Site Assessment
We look at the existing surface, grade, drainage, and soil conditions. Any issues that would cause cracking or settling get flagged before we talk price, not after we've started.
Eau Claire, WI · Trusted Home Improvement Since 1993
Stamped and Colored Concrete That Actually Holds Up
Stamped and colored concrete patios, driveways, and walkways done right. 33 years of experience. Honest estimates, no surprises. Call [(715) 894-1120](tel:+17158941120).
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- Serving Eau Claire & Western WI
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Midwest Home Improvements
Why Choose Midwest Home Improvements
Yes, stamped concrete can be colored, and when both are done together the results can be striking. The short answer to what most homeowners are really asking: stamped and colored concrete gives you the look of natural stone, brick, or slate at a fraction of the cost, but only if the work is done right from the pour up. Midwest Home Improvements has been doing this work for over 33 years, and the biggest mistakes we see come from skipping the base prep or rushing the sealing stage. We don't skip either. Call (715) 894-1120 for a straight answer on what your project will take.
The process starts well before any concrete is poured. Subgrade preparation, proper mix design, and the timing of the stamping all determine whether you get a surface that looks sharp in five years or one that's cracked and faded in two. Color is either mixed into the concrete itself (integral color), broadcast as a hardener on top, or applied as an acid stain after the fact, and each method has trade-offs in durability and appearance. A 20x20 patio, which is the most common size we quote, can range from roughly $2,000 to $8,000 or more depending on the pattern complexity, color method, site access, and how much demolition the existing surface requires. Every job is different. Contact Midwest Home Improvements for an accurate estimate.
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What Goes Into a Stamped Concrete Job Most Contractors Don't Tell You
The stamp pattern is the last ten minutes of a job that takes hours of prep. Grading, compacting the base, setting forms, getting the mix right for Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycle, timing the pour for temperature and humidity: all of that happens before anyone touches a stamp mat. If any of those steps are rushed, the pattern won't hold, and no amount of sealer fixes a concrete slab that moved because the base wasn't compacted. We've been pouring and finishing concrete in this region long enough to know the conditions that cause failures, and we build the process around avoiding them.
Color Options: Integral, Broadcast, or Acid Stain
Each coloring method produces a different look and has a different maintenance profile. Integral color is mixed throughout the entire slab, so chips and cracks don't reveal a gray interior. Broadcast color hardeners are shaken onto the surface before stamping and pressed in, producing deeper, more vivid tones. Acid stains react chemically with the concrete itself and create a variegated, mottled look that's genuinely difficult to replicate with any other method. Honestly, most homeowners default to integral color because it's the most forgiving long-term, but the right choice depends on your pattern and how much variation you want in the finished surface. We'll walk you through the options before any decisions are made.
How the Process Works from First Call to Final Seal
Design and Pattern Selection
You pick the stamp pattern and color from real samples, not just a brochure. Common choices in the area include ashlar slate, cobblestone, and wood plank, but there are dozens of options.
Pour and Stamp
Timing is everything. We monitor the concrete for the right surface firmness before stamping begins. Too early and the pattern blurs. Too late and it won't press cleanly. There's no redoing it once the window closes.
Sealing
A quality penetrating or film-forming sealer protects the color and the surface from road salts, UV, and moisture intrusion. This step determines how long the finished product actually looks good. We don't skip it and we don't use the cheap stuff.
The Real Downsides of Stamped Concrete (We'll Tell You Straight)
Stamped concrete is not maintenance-free. The sealer needs reapplication every two to three years in Wisconsin's climate, and if you skip that cycle the color fades and surface spalling starts. It's also less forgiving than plain concrete when it does crack, because the pattern makes cracks more visible. De-icing salts are hard on the finish, and you'll want to switch to sand in the winter. None of that should be a dealbreaker, but any contractor who doesn't mention it upfront is telling you what you want to hear, not what you need to know. If you're comparing this to a deck and railing project in terms of long-term maintenance, they're actually pretty similar when properly maintained.
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Our Work
Projects We've Completed
Take a look at stamped and colored concrete work alongside our other exterior and complete home remodeling projects in the gallery.
Reviews
What Customers Say
Stephen and his crew did our backyard patio in a flagstone pattern with a charcoal integral color. The work was clean, they finished on schedule, and the patio still looks exactly like it did on day one three years later. No cracks, no fading.
We got three quotes and Midwest was the only contractor who explained the sealing process in detail and told us what we'd need to do to maintain it. That honesty sold us. The finished driveway looks incredible.
Get a Straight Estimate on Your Concrete Project
Thirty-three years in the trade means we've seen every site condition and every job that went sideways because someone cut corners on prep. We don't do that. Call (715) 894-1120 or reach out online and tell us what you're working with. We'll give you an honest number and a clear picture of what the project involves.
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Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stamped concrete be colored?
Yes, and it usually is. There are three main methods: integral color mixed throughout the entire slab, broadcast color hardener pressed into the surface before stamping, and acid stain applied after the concrete cures. Each produces a different appearance and has different durability characteristics. Integral color is generally the most resilient because the pigment runs through the full depth of the slab, so a chip or scratch doesn't expose a gray base underneath.
How much would a 20x20 stamped concrete patio cost?
A 20x20 stamped and colored concrete patio typically runs $2,000 to $8,000 or more depending on pattern complexity, color method, site preparation needed, and demolition of any existing surface. Single-color, simpler patterns sit at the lower end. Multi-color work with detailed borders and significant site prep climbs fast. Every job is different. Contact Midwest Home Improvements for an accurate estimate based on your actual site conditions.
What is the downside of stamped concrete?
The main downsides are ongoing maintenance and reduced repairability. The sealer needs reapplication every two to three years, especially in freeze-thaw climates like western Wisconsin. Cracks are more visible in a stamped pattern than in plain concrete. Road salts and de-icing chemicals damage the finish, so most stamped concrete owners switch to sand in winter. None of these are dealbreakers, but they're worth knowing before you commit.
What is the most popular color for stamped concrete?
Earth tones dominate: tan, sandstone, charcoal gray, and various brown shades are the most requested. Gray-toned integral colors that mimic natural stone are consistently popular because they don't show dirt as readily and age more gracefully than warmer browns. Charcoal with a light-colored secondary accent (used on borders or grout lines) is one of the most common combinations we see homeowners choose after looking at actual installed samples.
How long does stamped and colored concrete last compared to plain concrete?
The underlying slab lasts as long as any concrete, typically 25 to 50 years with proper installation. The surface finish is the variable. With the sealer maintained on schedule, the color and texture stay sharp for 15 to 20 years or more. Neglect the sealing and you can see fading and surface wear in as little as five years in Wisconsin's climate. The base prep and pour quality matter just as much as the sealing schedule.
Does stamped concrete crack more than regular concrete?
Stamped concrete cracks at roughly the same rate as plain concrete when installed correctly. What changes is visibility: a crack in a stamped ashlar or cobblestone pattern stands out more than a crack in a smooth slab. Control joints cut into the surface during installation redirect where cracking occurs, minimizing random surface cracks. On most residential projects, proper joint placement largely eliminates visible random cracking. Poor base prep is the main cause of premature cracking in any concrete pour.