Stamped Concrete
Northern Virginia's Premier Stamped Concrete Contractor
Phoenix stamped concrete is available in many different designs, patterns and colors. Our stamped concrete duplicates many building products such as stone, tile, brick and slate. We have an extensive color selection to compliment any home.
Stamped concrete can be used for driveways, walkways, patios, under deck pads, swimming pools and porches. We stamp concrete in Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, Alexandria, and Arlington. Because of the array of patterns and colors of stamped concrete that we have available, we now have a stamped concrete show room in Chantilly, located in Northern Virginia.
The first step in building a stamped concrete job is to designate the area where the job is to be installed. This is done with either paint or flags. Next, the area for the stamped concrete project is graded. At Phoenix, we like to shoot for a grade of 1/8-1/4 inch fall per foot. Next we form up the area using 2x4s and plywood to create the project area. At this point, the customer will approve the forms to confirm that the design is up to specifications. Phoenix Home Services will then place concrete reinforcing wire into the formed area. After this, we will lay the concrete – many contractors will use a bobcat to do this, but we prefer to use a wheelbarrow to preserve the integrity of your yard.
Our concrete mix design is created using 4000 PSI concrete made with #69 gravel. Most concrete companies use #57 gravel, which is a larger stone, but since we use smaller sized gravel, you will receive a better stamped concrete job. Using pea gravel will result in a weaker concrete slab. Another aspect of Phoenix’s stamped concrete mix is to use fresh concrete; this is why we only use our own mobile mix trucks. After the concrete is placed, we will strike it off. “Striking off” is a term to describe using a straight 2x4 to smooth and level the concrete. After this step, Phoenix Home Services will bull float the concrete pad to draw the cream to the surface – this is done only with a magnesium float so that we don’t bring up too much water. Bull floating will further flatten and smooth the slab. Phoenix will then edge the project by hand to give the concrete slab a smooth radius edge. When the surface water is almost gone, it’s time to place the concrete color hardener.
Concrete color hardeners are an engineered blend of portland cement and color pigments. It is important to spread the concrete color hardener evenly. This is done by broadcasting the hardener over the concrete pour. After placement of the color hardener, we let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, we will bull float the concrete to mix with the hardener. The concrete is set to rest for another 10 minutes and the process is repeated. Color release agent is then cast over the concrete slab. A secondary color can be used to give the concrete stamp job a two-tone effect. The next step in the stamping process is to apply the concrete stamps. This is done when the concrete is in a plastic state. After the stamping process is carefully completed, our craftsmen clean up any joints as needed. The pour should set for a day or two, depending on the weather. Phoenix’s next step is to power wash the project to remove any unused color hardener. After the job has dried, any acid-staining for the project can be done. Phoenix Home Services can then apply the concrete acrylic sealant to complete the job.