Wood plank stamped concrete is one of the most impressive finishes in the concrete contractor's toolkit — and one of the most misunderstood. Done well, it looks remarkably like real wood decking from a distance. Done poorly, it looks like concrete with lines in it. The difference comes down to color layering. A single-color pour stamped with a plank pattern reads as fake immediately. A skilled contractor applies a base color, stamps the pattern, then adds hand-applied accent colors in varying tones to replicate the natural grain variation of real wood. The result can be genuinely convincing. Wood plank stamped concrete costs $13–19/sq ft installed — less than real composite decking and far less than hardwood. The practical advantages over real wood are significant: no warping, no splinters, no annual refinishing, and it holds up around pools without the moisture damage that degrades real timber. If you've ever wanted the look of a wood deck without the maintenance commitment, this is the finish worth considering.