Stamped, colored and decorative concrete in Cedar Rapids

Stamped and colored concrete gives a patio, walk or set of steps the look of stone or slate, poured in one piece. S & M Concrete offers colored and stamped concrete, staining, stenciling and exposed aggregate, from a full catalog of decorations with various colors and finishes.

Decorative finishes we offer

• Colored concrete. Color mixed into the concrete, so it runs all the way through.
• Stamped concrete. Pattern pressed into the fresh surface: stone, slate and other textures from the catalog.
• Staining. Color applied to the surface after it cures, often used to add depth to a stamped pattern.
• Stenciling. A pattern laid out on the surface before finishing.
• Exposed aggregate. The top layer is washed back to show the stone in the mix.
• Hard trowel and broomed or brushed. The plain finishes, smooth or with grip, for the parts of a job that do not need a pattern.

Where decorative concrete works

Patios, porches, entry steps, walkways and landings are the usual spots. Steps and the slab below them can be stamped and colored to match, like the entry in Fig. 1, so the whole entrance reads as one piece. Curved steps can be stamped too; see walls and steps.

Picking a pattern and color

Shawn brings the catalog to the estimate. If you saw a patio you liked at a neighbor's or online, bring a photo; he will compare it and tell you straight how close he can get. [CONFIRM WITH OWNER: confirm catalog comes to the estimate] It helps to look at the house siding, roof and any stone already on the property before you pick, so the new concrete sits with what is there.

How a stamped job goes

If there is an old patio or walk, we break it out and haul it away. The crew forms and pours, then stamps the pattern while the concrete is still workable. Color and stain go on as the job calls for. Ask Shawn about sealing and upkeep for the finish you choose, since it depends on the color and pattern. [CONFIRM WITH OWNER: sealing and upkeep details]

Where we pour decorative concrete

Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Van Horne, Norway, Center Point, Palo and the surrounding area. See all service areas.

Questions about stamped and decorative concrete

Updated September 2026

• What decorative finishes do you offer?

  Colored and stamped concrete, staining, stenciling, exposed aggregate, and broomed or hard-troweled finishes.

  All of it comes from a full catalog of colors and patterns.

• Can you match a stamped pattern or color I saw somewhere?

  Likely yes. Bring a photo to the estimate. [CONFIRM WITH OWNER]

  Shawn will compare it with the catalog and tell you straight how close he can get.

• Can the steps match the patio?

  Yes. We stamp and color steps, porches and patios so they read as one piece.

  The entry steps in Fig. 1 on this page are stamped and stained to match the landing and walk below them.

• What is the difference between colored and stained concrete?

  Color is mixed into the concrete; stain is applied to the surface after it cures.

  Many stamped jobs use both: a base color plus stain to bring out the texture. Shawn will walk you through which fits your job.

• Can you replace my old patio with a stamped one?

  Yes. We break out and haul away the old slab, then pour and stamp the new one.