Concrete can be colored and stamped to simulate other materials such as natural stone (granite, slate, cobblestone, etc.) or brick at about half the cost of using the real thing. This is because to use masonry stone or brick, a concrete foundation or slab must be poured first, then the stone or brick must be installed, then mortared. With stamped concrete, only concrete is used, so there is less invested in materials and labor.

Although less expensive than using real masonry materials, stamped concrete is a specialty and therefore more expensive than regular or exposed aggregate concrete. It is always advisable to have the contractor create a sample before starting a project to make sure both the consumer and the contractor understand the expectations.