A stamped concrete bid should name the pattern, the coloring method (integral color or shake-on hardener), the release color, the sealer and whether grit is added for traction, plus how control joints will be hidden in the pattern, and it should say so in writing.
One vetted, insured North Texas contractor will call or text within one business day to set a time to look at it. You get a written quote with the full spec.
Updated November 10, 2026
Underneath, it needs the same thickness, steel, base and joint spacing as a plain slab, because a stamped slab cracks the same way.
Stamping is a finish. The bid still has to state thickness, steel and base, and control joints at the Portland Cement Association's spacing of about two times the thickness in feet. A crack in a stamped patio is more visible than in a broom finish, so joint placement matters more here, not less.
Source: Portland Cement Association, FAQ: joints, what type are used and where
Integral color goes into the mix and colors the whole slab; a shake-on color hardener is broadcast on the surface and gives a denser top. A release agent in a second tone adds the antique look. The bid should name the method, the base color and the release color, and say who approves the sample before the pour.
Ashlar slate, random stone, herringbone brick, wood plank, seamless texture. The bid should name the pattern and say how the pattern will be laid out so a half-stone does not land at the front door. Borders in a second pattern or a plain band are a common and visible line item.
The sealer is what keeps the color. The bid should name the sealer and whether a grit additive is included for pool decks and steps, and tell you the resealing interval. Sealed stamped concrete can be slick when wet, so grit is worth asking for in writing.
Curing matters for color consistency as well as strength. A crew that uses a curing compound compatible with the sealer, or a careful wet cure, will say so; PCA notes that most strength gain happens in the first month and longer moist curing makes more durable concrete.
Source: Portland Cement Association, curing in construction
Stamped is one slab: lower first cost, faster, and a crack shows. Pavers or flagstone cost more, flex with clay soil and are repaired one unit at a time. A bidder who offers both will tell you which fits your yard; a bidder who only does one will sell you that one.
All concrete can. Joints hidden in the pattern, steel in the middle of the slab and a compacted base keep cracks controlled.
Commonly every two to three years in Texas sun. Ask the bidder for the interval for the sealer they quote.
Sometimes with a bonded overlay if the slab is sound. Ask the bidder to look first; a new pour is often the better answer.
Sealed surfaces can be when wet. A grit additive in the sealer fixes most of it; ask for it on the bid.
Tell us the job and where it is. One independent, insured North Texas contractor will look at it and send a written quote with thickness, steel, base, joints, finish, permits and dates on it.
Residential and commercial, in all eleven DFW counties. No price on this site, because the lot decides the price.
One vetted, insured North Texas contractor will call or text within one business day to set a time to look at it. You get a written quote with the full spec.