Different Types of Concrete Stamps

Rigid Mats

• Rigid or semi-rigid mats are made from polyurethane. Rigid mats have no flex and leave a consistent, deep impression. Semi-rigid mats have a slight flex that allows them to mold to contours in the concrete if, for instance, you're pouring on a slope. Both mats are firm enough that you can stand on them, and they have handles on the side for easy lifting. Regardless of the pattern, the rectangular mats make it simple to align the stamps so the pattern appears seamless.

Floppy Mats

• Also made with polyurethane, flex mats are pliable so they can bend at 90 degree angles. The flexibility allows you to stamp corners or conform to curved walls. These mats do not have handles and they're not strong enough to stand on, but you can use a rubber mallet to apply equal pressure. Use them along edges, stairs, columns or oddly-shapes corners. Consider using a combination of floppy and rigid mats in the same pattern.

Textured Skins

• Textured skins are thinner and more pliable than mats. They come with feathered edges designed to overlap adjacent skins to create a seamless look. The depth of patterns is not as deep or consistent as mats. Skins work well over small surfaces, or along edges. Unlike mats, skins will conform and fully depress into all sides of an edge. Skins also work well on walls and hard-to-reach areas because you don't need to align them to achieve a consistent pattern.

Roller Stamps

• Roller stamps come in the same patterns as concrete mats, but the application process is different. Rather than aligning flat stamps, the roller stamp is pressed over the concrete in straight rows. The primary challenge is to apply even pressure as you roll over each section. These stamps work best for flat, rectangular pavers that are narrow enough so you can reach the center from all sides.