Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is Stamped Concrete?
A) Stamped Concrete is the amazing process whereby color and texture is added to normal concrete.  The end result is a beautiful product that has the natural look of brick, slate, stone, or tile.

Q) Does Stamped Concrete look "fake"?
A) Absolutely not.  Even experienced concrete masons have been fooled by the amazing authenticity of Stamped Concrete.  See for yourself, visit the Close-Ups page.

Q) How long has Stamped Concrete been around?
A) Surprisingly, Stamped Concrete has been around for almost 50 years.

Q) What's different about today's Stamped Concrete versus that of the past?
A) Today's Stamped Concrete achieves a level of realism that greatly surpasses that of the past.  Years ago Stamped Concrete was capable only of simulating a pattern.  It lacked any kind of definition or resolution.  Through technological advances, Stamped Concrete shed it's pattern-like look and is now virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

Q) Can Stamped Concrete be found in commercial environments?
A) Absolutely, Stamped Concrete can be found throughout the world at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts, etc.  A famous example, for instance, would be Disney World.

Q) What makes Stamped Concrete better than other products such as wooden decks or interlocking pavers?
A) It is widely regarded that wooden decks are very maintenance intensive.  This is a fact, unfortunately, that most people find highly objectionable.  Secondly, wooden decks have the not so desirable quality of being quite commonplace.  As for interlocking pavers, settling of the installed pavement and rampant growth of weeds are two characteristics that have always been vehemently criticized.   Interlocking pavers, which incidentally are manufactured out of colored concrete, have the inherent flaw of dramatically settling within only a few years time.  The result is a wavy, unsightly up and down appearance.  Additionally, interlocking pavers have the loathsome tendency to foster weed growth that can ultimately become very pervasive.

Q) How much does Stamped Concrete cost?
A) Remarkably, Stamped Concrete sometimes cost less than interlocking pavers and may cost considerably less than wooden decks.  Final estimates will vary depending on job conditions, nature of work to be completed, etc.

Q) How is Stamped Concrete colored?
A) Traditionally, color is broadcast onto the surface by hand followed by assimilation into the surface using hand tools.  Stamped Concrete installed by Russ Industries is taken a step further by mixing most colors directly inside the concrete.  The result is Stamped Concrete that is colored throughout from top to bottom.  Although certain select colors have to be applied using the traditional method, the majority of colors can be mixed inside.

Q) How well does Stamped Concrete fare in the winter?
A) Even the coldest, snowiest winters do not pose a problem.  In fact, Canada is home to a significant percentage of the world's Stamped Concrete installations.

Q) Does Stamped Concrete become slippery when wet?
A) As a level of precaution, Russ Industries applies anti-skid to each and every Stamped Concrete installation.  This anti-skid does not alter the beauty of the finished product and is highly effective in eliminating slipperiness.  To our knowledge, Russ Industries is the only company in the Delaware Valley that applies anti-skid to each and every installation.

Q) Is there any chance that it might crack?
A) This is perhaps more likely with everyday regular concrete.  It should be noted that Stamped Concrete installed by Russ Industries achieves a level of crack prevention exceeding almost all others in the industry.  Numerous measures are taken to highly reduce the likelihood of any crack occurring.  According to our latest research, Russ Industries is the only Stamped Concrete company in the Delaware Valley that uses both Wiremesh Steel Reinforcement and Polypropylene Fibermesh Reinforcement in 100% of all their Stamped Concrete installations.  These and other measures very significantly lower the probability of a crack occurring.

Q) What kind of maintenance is necessary?
A) There exists two different maintenance plans depending on your desires.  The first, and easiest, is absolutely no maintenance at all.  No maintenance is required to keep the strength of the concrete at it's highest.  In addition, not maintaining the Stamped Concrete will result in a natural aging of the colors that some people find desirable.  It must be noted, however, that Stamped Concrete has the wonderful attribute of appearing perfectly brand new after a reseal.  In fact, in our experience Stamped Concrete looks even better after a reseal than when originally installed.  Russ Industries, therefore, recommends resealing once every 1-2 years to reinvigorate the colors to a level of beauty that even surpasses that of the original installation.

Q) If I choose to reseal, how much will it cost?
A) Although sealer can be purchased and applied easily with just a roller, it is recommended that the application be performed by a professional.  The company, Artistic Concrete Solutions, offers this service exclusively to the clients of Russ Industries.  Artistic Concrete Solutions provides reseal service starting as low as 25 cents per square foot and remarkably, this includes the sealer.

Q) Do all contractors use the same installation methods?
A) Positively not.  Through experimentation and testing, Russ Industries has developed a unique concrete mix designed specifically for Stamped Concrete.  This unique concrete mix is much more conducive toward the special needs of Stamped Concrete than that of a normal everyday mix.  In addition, there are certain installation techniques which are performed exclusively by Russ Industries that dramatically enhance the quality of the Stamped Concrete.

Q) How long has Russ Industries been providing the service of Stamped Concrete?
A) Since 1991, this is our 8th year.

Q) How long has Russ Industries been in business?
A) Since 1965, this is our 34th year installing concrete in the Delaware Valley.

Q) How experienced is the crew?
A) Russ Industries is proud to have what is quite possibly the most capable and competent Stamped Concrete crew in the Delaware Valley.  Comprising of an abundant number of men, the crew executes work in a very efficient and effectual manner.   Most workers in this crew have been employed a very long time by this company, with the Foreman of Russ Industries leading the way asserting an impressive 24 years of experience.

Q) Does your company install Stamped Concrete on a regular basis?
A) Yes, almost everyday.  Russ Industries averages about 4 complete residential installations per week, every week.