How to Make Concrete Look Like Stone

Posted on July 11, 2024 in Blog

For this concrete patio at a home in Fredericksburg, TX, SUNDEK of San Antonio created the look of stone using SunStone and a blend of colors.

Can you make concrete look like stone?

Yes! Between paying for materials and labor, getting real stone installed on a surface can be too expensive for some home improvement budgets. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to pay for real stone to get the look of stone on your patio, pool deck, or any other outdoor surface. Read on to learn how to make concrete look like stone at a fraction of the cost of installing real stone.

How do you make concrete look like stone?

Though it’s not a simple process, with the right materials, colors, techniques, and tools, an experienced contractor can mimic the look of stone on a concrete floor using concrete coatings.

Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Remove materials from the existing concrete surface. This includes things such as tiles, grout, paint, old sealer, and more.
2. Grind or sand the surface to make it porous. This will allow your concrete to accept the coating, helping it adhere to the surface.
3. Clean the concrete. After removing materials and grinding or sanding, you’ll want to give the surface a thorough clean so it’s ready for the coating.
4. Gather your tools and prepare materials by following manufacturer's instructions closely.
5. Apply coating to concrete surface according to instructions. Proceed to use any necessary stamps, stencils, scoring tools, coloring systems, and anything else required to customize the design of your stone overlay.
6. Apply sealer to your completed surface. When your surface is ready for it, it’s important to add a sealer which will protect it from wear and tear, UV rays, saltwater, and more. Learn more about the importance of sealers.

Best products for making concrete look like stone

There are a variety of coatings that can be used to create the look of stone. The one you choose depends on what look you’re going for.

Limestone overlay (SunStone)

Limestone overlays create the appearance of limestone without the investment. SUNDEK’s SunStone product is an acrylic-based cement polymer fortified with sand and limestone ingredients.

Pictured: SunStone application by SUNDEK of Houston.

Stamped overlay (SunStamp)

Stamping allows contractors to create custom textures and patterns that result in a faux stone surface that appears authentic. SUNDEK’s SunStamp product is a stamped concrete overlay that can be combined with stains, acrylic finish coats, or colored oxides.

Pictured: SunStamp application by SUNDEK of Nashville.

Hand-crafted overlay (Tuscan)

Hand-crafted custom overlays are achieved by hand-trowelling the surface, allowing for customization. With SUNDEK’s hand-crafted custom overlay, Tuscan, our authorized contractors can also incorporate design effects such as custom scoreline, flagstone, slate, and masonry effects.

Pictured: Tuscan application by SUNDEK of Austin.

What are the different types of stone I can mimic with concrete?

The beauty of overlays is that they can be combined with all types of techniques and colors in order to create just about the look of various types of stone including:

• Basalt
• Bluestone
• Flagstone
• Limestone
• Sandstone
• Slate
• …and more!

(Did you know that at SUNDEK we can also create the look of wood?)

Colors for stone concrete overlays

You can stain concrete to look like stone, but which colors are best to use when creating the look of stone with a concrete overlay? That depends on what type of stone you’re trying to mimic. For example, if you’re creating the look of basalt, you’ll want to choose a variety of darker colors; for the appearance of sandstone, you’ll want to choose from a lighter colorway.

Fortunately, at SUNDEK we have an expansive collection of colors to choose from. You can explore our color charts here.

If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of choices available, you’re not alone. Our SUNDEK authorized contractors love helping customers figure out what colors will look best for the style of their surface. Find a contractor near you to schedule time for a consultation and free quote!

Can I paint concrete to look like stone?

If you’re looking into painting your surface to make it look like stone rather than resurfacing or staining it, it’s important to do thorough research. Using paint to create the look of stone does not look as realistic as concrete resurfacing and/or concrete staining. Read more about why we discourage clients from painting their concrete.

Are concrete overlays slippery?

It’s very common for homeowners and business owners to be concerned about the slipperiness of their potential surface. A reputable contractor such as SUNDEK will use techniques that ensure a surface that doesn’t become a major slip hazard when wet.

Using texture and slip-resistant additives, we can take the proper precautions to make your surface safe. (Learn more about our approaches to create slip-resistant surfaces.)

Find a local contractor to help with your surface

SUNDEK has contractors all over the country ready to help with your project. Find a contractor near you to get a free quote.