Is Stamped Concrete Slippery?

Posted by admin on October 19, 2022 in Blog

SUNDEK of Austin used SunStamp for this courtyard area in a residential backyard.

No matter what pattern or material you like, you can get the look you want with decorative concrete coating. Stamped concrete gives you the opportunity to create a variety of styles including the appearance of materials such as brick, wood, tile, limestone, and more. One question that comes up often when we discuss stamped concrete with our clients is whether it’s slippery.

It’s a great question, as safety is of the upmost importance when considering surfaces people will be walking on often. Since stamped concrete itself is textured, that quality makes it less prone to being slippery, as the texture provides some grip. However, if a sealer is placed on top, it can become slippery when wet. It’s important to work with an experienced contractor that is well-versed in creating surfaces that don’t become trip hazards.

Though our winters in Austin are short, they can be wet. The last thing you want is a slippery walkway, driveway, or other outdoor surface that you or your guests will be walking on. Read on for four things to consider when installing stamped concrete to best avoid slip-and-fall accidents.

1. Choose an Appropriate Pattern

Different patterns will affect how much traction your surface has. A stamped surface with a low, flat texture will be more slippery than a texture that goes deeper into the surface of the concrete. On that same note, it’s important that your contractor stamps your concrete at the right time to ensure proper texture height (if the surface is stamped too late, the pattern will not imprint as well).

A walkway resurfaced by SUNDEK of Austin in Marble Falls, TX.

2. Know the differences between sealer types

A penetrating sealer will soak into the concrete, which maintains the traction that the textured surface creates. On the contrary, a film-forming sealer tends to get more slippery. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a film-forming sealer, you just need to be aware of the differences.

3. Include the right additives

If you do like the way glossy sealer looks—rather than a penetrating sealer which you can barely tell is there, you can still get the look you want. Just make sure to include a slip-resistant additive which will add necessary grit to your stamped concrete.

When considering additives, here are some notes to consider about the different types available.

• Synthetic materials such as polypropylene beads or “Shark Grip” work well for residential and light commercial applications.
• Hard mineral materials such as aluminum oxide or silica sand work well for commercial, heavy traffic areas, or steep slope situations.

Keep in mind that smaller, particle size aggregates achieve good traction, but they also make the surface more challenging to clean. Larger particle sizes that are spaced farther apart will provide good traction, and they’re also more straightforward to clean. A good contractor will help you find the right balance between size and distribution based on what’s most important to you.

4. Apply the sealer correctly

A thin coat of sealer is best. Thicker coats of sealer get more slippery—they also create a film whitish film on the concrete.

Stamped driveway by SUNDEK of Austin.

How SUNDEK of Austin can help

If you have a stamped concrete surface without good traction, we can help! We can seal it using additives.

If you don’t have a stamped concrete surface but you’re considering putting one in, we can help ensure it’s not slippery by using good texture and sealing practices.

Contact us so we can help figure out the right solution for your surface. We’ll look at your project, discuss your best options, and give you a free quote.

Other decorative systems for slip resistance

SUNDEK’s Classic Texture is well-known in the industry for being an ideal coating if you’re looking for a non-slip surface. It’s our most commonly requested system for pool decks since it doesn’t get slippery when wet.

While Classic Texture doesn’t need a finish coat with slip-resistant additives, clients often request them for added peace of mind.

Related

Learn more about stamped concrete.

Get more information about slippery stamped concrete on the SUNDEK corporate website.

Contractor in the Austin area

We’re a local contractor with decades of experience working with many homeowners and commercial property owners in the area to create surfaces that are slip resistant.

We work in all the major cities in the area including Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, Spicewood, and the surrounding areas.

We’d love to help with your project. Contact us for a free quote!

Call us (512) 928-8000

Or fill out the form on this page

If you’re not located in or near Austin, TX, find a contractor near you.