Durability. Acid-stained concrete doesn't wear out. The surface is inflammable and ultraviolet (UV) light-resistant. Unlike wood staining, when done properly, acid-stained concrete floors don't chip, peel, discolor, or fade.
Depending on the concrete sealer used, it's usually recommended to seal the concrete every couple of years to keep the color from fading. If you choose a high-quality concrete stain and sealer, you may be able to shorten the period between resealing to every 3-5 years.
Low-maintenance: The same properties that make concrete floors so durable also make them easy to care for. Properly sealed concrete floors shrug off dirt, grit, stains, spills, and hard impacts. A little sweeping and damp mopping is all that's required to keep them looking like new.
The resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew makes stained concrete interior floors ideal for rooms where moisture can be a problem, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
Stained concrete can be an excellent choice for your residential house. Due to light foot traffic experienced in residential stained floors, a simple cleaning may renew their fresh look for many years.
Stained concrete costs between $2 and $14.50 per square foot to install. In comparison, tile costs between $13 and $20 per square foot. You could save more than 50% on flooring costs by choosing stained concrete over tile flooring.
Concrete floors can be cleaned simply with dry or damp mopping. Concrete is resistant to abrasion and stains when it is sealed properly. There are no fibers, joints or grout lines that can trap dirt. Minimal maintenace is required.
For almost all exterior applications, concrete stain is the superior solution.
Like any hard, smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet, especially if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color.
Spread The Love! Concrete floors that are stained and sealed don't just look beautiful but are also very durable. But this does not mean they are invincible. If you don't take good care of them, they can develop scratch marks, become dull, and wear out over time.
As with any flooring surface, it is important to keep in mind that stained concrete is not indestructible. It can be damaged by water, heat, and other elements if not properly sealed and protected.
Do I Have To Seal Concrete. We typically recommend sealing and waxing floors on any kind, but it is especially important for interior staining or any exterior areas that are high traffic.
Epoxy covering is an excellent choice if you need to cover up damage; thus, many commercial work environments opt for epoxy. If you want to improve the look and texture of a concrete surface, stain it to look like natural stone, and achieve a solid, long-lasting color.
Keep in mind that all concrete floors will crack, whether polished, coated, or untreated. A concrete slab cracks as part of the initial curing process, and it will crack again over time. Polishing will not change this aspect of concrete's nature, though it may draw attention away from it.
In fact, stained concrete floors cost less than most traditional flooring types and come with numerous bonus benefits. For example, concrete stained floors are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable.
BASIC MAINTENANCE principles
Acid-stained concrete is easy to maintain and will last indefinitely. You just need to follow several basic principles: Dust mop or broom sweep weekly to prevent dirt accumulation. Damp mop monthly to remove smudging, scuffs and water marks, and to restore gloss.
Concrete Acid Staining
They work by chemically reacting with the calcium compounds in the concrete. The acids and metallic salts permanently change the color in the upper portions of the concrete slab. This means two things for acid stained projects. First, the color is very durable and resistant to wear and fading.
Yeah. It cleans just like regular concrete. Our surface cleaners are set up so they're never above 2500 psi. Subcontract the staining to a company who does it with great reviews and take a percentage.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Just as you would regularly vacuum the floor and dust your furniture inside your house, you should keep your patio clean so it's ready at a moment's notice to entertain.
Cons of Polished Concrete Floor
It can be hard underfoot and if something was accidently dropped, such as a plate or glass, it's not going to survive. Cracking: No matter how well your flooring is installed and sealed, over time there will appear cracks in polished concrete floors.
Another drawback of concrete is that it has little insulating value, and it will feel quite cold on winter mornings—unless it has been installed in conjunction with a radiant floor heating system. The inherent coldness of concrete can be offset to some extent through the use of carpets and throw rugs.
Vinyl planks and tiles are one of the most cost-effective flooring options for installing directly over concrete or with a felt underlay. Vinyl flooring is manufactured from linoleum and is a practical, water-resistant option.