Broom-finished concrete is the most affordable and the best for traction, sand-finished concrete adds a smoother decorative look for a moderate step up in price, and stamped concrete gives the look of stone or tile at the highest price. Here is how the three compare, so you can pick the right finish for your driveway, patio or walkway.
The three finishes at a glance
| Finish | Look and feel | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom finish | Clean, lightly textured, slip resistant | Driveways: $10.50 to $13.50 per sq ft | Driveways, walks, steep slopes |
| Sand finish | Smooth decorative surface with a fine, sandy texture | $17 to $19 per sq ft | Patios and front walks |
| Stamped | Patterned and colored to look like stone, slate or tile | $21 to $25 per sq ft ($5,000 job minimum) | Patios, borders, showpiece areas |
Prices are Golden Concrete Company’s typical prices. Your exact price comes from a free on-site consultation. See all prices on our residential concrete services page.
Broom-finished concrete
A broom finish is made by dragging a broom across the fresh concrete, leaving fine ridges that give your feet and tires grip. It is our standard finish for driveways, sidewalks and garage aprons, and it is the right choice for steep driveways in foothills areas like Evergreen and Genesee, where traction in snow matters most.
- Pros: lowest cost, best traction, simple to maintain
- Cons: plain look, no color or pattern
Sand-finished concrete
Sand-finished concrete is a decorative finish with a fine, sandy texture. It looks more finished than a broom surface without the pattern of stamped concrete, which makes it a good middle ground for patios and front walks where you want something nicer underfoot.
- Pros: upgraded look for less than stamped
- Cons: costs more than broom finish
Stamped concrete
Stamped concrete is poured like a regular slab and then textured with patterned mats while it is still workable. All of our stamped concrete is poured with integral color and finished with an accent color, which gives it the depth and variation of natural stone. We cut control joints with a saw so they look clean, and we seal the surface to protect the color.
- Pros: the most decorative option, many patterns and colors
- Cons: highest cost, needs resealing every few years, can be slick when wet unless a grip additive is used in the sealer
One seasonal note: sealer cannot be applied when the concrete slab is below 50°F, so we stop sealing in November. If we pour and stamp concrete after that, we come back in the spring to power wash and seal it for you.
Mixing finishes
You do not have to pick just one. A common approach is a broom-finished driveway with a stamped border, or a broom-finished patio with a stamped walkway leading to it. That adds curb appeal for a fraction of the cost of stamping everything.
Which finish should you choose?
- Steep driveway or lots of snow: broom finish
- Tight budget: broom finish, with a stamped border if you want some style
- Backyard patio you will spend time on: sand finish or stamped
- Showpiece entry or outdoor living space: stamped
Still deciding? Browse finished work in our project gallery or read more answers in our concrete FAQ. We serve Golden, Arvada, Lakewood and the rest of our service areas.
Ready for a quote? Call (720) 636-8986 or request a free concrete quote and we will call you back to schedule a free concrete consultation.