For all our patios and walkways, meticulous base preparation is paramount to ensure concrete durability. We meticulously remove existing organics and lay down 75mm to 100mm of clear crushed 20mm limestone, compacting it to ensure excellent drainage beneath the concrete. Our custom concrete mix, Fenelon Ready Mix Concrete, incorporates super plasticizing agents, enabling installation at higher slump ranges without compromising strength, resulting in compressive strengths exceeding 32mpa for enhanced durability.

Our standard practice involves installing patios and sidewalks at an average depth of 125mm, with driveways and high-traffic areas at an average depth of 150mm. Reinforcement includes 10mm rebar tied on a 2’ centre grid pattern and a 50mm structural fibre mesh mixed into the concrete at the ready mix plant. Additional reinforcement, such as 15mm rebar or a smaller grid pattern, is added as needed. Control cutting the slabs the day after installation prevents heaving or separation, ensuring longevity.

Following installation, all concrete projects receive an application of acrylic cure and seal within 1 to 2 days to aid in moisture retention and provide protective coating. Stamped projects undergo a minimum of 2 sealant applications, with an anti-slip additive for safety. We recommend resealing stamped projects every 1 to 2 years to maintain their aesthetic appeal, considering location and usage factors.

A stamped concrete patio can be slightly more slippery then a standard broom finish concrete application. This is due to the application of a acrylic sealer that is applied to the stamped concrete. We always add an anti slip additive to the acrylic sealer that is a ground polypropolene and adds a gritty texture to the acrylic sealer. This is a very efvective product and we have installed pool decks with complete satisfaction.

We do not recommend the use of salt or any other chemical deicer. These products cause numerous freeze thaw cycles to the surface of the concrete and can damage any concrete finish but more noticeably on decorative concrete. We do recommend the use of sand or cat litter as a traction agent and to keep the concrete clean with a plastic snow shovel. A good defense to winter damage is to make sure your concrete is properly maintained with adequate acrylic sealer to prevent the intrusion of deicers and water.

Proper maintenance should include keeping the concrete patio clean and having adequate sealer. In winter the concrete should be kept clear with a plastic snow shovel and have a traction aid applied as necessary. In the summer the patio can simply be washed off as necessary. Resealing of the concrete with acrylic sealer is essential to the maintenance. Generally patios and sidewalks should be resealed every 2-3 years and driveways every 1-2 years.

Upon completion of installation of our decorative projects we apply 2-3 applications of acrylic cure and seal. This helps maintain colour fade and the beauty of the concrete from staining and every day use. With proper maintenance of acrylic sealer as required the concrete does not fade or wear. Not to worry if the sealer maintenance has been neglected, we have numerous products to recolour the surface and a new application of sealer will bring back your patio/sidewalk to a like new appearance.

Our number one customer feedback is that stamped concrete does not have ants or weeds coming through. Beyond that we advocate that stamped concrete runs water and does not have any settling issues that can become future trip hazards. We also pride ourself in the fact that our product has a more natural appearance to blend with a natural hardscape surrounding.