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Many concrete companies that handle installing concrete slabs or standard concrete patios can also install stamped concrete, but you can also hire a company that specializes in stamped concrete. These textured concrete surfaces take some finesse to get right, and choosing a company that concentrates on stamped concrete patios and walkways is a good way to ensure the finished product looks top-notch. Additionally, specialists in stamped concrete will likely have more texture options that suit your preferences, like riverstone, sandstone, yorkstone, and cobblestone.

A layer of exposed aggregate concrete should be 1 to 2 inches thick if you’re installing it on top of existing concrete. If you’re pouring a new slab with the finish, slab thickness will depend on the application. Exposed aggregate concrete driveways should be 4 to 6 inches thick in most cases or 8 to 12 inches for commercial vehicles. Sidewalks, patios, and walkways should be 4 inches thick.

Concrete resurfacing and concrete overlay are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of applying a new, thin layer of pre-blended concrete over an existing slab. This process enhances the durability and appearance of the concrete, giving it a fresh look without the high cost of a full replacement. The new layer is typically between 1/4-inch and 1-inch thick, significantly less than the 4 inches required for a new slab, and can be stamped, colored, or textured for a custom finish.

While the terms are often considered the same, their meaning can sometimes vary by contractor. Some may use "overlay" to describe a thicker application that adds structural integrity, while "resurfacing" might refer to a thinner layer intended for cosmetic upgrades. Other common names for this process include concrete restoration, concrete refinishing, and concrete rejuvenation.

In most cases, you are good to stamp the concrete one or two hours after you pour it, but perform the thumb test mentioned above. You want the concrete to be dry enough so the stamps don’t sink, but wet enough that the stamps make a successful imprint. In general, this is a tricky question, as it also depends on the weather outside, the time of day, and the size of the poured concrete slab.