosen pattern will be stamped into the concrete before it dries, using rubber or polyurethane stamping mats.
- A sealer will be used as the final coat
- The stamped concrete will need to be given time to cure
However, if you have aspirations of laying your own driveway, you may be better off considering something simpler, like laying a gravel driveway instead. "This is obviously a bit of a tricky job, so you’ll need to book a tradesperson," warns Andy.
With over a decade of experience on the front line in construction as a multi-trader, Andy is uniquely placed in the construction industry to help bridge the gap between tradespeople and product managers with his role at MyBuilder.com.
How long do stamped driveways last?
Stamped concrete driveways are “known for their durability,” according to Checkatrade expert Alex Peters, and can last for more than 20 years when installed correctly. The key to longevity? He recommends applying a protective sealant every few years to protect the surface and prevent it from cracking, lifting, and fading.
Other than resealing, there’s really little maintenance involved with having a stamped concrete driveway, which is one of its many perks. You’ll just need to give it a routine clean and avoid harsh chemicals or de-icing salts that can damage the sealant. Watch out for oil, too, as it can cause unwanted discolouration and staining – one of the biggest driveway mistakes.
"Maintenance is one of the big selling points of stamped concrete versus block paving or natural stone – there are no individual units to re-lay or weeds pushing up through joints," Alex says.
Alex Peters is a cost guide expert at Checkatrade, helping homeowners make the right decisions about where to spend their homebuilding and home improvement budgets
How much does a stamped driveway cost?
While stamped driveway costs will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, Andy Simms says you can expect to pay between £80 and £130 per square metre.
If you decide to add some colour, you might pay an extra £7 to £12 per square metre.
What type of driveways is stamped concrete suitable for?
“If you're looking to upgrade, or replace, your driveway, stamped concrete is a great option, if you want it to look ‘fancy,’ while also not spending as much money as you would on more exotic materials," says Andy Simms.
While it’s not impossible to install on a sloped driveway, Andy says stamped concrete is better suited to flat driveways to help prevent drainage problems.
From its low-effort maintenence to long-lasting durability, it's easy to see the appeal of a stamped concrete driveway – so long as drainage and potential cracking are properly accounted for.
For more expert advice, read our guide on the driveway building regulations you need to know and find out what one of our renovation experts learnt from turning a front garden into a driveway.
