- 16493 Bodman Rd Mt. Orab, OH 45154
- info@empirehome.solutions
- Deck Division: 513-513-DECK(3325)
- Office: (513) 773-1567
Decorative Concrete in Cincinnati & Montgomery, Ohio
Empire Home Solutions applies decorative finishes to concrete for homeowners across Cincinnati and Hamilton County — integral color, acid staining, exposed aggregate, and scored patterns that give a plain slab real visual character. The appeal is simple: you get the look of upgraded hardscape without the cost of pavers or natural stone. But decorative concrete is unforgiving of shortcuts, since techniques like acid staining depend entirely on timing and curing. So we use UV-stable products and correct application, not rushed guesswork. As a result, every decorative concrete finish resists fading and carries our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.
By Chris Kestel, Founder & Owner · Last Updated August 2026
A+ BBB Accredited · UV-Stable Stains & Sealers · Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty
A+ Rated · Fully Insured & Bonded · Lifetime Warranty
Signs Decorative Concrete Is Worth Considering
Decorative concrete isn’t for every project, but in several cases it’s the clear value play. Here’s when to consider it.
- You want more than plain gray without paver prices. Decorative techniques add character at a fraction of the cost difference.
- You want a color that matches your home. Integral color and staining beat settling for standard gray.
- You have a plain slab that’s sound but dated. Several decorative techniques apply to existing concrete without a full replacement.
- You want texture plus slip resistance. This matters especially around pool decks or covered patios that stay damp.
- You love the look of natural stone. Exposed aggregate approximates it at a meaningfully lower price and less upkeep.
- You’ve seen stamped patterns. You may want stamping specifically, or a different decorative technique may fit your project better.
Not sure which technique fits? That’s exactly what the consultation sorts out.
Our Decorative Concrete Process
We match the technique to the look and the slab. From consultation to sealing, here is how it works.
1. Style & Technique Consultation
First, we walk through your color, texture, and pattern goals, then recommend the technique that actually fits — staining, exposed aggregate, scoring, or stamping.
2. New Pour vs. Existing Slab Assessment
Next, we determine what’s possible. Some techniques work on new pours only; others, like overlays and certain stains, apply to sound existing concrete.
3. Sample Review
Then you review physical samples of stain colors, aggregate options, or pattern templates in your actual outdoor lighting, not a showroom.
4. Fixed-Price Quote
After that, one written number covers the base concrete (if new) plus the specific decorative technique.
5. Application & Sealing
Finally, we apply the treatment with correct technique and timing, then seal it to protect color and finish from UV and weather.
Integral Color Concrete
We mix color directly into the concrete during batching, so it runs through the full depth of the slab rather than sitting only on the surface. Consequently, chips and wear don’t expose gray underneath.
Concrete Staining
Our concrete staining uses acid-based reactive stains for variegated, natural-looking color, or water-based stains for more consistent, predictable results. Because staining is timing-sensitive, correct application is everything.
Exposed Aggregate Finishes
We wash away the top layer of cement paste after pouring to reveal the decorative stone underneath, creating a textured, natural-stone-like surface. Therefore, you get that stone look at a lower price point.
Scored & Engraved Patterns
We cut decorative patterns into cured concrete to mimic tile, flagstone, or custom geometric designs, without the cost of individual units. As a result, one slab reads as a patterned surface.
Decorative Overlay & Resurfacing
Our decorative overlay applies a decorative topping over existing, structurally sound concrete. So an aging plain slab gets a new decorative surface without a full tear-out and re-pour.
Stamped Concrete Patterns
We also install stamped concrete — textured, patterned concrete that mimics brick, stone, or wood. Because technique and timing affect the outcome so heavily, stamping is covered in more depth as its own service.
What Does Decorative Concrete Cost in Cincinnati?
Decorative concrete cost depends entirely on the technique. Integral color and basic staining add a modest premium over plain concrete. Exposed aggregate, detailed scoring, and stamping add more, given the extra labor and material involved. Even so, all decorative options typically remain less expensive than an equivalent paver or natural stone installation — that price gap is the whole appeal of decorative concrete solutions. Whether the finish goes on a new pour or an existing slab also moves the number. Rather than quote from a photo, we assess the slab and technique, then itemize it in writing.
Brands We Build With
Fully Insured & Bonded
Specialty chemicals and equipment on-site are fully covered.
Timing Done Right
Acid staining and stamping depend on correct timing and curing; we won't rush that to save a day of labor.
Sample-First Approach
You see real samples in your own lighting before committing to a finish that's hard to redo.
Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty
Our application workmanship is covered for life; we'll walk you through routine sealer reapplication.
UV-Stable Products
We use stains and sealers built to resist fading in direct sun, not budget products that fade within a season or two.
Honest Technique Advice
We recommend the technique that fits your look, not the one with the biggest margin.
Decorative Concrete Service Area
We provide decorative concrete services throughout Cincinnati, Montgomery, Indian Hill, West Chester Township, and Mason, plus the surrounding Hamilton and Butler County communities. Because decorative finishes read differently in different light, we always review samples on-site rather than from a catalog.
Decorative Concrete FAQs
What's the difference between stamped concrete and other decorative techniques?
Stamped concrete presses textured mats into workable concrete to create a pattern mimicking brick, stone, or wood. Staining, exposed aggregate, and scoring instead change color and surface texture without necessarily creating a raised or embossed pattern. Each achieves a different effect, and the right choice depends on the look you want.
Can you add a decorative finish to concrete that's already poured?
Some techniques — particularly certain stains and decorative overlays — apply to existing, structurally sound concrete. Exposed aggregate and stamping generally must be part of the original pour, since they involve manipulating the concrete while it’s still workable.
How long does decorative concrete staining last?
Properly sealed stain lasts many years. The sealer itself typically needs reapplication every few years depending on foot traffic and sun exposure, which maintains both color vibrancy and surface protection.
Does decorative concrete cost significantly more than plain concrete?
It depends on the technique. Integral color and basic staining add a modest premium. Exposed aggregate, detailed scoring, and stamping add more due to labor and material. All decorative options, though, typically remain less expensive than an equivalent paver or natural stone installation.
Which decorative finish is best for a pool deck or damp area?
Exposed aggregate and broom-textured decorative finishes add slip resistance, which matters most around pools and covered patios. We factor traction into the recommendation whenever an area stays wet.
Will the color fade over time?
Quality UV-stable stains resist fading well, and regular sealer reapplication protects the color. Budget products fade far faster, which is why we use UV-stable stains and sealers as standard.
Tired of Plain Gray Concrete? Let's Talk Color, Texture, and Pattern.
Decorative concrete delivers meaningfully more visual character than a standard gray slab without jumping to paver or stone pricing. The right technique just depends on the look you’re after — and getting the timing and products right is what separates a finish that lasts from one that fades in a season.
Call (513) 773-1567 to talk through decorative options, or send your details online and we’ll schedule a consultation.