Plain gray concrete is dependable, but it is not the only choice. Decorative concrete lets you add color, pattern and texture to the same strong slab. In Lubbock, TX, where homes sit under big skies and soft desert colors, warm tans, rust reds and stone patterns look right at home.
Lubbock Concrete installs decorative concrete for patios, driveways, walks, entries, pool decks, porches and floors across Lubbock and the South Plains. We help you choose the look, build the slab for our wind and clay, and give a free written estimate.
What counts as decorative concrete
Decorative concrete is a family of finishes. Integral color is mixed through the concrete. Saw cut patterns add a tile or grid look. Borders in a different color frame a patio or a driveway. Exposed aggregate shows stones. Stamped patterns copy stone or brick. Stain and sealer add depth.
You can combine them, too. A broom finish center with a colored border is a favorite for driveways. A scored diamond pattern in tan makes a front entry feel finished.
- Integral color for patios and driveways
- Saw cut grids, diamonds and borders
- Exposed aggregate and stamped patterns
- Stain and sealer for richer tone
Choosing colors and patterns for Lubbock homes
Look at what you already have, brick, stucco, stone and roof. Warm tans and sand tones suit most West Texas homes. Terracotta and rust work well with desert landscaping. Charcoal looks sharp beside modern homes. Lighter colors stay cooler in summer.
Pattern ties the pieces together. Straight lines feel modern. Curves feel soft. We mark patterns on the ground and show samples at your estimate so you see what you are getting.
Building decorative concrete that lasts
Decorative work shows every flaw, so the base and the pour have to be right. We compact a base, add steel and keep the same mix in every truck so color matches. Wind can ruin a finish by drying it too fast, so we plan around the weather and cure the surface with products that will not blotch the color.
We seal everything afterward. See our pages on stamped concrete, exposed aggregate concrete and concrete staining and sealing.
Decorative concrete cost and next steps
Decorative concrete costs more than a plain broom finish, and usually less than natural stone or pavers. Price depends on size, color, pattern and finish. Most projects take two to four days, plus cure time before heavy use.
Pair it with a patio or a driveway. Call us or use the contact page for a free written estimate.
Decorative Concrete questions answered
What is decorative concrete, and how much more does it cost?
Decorative concrete is regular concrete finished with color, pattern or texture. It can be as simple as a colored slab with a border, or as detailed as a stamped stone pattern. It usually costs more than a plain gray broom finish because of the extra materials, skill and time. It usually costs less than natural stone or pavers.
How much more depends on the finish and the size. A single color with a saw cut grid adds a modest amount. Stamping and multi color work add more. At your free estimate, we price a few options side by side, so you can see how each look affects the total and decide what fits your budget. Caliche, the hard layer under much of our soil, can slow digging, and we plan extra time when we know it is there. If we find a surprise under the old slab, like a void or soft fill, we explain it and fix it before we build on top.
Does colored concrete fade in the Lubbock sun?
A little over time, but good colored concrete fades slowly. Integral color uses stable mineral pigments, which hold up well in strong sun. The surface may soften as the top layer wears and as dust builds up. That is why sealing matters. A good sealer protects against UV light, oil and stains, and it brings back richness when you reapply it.
Light colors fade less visibly than dark ones, and a UV resistant sealer helps. In our area, we suggest resealing every two to three years. Light cleaning with a hose, a soft brush and mild soap also helps. With basic care, decorative concrete keeps its looks for a long time. If you are comparing bids, ask each contractor to list the base work, the steel and the curing plan in writing, because that is where prices really differ. Air entrained concrete has tiny bubbles that give freezing water room to expand, which protects outdoor slabs in our winters.
Can decorative concrete be added to an existing slab?
Yes, in many cases. If the old slab is solid, we can stain it, saw cut a pattern into it or apply a thin overlay that can be colored and stamped. The old surface must be clean and the concrete must not be moving. Cracks need repair first.
If the slab is sinking or badly cracked, a decorative layer will not last, and replacement is smarter. We look at your slab, tell you what is possible and give you a price. See concrete resurfacing for more about overlays. Many customers are surprised how much a stain and a new sealer can change a plain patio. The best time to call is before you are in a hurry, because rushed concrete work is where most regrets begin. Think about how you will use the space in five years, not just this year, because a slightly larger or thicker slab now costs far less than redoing it later.
What patterns work best for entries and walkways?
A scored diamond or square grid in a soft color makes an entry feel like tile. A smooth border around a broom center adds a frame. A curved walk in tan with a darker edge looks natural in a gravel and cactus yard. Stamped slate or flagstone patterns give a stone path without the cost of stone.
Safety comes first. We keep textures that grip when wet, and we avoid glossy sealers on steps and walks. Bring a photo of your house, and we will suggest two or three patterns that fit the style and the budget. If you are not sure whether to repair or replace, we will look at it honestly and tell you what will last. Ask us for a rough range if you are early in planning, and we will tell you what affects the price most. We would rather tell you the truth about what a job needs than sell you something that will fail in a few years.
How long does decorative concrete take to install?
Most decorative projects take two to four days of work. Day one is usually layout, base and forms. Day two is the pour, color and finishing, which has to be done at the right time. After the concrete cures, we saw cut joints, stain or seal, which may take another day or two.
You can walk on it after a day or two and drive on it after about a week. Decorative finishes need good weather, so we move the date if wind or heat is too much. We call you before each step so you always know what is next. Mowers, trailers and heavy planters can scratch or chip a fresh surface, so wait a week before moving them back. Hairline cracks are normal in concrete and usually harmless, but a crack that grows or has one side higher than the other deserves a visit. Control joints are shallow cuts that give the concrete a planned place to crack, and they keep cracks straight and neat instead of random.
How do I clean and care for decorative concrete?
Sweep or hose it off regularly. Use mild soap and a soft brush for stains. Avoid harsh acids, pressure that is too strong and de icing salt, which can harm the finish. Wipe up oil and grease quickly. Reseal every two to three years, or when water stops beading on the surface.
Furniture feet and planters can scratch some finishes, so use pads under them. We give you a simple care sheet at the end of the job, and we are glad to answer questions later. A little care keeps decorative concrete looking new for many years. Before a big project, a quick call to the city or county about setbacks and permits is time well spent. We take pride in straight lines, square corners and clean edges, because those are the details people notice when a job is done. We call you before each major step, so you always know what is happening and when the crew will be on your property.
Ready for a free estimate? Call (806) 541-4636 or use the estimate form. Lubbock Concrete gives clear written estimates for patios, slabs and driveways across the South Plains.