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Stamped and decorative concrete give you a better looking surface with the strength of a concrete slab. At Ready Reading Concrete, we use stamped concrete and simple decorative finishes on patios, walks and entries around Reading, PA.
We keep patterns and colors practical. The goal is a concrete surface that looks good, drains well and gives enough grip under foot.
A stamped concrete patio can turn a plain slab into a main outdoor space. We start with the basics first. We plan size, shape, slope and thickness so the patio works as a slab. Then we talk about stamps and textures that fit your house and yard.
Stamped concrete walkways work well at front entries and paths that you see every day. We line up the pattern with the route of the walk and place joints so they fit the layout. The stamp is there to improve the look, not to hide weak concrete. We still prep the base, control water and cut joints the same way we do on a standard concrete patio or walk.
Color and borders can add detail without making the slab busy. Color can run through the full concrete patio, or sit in a band around the edges. Borders can frame a door area, a step or a main seating space.
Common decorative concrete touches include:
A colored concrete patio field with a plain border
A plain slab with a stamped or textured edge strip
A simple pattern at the front entry or step landing
We show you a few options that fit your house style and keep the mix limited so the slab still looks clean and solid.
Stamped concrete driveways can work in some settings, but not every driveway is a good fit. The surface needs a pattern that still gives grip and can handle turning tires. In many cases, a better plan is a standard or lightly textured concrete driveway with a stamped or decorative concrete band at the apron or near the entry.
At front doors and side entries, stamped concrete can tie steps, stoops and walks together. We size the pattern to the space so you see enough detail without crowding the area.
Stamped and decorative concrete need care to keep the surface in good shape. Most stamped concrete patios and walks benefit from a sealer. Sealer helps protect color and makes the slab easier to clean, but it also needs recoat on a simple schedule. We explain what kind of sealer we use and how often it should be checked.
We also think about traction. In many cases we use additives in the sealer to improve grip. We talk through how you plan to use the area so the surface is not slick when wet. Simple cleaning and keeping leaves, dirt and ice off the slab will help your stamped and decorative concrete last longer and look better.
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Stamped concrete can feel smoother than plain broom finish. We pick textures and sealers that help with grip. In many cases we add a fine grit to the sealer to cut down on slick spots. You still need to clear water, snow and ice, but the surface will not be polished smooth.
Color sits in or on the concrete. Good sealer and simple care help it hold up. Over time, sun and wear will soften the color. When you keep up with sealer and basic cleaning, stamped and colored concrete can stay in good shape for many years.
If the old slab is sound, some overlay options exist. If the slab is cracked, hollow or moving, an overlay is not a good fix. We look at the base, the cracks and the movement before we suggest any stamped or decorative concrete over old work.
It can be in some cases, but not all. Stamped concrete driveway surfaces need the right texture and care to handle tire traffic. Many owners choose a standard concrete driveway with a stamped or decorative concrete band at the edges. We can explain what makes sense at your house.

If you have an idea for a stamped concrete patio, a colored concrete patio or a decorative concrete entry, we can help you sort out what will work on your site. Tell us where you want the slab, how you plan to use it and what styles you like.
Call Ready Reading Concrete at (610) 904-9883, Monday through Saturday from 8 to 6. We will look at your yard or entry and give you a clear, written estimate for stamped and decorative concrete work.
Ready Reading Concrete is based in Reading, PA and works in nearby towns and neighborhoods. We pour and replace concrete for homeowners and small businesses in and around:
West Reading, PA
Wyomissing, PA
Shillington, PA
Exeter Township, PA
Nearby communities in the local area
If you are close to Reading and not sure if you are in our service area, you can call and ask. We will let you know if we can take on your project.

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