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Caring for your new concrete

Concrete keeps curing for a month after the crew leaves. This is the care sheet for new and stamped concrete, written to be read once and stuck to a wall. Some blotchy discoloration in the first weeks is normal, so do not worry about it while the slab finishes curing.

  1. 24hoursMinimum before anyone walks on the new slab.
  2. 72hoursBefore any furniture goes back on it.
  3. 5daysBefore cars or trucks drive on it.
  4. 30daysAbout how long concrete takes to fully cure.
Stamped stone-pattern concrete deck curving around a kidney-shaped pool
Stamped stone-pattern concrete around a kidney pool

Furniture, sealer and snow

Furniture

Do

  • Lift furniture into place.
  • Put plastic caps on the feet of chairs, tables and planters.

Do not

  • Drag furniture across the surface.
  • Use metal furniture, which can leave rust.
  • Set rubber-backed mats or pots on it. They trap water and can discolour the sealer.

Sealer

Do

  • Reapply sealer after the first winter.
  • Reseal about every 3 years after that, depending on sun and traffic.
  • Ask for an anti-skid additive on reseals.

The sealer is what protects stamped work from freeze-thaw, moisture, UV and de-icing salts, so the sealer schedule is the one to keep.

Winter

Do

  • Use sand for traction. It is the preferred choice.
  • Use calcium chloride only if you have to use something.
  • Clear snow with a plastic shovel.

Do not

  • Never use ice melt.
  • Scrape with a metal shovel.

Due for a reseal? We apply acrylic, urethane and siloxane sealers, and can recolour stamped concrete while we reseal. See concrete sealing, or send us the details and the office will call back.

Call (315) 676-0005