TAILORED QUOTE
Stamped concrete price per m² in the Axarquía and the Costa Tropical
How much does stamped concrete cost per m²? It depends on a lot of things: the size of the job, the condition of the ground and base, the thickness of the concrete, the pattern and colour, access for the concrete lorry and the quality of the sealer. That’s why we don’t publish a price list: we look at the job and give you a fixed price in writing.
Here we explain what drives the price, what should and shouldn’t be in a proper quote, and how to compare quotes before you call anyone.
What drives the price of stamped concrete
These are the factors that change the price of stamped concrete the most in our area:
- The area: small jobs cost more per m², because the lorry, the crew and the moulds cost the same for 20 m² as for 80.
- Ground and base: whether we need to dig, level and lay a compacted hardcore base, or lift an old floor and remove the rubble.
- Thickness: 10 cm for foot traffic or 12–15 cm if cars will drive on it.
- Pattern and colour: special moulds or wood-effect patterns take more work.
- Access: if the lorry can’t reach the site, a concrete pump is needed.
- Finishing details: inspection chambers, drains, kerbs, steps or pool coping.
The final price is given in writing after seeing the job, with every item broken down.
What the price includes – and what it doesn't
What should be included
- HA-25 concrete, 10 cm thick for foot traffic or 12–15 cm if cars will drive on it.
- Welded steel mesh and polypropylene fibres.
- Colour hardener and release agent.
- Stamping with the pattern of your choice.
- Saw-cut control joints.
- Washing and two coats of sealer.
What is quoted separately
- Digging, levelling and laying the hardcore base if the ground isn’t prepared.
- Lifting an old tiled floor or slab.
- A concrete pump if the lorry can’t reach the site.
- Inspection chambers, gullies or drainage channels.
- Kerbs and steps.
An honest quote breaks this down for you. If you’re given a single figure with no detail, ask what’s included.
Why two quotes for the same job can vary so much
If you’ve been given two very different prices for the same patio, they’re almost certainly not offering the same thing. These are the four differences that matter most:
Thickness and base
Pouring 7 cm of concrete on loose soil is cheaper than 12 cm on compacted hardcore. For a year you won’t notice. Then the cracks and sinking appear.
Mesh and fibres
Some people leave them out to cut the price. They’re what hold the paving together when the ground moves – which happens on the hillsides of the Axarquía.
Joints
Control joints are cut within the first 24–48 hours, in bays of 15–16 m² at most. If they aren’t cut, the concrete still cracks – just wherever it wants.
The sealer
Two coats of good-quality sealer protect the colour for years. One coat of cheap sealer turns white after the first summer. If a quote looks suspiciously cheap, ask which sealer they use and how many coats.
Three typical jobs
Examples of typical jobs so you can see what goes into each one. They are not quotes for specific clients.
A 60 m² driveway
Unprepared ground: a compacted hardcore base is needed before pouring. 15 cm stamped concrete with mesh, because cars will drive on it, and a stone pattern. Three days’ work and one week before parking the car on it.
A 25 m² back patio
Old slab in good condition: it’s prepared and stamped on top, without lifting anything. As the area is small, the price per metre is higher than on a large job. One day’s work and another for sealing.
A 90 m² pool surround
Ground already levelled. Light-coloured non-slip finish so it doesn’t burn your feet, plus the pool coping detail if needed.
Is it more expensive than pavers or tiles?
For the same area, stamped concrete usually costs the same as or a little less to lay than pavers or outdoor tiles of similar quality, especially above 50 m². Where it really wins is over the years: no loose pieces and no sand joints for weeds to grow in.
Its maintenance cost is resealing every 2–3 years. For more, see the full comparison on our stamped concrete page.
Ask for a fixed price, with no surprises
Send us the approximate area, a photo of the ground and where the lorry would get in. We’ll come and look and give you a written quote with every item broken down.
Stamped concrete price FAQs
What people ask before requesting a quote.
How much does stamped concrete cost per square metre in the Axarquía?
It depends on a lot of things: the size of the job, the condition of the ground and base, the thickness, the pattern and colour, and access for the lorry. The price includes concrete, mesh, colour, mould, joints and sealer; ground preparation is quoted separately. We give you a fixed price after seeing the job.
What does the price of stamped concrete include?
A complete stamped concrete quote includes HA-25 concrete, mesh and fibres, colour hardener, stamping with a mould, saw-cut joints and two coats of sealer. It doesn’t usually include digging and laying the hardcore base, lifting an old floor, a concrete pump or drainage, which are itemised separately.
Why do stamped concrete quotes vary so much?
The price difference between stamped concrete quotes is almost always in what you can’t see: the thickness of the concrete, the compacted base, the mesh, the joints and the quality of the sealer. A quote far below the rest usually cuts corners on one of those items, and you pay for it in cracks a year or two later.
How much does a stamped concrete driveway cost?
It depends on the area, whether the base needs preparing and access. For driveways it’s laid 12–15 cm thick with mesh, on a compacted base. You can walk on it after 2–3 days and park on it after 7. Send us the area and a photo and we’ll give you a quote.
Is there a minimum area for stamped concrete?
There’s no minimum area, but on small jobs the price per metre goes up, because the lorry, the crew and the moulds cost the same for 20 m² as for 80. If you have several small areas, it’s worth doing them on the same day.
How much more does wood-effect stamped concrete cost?
A little more than a standard stone pattern. The difference comes from the mould, from working more slowly so the grain lines up and, sometimes, from a second antiquing colour. We itemise it in the quote so you can compare.
Does the price of stamped concrete include preparing the ground?
Usually not. Digging, levelling and compacting a 15–20 cm hardcore base is a separate item, and its cost depends on the condition of the ground. If you already have a sound slab or firm, level ground, that item is reduced or disappears.
How much does it cost to reseal stamped concrete?
It depends on the area and the condition of the surface. It includes pressure washing, drying and one or two coats of sealer. It’s recommended every 2–3 years – at the shorter end near the coast or in very sunny spots. If the colour has faded, resealing almost always brings it back.
