Have you ever fallen short on materials or have you had too much material at the completion of building a concrete surface? Such situations can be hectic and overwhelming. Therefore, you need a reliable solution for calculating an estimate of building a stamped concrete surface. You can either follow a basic approach or take help of an online stamped concrete calculator to get a precise estimate of the cost.
Why stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is the best way to enhance the appearance of your parking area, driveways, floors, etc. It is more economical and lasts longer than other materials. To lay a classic stamped concrete in a budget, you should be able to get an estimate of the cost. There is a basic approach you need to implement for estimating the cost of stamped concrete.
The basic approach to get an estimate of the cost:
The cost to apply average stamped concrete depends on the surface area, labor rate, special preparation requirements and kinds of stamping. We will consider different factors to calculate an estimated cost for a stamped concrete.
For example: Take a 500 square feet surface to excavate, pour, prepare and finish a 2.5’” concrete slab with rebar, sand base, and a wire mesh. There will be miscellaneous costs included for material, equipment, etc.
- Depending on the surface area you will need to estimate the number of stones which you would need for the concrete.
- You can consider medium-sized flat stones for the job and take out the unit cost per square feet.
- Now you need to make an estimate of the quantity to get the total line cost. Then you will find out per unit cost of upgrades which can be hand grouting or something else of your choice.
- Then depending on the quantity calculate this amount too. You must add material cost and labor cost to get the estimate of total cost.
Using the calculator:
For a better result, you can make use of the Stamped Concrete Patios calculator available online.
Firstly, you would need to mention the area on which you are planning to build a stamped concrete. It can either be a driveway, walkway, backyard, or anything else of your choice.
Secondly, you would need to mention the length and width of the area. If it is a circular area then you would need to mention about the diameter and height. Some other information may be needed as well. This will depend on the type of calculator you have chosen. After entering all the information you will need to click on calculate or evaluate to get the result. The result would show that how many pre-mix concrete bags you will need.
Other factors to consider for getting a good cost estimate:
Cost of a stamped concrete depends on a number of factors which includes:
- Price for materials
- Labor cost as per the market
- Type and number of colorants
- Job details complexity which includes patterns and borders
Estimate of stone type and pattern:
You will also need to consider the type of stones which you would like to use for the concrete surface. An ordinary stone from plain to pretty with one coloring method and one pattern will cost $8 to $12.
If you taking a distinguished one with some effects and color contrast, then it will cost $12 to $18. If you plan to take something that is extraordinary and design with an artistic blend of hand-applied color, multiple combinations of patterns, etc. then it will cost $18 and above per square foot.
You can add all these details in the calculator so you will get an estimate of everything required to build the concrete.
You can check per unit cost on the supplier website or get in touch with reputed stamped concrete contractors to give you an estimate as well. A contractor can assist you properly with the estimate. If you have a limited budget and have no idea what you can do with the area where you require a stamped concrete, then the contractors can lend a helping hand. It can turn out to be more productive.
