- 1). Dig out the site to a depth of 8 inches with a shovel if you're building a patio or walkway. Dig out an additional 3 inches of width on every side for the temporary form boards. For a surface exposed to heavy weight loads, like a driveway, dig out 12 inches. Use a compactor machine to release air pockets and excess moisture from the ground.
- 2). Frame the inner walls of the expanse with 2-by-6-inch boards. The top sides mark where the surface of the stamped concrete will be. Stack them on their sides until they reach the correct level and nail them together with a hammer.
- 3). Fill the site with ¾-inch aggregate and compact it. Continue adding aggregate until you have a 4- to 6-inch layer. The rocks will pack together to form a solid base that allows water to travel beneath the concrete surface. Lay wire mesh over the top for reinforcement.
- 4). Dry-lay the concrete stamps beside the site so you know where to place each stamp. Coat the stamp with a thin layer of mold release agent.
- 5). Pour the concrete over the mesh from one side to the other. Spread the concrete into corners with a hoe and drag a long 2-by-4 across to remove excess and fill in any gaps. Move a bull float across the surface to smooth it out.
- 6). Set the stamps into the concrete, beginning with the first section poured. Tap the first stamp in with a mallet and align the second stamp with the first. Press them in until the surface is covered and remove them by pulling them straight up.
- 7). Lay wet burlap over the surface and keep it wet for a week so the surface will dry slowly, strengthening the concrete.
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