You’ve mostly likely seen stamped concrete on driveways, walkways, and patios, but did you know there are countless interior home improvement applications, too? Stamped concrete is available in many colors, textures, and stamp patterns, making your design options endless.
From faux wood floors to decorative centerpieces, we’ll highlight some of the most common interior stamped concrete trends of 2023, along with what materials and tools you’ll need to achieve project success.
Let’s get started!
#1 Stamped Concrete Interior Entryways
Using decorative concrete in your home’s entryway is a fantastic solution for achieving a high-end appearance. Decorative concrete can mimic the appearance of many materials, including hardwood, brick, and natural stone, for a fraction of the price. Concrete is also highly robust, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain, especially when sealed properly.
Tools & Equipment You'll Need
If you’re planning to install decorative concrete, you’ll need to purchase the following tools and equipment (anything marked with an asterisk is optional):
- Concrete Mix: Of course, for any concrete job, you’ll need concrete.
- Concrete Reinforcing Fibers:* These help enhance the structural properties of concrete and are added directly into the concrete mix per manufacturer instructions.
- Concrete Release Agents: These help prevent mats, rollers, and other tools from sticking to the wet concrete.
- Concrete Rake (Come-Along Rakes): This tool is needed to move, spread, and level wet concrete after it’s been poured.
- Magnesium (Mag) Float: Floats are required in the concrete finishing process, as they help smooth out imperfections and level the new concrete’s surface.
- Concrete Colorant:* Colorants, including integral colors, stains, dyes, and hardeners, can be added to the concrete mix to enhance the appearance of concrete. Colorants are only needed if you want the final product to have a specific color other than the concrete’s natural gray. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing—inadequate mixing can result in uneven coloring and other issues.
- Concrete Stamps: Concrete stamps come in many textures and patterns. Generally, you’ll need a combination of rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible mats. Please read this blog post to learn more about the differences between these mats.
- Texturing Skins: Texturing skins are highly flexible, thin mats that allow you to add fine details to the concrete.
- Concrete Screed: Screeds help remove excess concrete from the surface to ensure a more uniform finish.
- Touch-up Roller:* This specialized tool helps create textured or patterned surfaces. The stamps you use will create the primary texture, but touch-up rollers can be used to refine the design during the finishing process.
- Touch-up Mats:* Similar to touch-up rollers, mats are used to correct, refine, or re-texture areas missed by larger mats and are typically used in areas that rollers and stamping mats can't reach.
- Concrete Sealer: Concrete surfaces should always be sealed. Be sure you select a sealer designed for use in indoor environments.
You will also likely need a wheelbarrow, 5-gallon bucket, detail chisel, V-joiner, tamper, concrete hoe, spray paint, and wooden stakes with string to mark out your perimeter. Each project is different and, therefore, requires a different set of tools and supplies, but, in general, the above list will give you a good head start. Please read our guide on stamping concrete for more information.
#2 Faux Wood Basement Floors
Hardwood floors are always popular with homeowners. However, they're expensive, can be damaged easily, and require routine maintenance to keep them looking their best. Comparatively, decorative concrete floors can look impressively like hardwood, are extremely durable, easy to keep clean, and can be used in high-traffic areas without worrying about damage. Stamped concrete is also highly moisture-resistant, a characteristic natural hardwood floors don’t have.
Concrete can be stamped and textured to effectively imitate the appearance of hickory, oak, maple, ash, cherry, and even bamboo.
Tools & Equipment You'll Need
The tools and equipment you’ll need will be the same as a regular stamped concrete project. However, when purchasing stamping mats, you’ll need to find mats with the hardwood design that best meets your wants and needs.
Check out our collection of faux wood patterns to learn more about a few of your options.
#3 Decorative Medallions
Stamped concrete medallions are often used as centerpieces for expanding designs. They are available in various sizes and styles, including Maelstrom, Lotus, and Compass.
Tools & Equipment You'll Need
You’ll need all the standard concrete stamping tools and equipment as listed in earlier sections, plus the medallion stamp of your choice.
#4 Textured Walls
Decorative concrete isn't just for horizontal surfaces—you can also use it to enhance the appearance of interior wall spaces. The technique involves spreading a base layer of concrete on a vertical surface and then using rubber stamps to impart the desired texture, pattern, and design.
Stamping concrete in this manner allows you to imitate the appearance of wood, natural stone, brick pavers, or other materials, and you can choose from various finishes, including matte or high gloss.
Please note that using concrete in this manner does not add structural integrity to your building. It is for decorative purposes only. Additionally, this technique is quite advanced; many homeowners find it beneficial to consult a professional to ensure they approach the project safely.
Tools & Equipment You'll Need
Most of the tools and equipment you need will be similar to the projects listed above—you’ll need concrete, floats, texturing skins and stamps, colorants, and a sealer. Additionally, putting reinforcing fibers into the concrete mix is recommended.
Other equipment and tools you’ll need include:
- Concrete Formwork: If you’re creating a new wall, you’ll need formwork to hold the concrete in place while it sets. Formwork is typically made with wood or metal. In addition to the formwork, you’ll need a saw to cut the framework to size and hammers and fasteners to assemble and secure it. Please visit our website to view some of our available interior wall forms.
- Edges: Edges are recommended to ensure the wall is level and has clean, straight edges.
- Rubber Mallet: A rubber mallet adds needed pressure when applying stamping mats or texturing skin to ensure you get the best texture.
#5 Stained Concrete Countertops
There are many benefits linked to using concrete to construct countertops. First, concrete can be easily customized and shaped. It’s also durable, heat-resistant, and significantly less expensive than other countertop materials, including granite, marble, and quartzite. Concrete can be stained to mimic the appearance of natural stone, and most stains are available in many color, texture, and pattern options, making it easy for you to find the best fit for your home.
Tools & Equipment You'll Need
Optional tools/equipment are marked with an asterisk.
- Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser: Concrete projects always require comprehensive surface preparation. Use a concrete-specific cleaner and degreaser to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants before staining the surface. When cleaning the countertop, use a stiff-bristled brush or scrubber.
- Concrete Stain: Choose between acid- or water-based stains. Water-based stains are typically easier and safer to apply in indoor environments.
- Sprayers or Brushes: Sprayers are often used with acid stains, while brushes and rollers are used to apply water-based stains.
- Plastic Sheeting & Tape: You’ll need these items to protect surrounding areas during the staining process.
- Neutralizing Solution:* You’ll only need a neutralizing solution if you’re using an acid-based stain. You can apply the solution with a sponge.
- Sealer: A sealer will improve the longevity and vividness of the color.
- Wax:* If you want a more polished look, apply a layer of wax after you’ve sealed the surface. Be sure the sealer has completely dried before applying wax.
Please note that achieving the right appearance with stain can be challenging—working with a professional is always recommended.
Start Your Project Today
Are you interested in starting an interior stamped concrete project? Whether you want to stain your kitchen countertops or create a fun medallion design, you can find everything you need at Stamped Concrete. We proudly sell many professional-grade decorative concrete supplies, including concrete stamping mats, texturing skins, sealers, and stains. Start browsing for products today!
If you need help finding the best products for your stamped concrete project, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experts.
