we are finally planning on doing something with our backyard. It is a very odd shape so we have felt quite challenged. It also has a retaining wall that has been rotting and really needs to be replaced. We are planning on replacing it with a fieldstone wall. We also want to put in a back terrace area that we can use for a large table, firepit and a few comfy chairs. Our concern is that since we are looking at a size of approximately 12 X 15 the cost of flagstone will blow our budget. I saw a decorating program where they did some type of flagstone look- a-like by using cement (with varying degrees of colour) and then scoring the cement so that it looked like stone.
Has anybody ever tried this method?
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Some neighbours had the dyed concrete done. it was very nice and really was a job for a pro . You can buy dyes etc but getting it right would be hard unless you knew what you were doing.
I wouldn't say it was a stone look alike, but it was a nice treatment that stood on it's own as a good option. As I understand it, the companies that do this work can shape the pour to look more like stone of various types or do standard squares etc.
inspiration pic looks like something professionally done. Look in the yellow pages to find specialty concrete companies.
I have not thought of that. What a great idea. Sounds like a good project.
I was thinking of something more along this line. Apparently this is poured concrete that has been dyed and then scored to look like large ceramic. It seems easy but I am not sure if the dye part is the really tricky aspect to this.
I have been to a home where this was used for a pathway and a patio. At that time it had been 5 years since it was done and it still looked really nice. I thought it was real stone as did everyone else. The home owner saw this at a local home show and apparently very easy to do. It looks like fun actually. :)
The Quikrete Company has combined the ideas of stamping and forming to offer the Quikrete Walk Maker, a family of reusable plastic molds designed to create brick- and stone-patterned features in concrete sidewalks, garden paths and patios. The Walk Maker is available in Country Stone, Running Bond Brick, European Block and Basket Weave patterns.
[U]Quikrete Walk Maker
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Application is fairly simple. After clearing and leveling the desired area, and preparing a mix of fiber-reinforced concrete, place the Walk Maker mold on the ground and completely fill the cavities with concrete. Use a trowel to smooth and even the surface before removing the mold. Continue the process by placing the mold at the end of the first application until reaching desired length. Detailed application directions are provided with the product.
Topping It Off
A variety of concrete sealers are on the market, which add a finishing touch to the concrete surface. You'll notice a glossy finish on most textured concrete surfaces. The sheen is an indication of concrete sealer. Sealers come in a variety of “sheens” and play a vital role in protecting the concrete from stains, weather and scratching. Before applying a sealer to newly stamped concrete, wash off excess release agent with a pressure washer and allow the surface to dry. Once the sealer is applied and allowed to cure, you'll have a striking new decorative surface that will catch the eye and last for years.