What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring



HOW STAMPED CONCRETE BEGAN
With origins dating back to ancient times, modern concrete and its main ingredient, i.e. cement, has been significantly modified over time. This remarkable material was used by the Romans and Greeks some 2,000 years ago – who used volcanic ash and lime, which, when mixed with water, formed a hard mass.
Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to look like brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring. The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.
There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer-lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look.

HISTORY OF STAMPED CONCRETE
Between 1890 and 1920, concrete manufacturers started producing innovative building facades. Among these were pre-cast builders, who used colors and stains to enhance the look of plain concrete.
While some manufacturers chose to mix pigments into fresh concrete for casting, others simply dunked the entire casting into solutions that were similar to chemical stains.
Concrete craftsmen also started blending pigments to add color to plain concrete. Some even maintained recipe files to mix and create various colors.
The introduction of colored concrete highlighted the need to produce it in batches. Contractors wanted a mixture that would not only mix evenly with concrete, but also form a permanent bond in cement paste, for a long lasting finish.
Around 70 years ago, Brad Bowman, now known as the father of stamped concrete, introduced texture and embossing to the world of decorative concrete. This meant that plain concrete could be made to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, wood, tiles, etc. He developed, and patented, the tools and procedures required to create various stamping designs. The best part of his creation was that people could easily customize it to their specifications.
The demand for stamped concrete grew exponentially in the 1970s; ever since, it has become a common material that architects, designers, and contractors use in most of their projects. The Bomanite Corp., using Bowman’s patents, franchised his tools to make decorative concrete for contractors across the country. This further promoted the use of decorative concrete in building projects.
With time, different designs of decorative concrete started flooding the market, at attractive prices. The variety of designs and colors available – from acid and transparent stains to high-quality dyes – pretty much took the world by storm. The best part was that, this type of decorative concrete was not only attractive, but also more durable.
Stamped designs are now commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and even interior flooring. The main reason behind its success is the ease in crafting delicate designs, and its affordability.


History of stamped concrete in Nigeria
In Nigeria, stamped concrete is just becoming popular now. About ten years ago, it was exclusively for the rich due to the cost involved in installing it. As more Nigerian companies invest in production of stamped concrete materials, the cost has reduced considerably.
Sealers, Release agents and Color hardeners are now produced in Nigeria. The quality of the made in Nigeria materials are surprisingly similar and in some cases even better than the imported ones.

Almost all Celebrities in Nigeria now have stamped concrete in their homes

More celebrities with stamped concrete floors