Stained concrete costs roughly $2 to $14 per square foot, while hardwood floors cost between $6 to $25 per square foot. Stained concrete is about half the cost of hardwood flooring.
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.
Stained concrete flooring has become famous for homeowners seeking a durable and stylish option. It offers a unique look that can elevate the aesthetic of any residential space.
The cost of stained concrete can vary greatly. For a basic application of a single stain color with sealer and minimal surface prep, most decorative concrete contractors charge between $2 and $5 per square foot. As the complexity of the job rises, so will the price.
Cons of Concrete Staining
It doesn't improve the floor's strength or durability, and doesn't change it resistance to spills or damage. If you'd like to protect your floors, we recommend combining it with another method (see point above) or opting for a decorative epoxy.
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.
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.
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.
For almost all exterior applications, concrete stain is the superior solution.
A stained concrete floor is a great and durable flooring option, and – good news! – staining one yourself is a surprisingly easy task (although you'll want to avoid one major pitfall we fell into).
Carpet is a simple method for covering a concrete floor; it is not expensive when you lay the carpet yourself. Finally, epoxy kits provide a simple and low-cost way to finish concrete garage or basement floors. Concrete floors in basements or garages may have moisture problems.
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.
Ivory – If you're looking for classy and clean, we recommend painting the concrete floors in a soft ivory color. Such a color instantly makes the basement look nice and clean. And white reflects light very well, helping to make the space look more well-lit. Gray – Gray is still the most popular color for concrete.
Staining concrete can bring new life to a basement floor or outdoor concrete. Surface preparation is an important part of how to stain concrete. Take time to clean the old concrete before the staining process and work carefully as you apply stain to the concrete floor.
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.
More for Your Money
When you compare stained concrete with carpeting of similar quality, you're almost always going to squeeze more out of each dollar. Polished concrete flooring with a basic stain finish will generally run you between $2.50 and $5.50 per square foot.
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.
Concrete Staining would be done the same day as clean & prep after it has dried. Apply the stain and allow to dry overnight and up to 24 hours. If you are doing two coats then you would apply the first coat and allow to completely dry, usually an hour or two.
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.
Affordability. Applying an epoxy floor coating will cost between $3 and $10 per square foot, which is quite affordable than the $5- $12 price tag that a high-end concrete staining will cost you.
Staining concrete is a great way to add color to an otherwise dull surface. The concrete staining process takes about 2 days, is moderately difficult and fairly affordable. New concrete should be fully cured before staining, which takes between 21 and 28 days.
Although concrete stain is permanent and won't flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. You can prevent this wear and prolong the life of your stained concrete by protecting the surface with a clear sealer.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
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.