I have done both stamped concrete and paver jobs. I don't have a negative opinion of stamped concrete as do some of other pros in the threads running concurrently about this subject. However, concrete is like cooking; there are many variables. Stamped concrete adds more variables. Therefore, it takes a very experienced subcontractor if one wants to make sure of the outcome. And not absolutely everything can be controlled 100%. If you can find a really good sub -- whose prior work you've inspected -- then you can probably get a result you like. Pavers are easier, and more easily corrected if there are errors to fix.

I am a concrete contractor in Houston, TX. (www.conspecinc.com) After reading these treads I am amazed at how little people really know about concrete placement. First, the smaller the job = the more it costs because we are charged a "short load fee" for orders under 6 yards. This fee can be up to $175 "plus" the cost of the concrete. Also - for slab on grade applications wire mesh is much better than rebar (contrary to popular opinion). It has to do with the fact that reinforcement on "slab on grade" applications is based upon the strength of the GRADE not necessarily the reinforcement. The reinforcement just prevents the crack from developing and wire mesh does a better job. I address this on my website. Finally, concrete costs have gone up as the economy (gas prices), drive costs. I charge $6 to $7 PSF for stamped colored concrete and $3.50 to $4 for standard. In Houston, contractors have a habit of putting wood for control joints which ultimately rots out. Not a good idea. I don't use wood for control joints unless requested. Also concrete can be ordered in MANY WAYS! A contractor can order substandard concrete (but the owner does not know the difference), cheap.... but GOOD concrete costs about $80 per yard. In short a concrete patio "should" cost $3.50 to $4 PSF in Houston that is - if you seek quality. Concrete can have "fillers" which after 28 days "will" give you 3000 PSI but "after" this period it will slowly diminish. Good concrete however, increases its strength with age. Good concrete takes 50 years to totally cure. My website gives you the truth about concrete placement.

Power wash it but go in a back and forth motion from the flower beds outward. Don't leave the spray on one place too long. You can always go back and redo missed spots. Out patio was built about 25 years ago with colored slabs and we have power washed it 3 times so far and it will get a going over again this spring. The only thing it did was remove a little color--a very little color and they look great after they are done. The power washer removed the mold and grime. Our patio is in full sun so mold will eventually grow on slabs no matter where they are. I tried a brush and cleaner a few years before we got our power washer but never got the results we got with our power washer

We have done this a few times, it's quite a process, you should clean and brush good with TSP, rinse allow to dry good, then stain, then coat with clear coat for durability..look at gar. floor, we did that ourselves with a stencil, also did driveway and sidewalk, but hurricane charley did a lot of damage to driveway, so had this overlay and stain done a year ago. professionally. closer look, truer colors: Here is a link that might be useful: