Stamped concrete- DIY?

[ken0042]

A couple of questions for those who know. Basically I have a small patio/walkway to do, and I was thinking of doing something a little nicer than regular concrete. I already have the colouring for the concrete, but was thinking of doing some sort of pattern.

Does anybody know where I could get my hands on some sort of stamps to do the concrete? I seem to recall Home Depot having a DIY set, but they don't have it any more.

Of course, I am trying to do this on a budget, so spending 100's of dollar on the stamps is out.

Or is this something I souldn't even be attempting on my own?

[photon]

Lee Valley sells the stamps, no idea how difficult it is.

[MoneyGuy]

I've done all my own concrete work, but my bro is in the business and I've worked with him. If you try this on your own, I'd find at least one buddy who knows what he's doing. Concrete is unforgiving. Years ago a neighbour was doing his sidewalks and I said he could call me if he has problems. NHo problem, he says, he has some friends coming over on Saturday and they had done this before. About 9 a.m. to doorbell rings and it's my neighour is there - help me, he says, a couple of his buddies didn't show up and the concrete is hardening. Don't make the mistakes he did. Put down the base wrong and it can crack. Wrong water content and you can screw it up. It's hard work getting it down, and once it is down if you don't finish it correctly you can mess it up. I don't like the stamped stuff. I recommend an exposed-aggregate finish. All my sidewalks and driveway are exposed aggregate. It looks great but it does require some special expertise. Do you know someone who has done this kind of stuff before. You can PM me if you have specific questions.

[Deelow]

wow I thought for sure "Stamped" was a reference to Fleury's Concrete.

[ken0042]

Thanks Photon. That's exactly what I was looking for.

For anybody else looking, here is the link:
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...t=2,2180,33222

Amd thanks for the tips, MoneyGuy. I have done a few things with concrete both around my house and with friends; including a patio, a regular sidewalk, and for the foundation walls for my garage I had a concrete guy teach me how to do those- basically he had me do most of the work; which was helpful. And this project is something I want to try because its in an area where if I screw it up it won't matter all that much.