Stained concrete can be used for a variety of applications, including patios, indoor flooring, walkways, countertops, and more.
A stained concrete floor adds a shiny, polished finish to the concrete, making it look brand-new.
How much this home improvement project will cost depends on various factors, such as the size of the room and the complexity of the project.
Is Stained Concrete Flooring Expensive?
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The process of concrete staining includes applying a polished finish to new or existing concrete floors.
Staining a concrete floor is the most popular method for residential and commercial concrete flooring improvement.
This cost-effective flooring solution pays off because concrete is extremely porous. It easily absorbs concrete stains of any color and intensity.
The stained concrete floor won’t fade over time, so it’s a long-term home improvement project.
The overall price for a concrete floor staining project depends on many factors, the complexity of the project and the size of the room being the main ones.
The lowest price for stained concrete floors is $2 per square foot. You can expect to pay $15 per square foot for more challenging projects.
A basic concrete floor staining project includes staining, polishing, and overlaying using just one color.
Depending on the type of concrete stain you choose, you can transform the whole room and make it look modern and elegant.
You can install stained concrete floor in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, garage, entryway, basement, or bedroom.
A stained concrete floor can also work with outdoor applications, like the driveway or patio.
The average price for a 1,000-square-foot stained concrete floor is $10,500. When it comes to simple designs, the overall price can drop to $2,850.
High-end stained concrete floor projects with complicated designs and special requirements can cost up to $17,500.
For a smaller space of 500 square feet, concrete floor staining can cost from $2,000 for basic projects to $12,000 for high-end projects.
| Stained Concrete | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Square Foot | $2 to $15 |
| 500 Square Feet | $2,000 to $12,000 |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $2,850 to $17,500 |
Average Cost To Acid-Stain Concrete
Acid stain is the most common type of stained concrete floor. With acid-based stains, you can have the perfect decorative concrete floor.
This solution combines metallic salts, water, and muriatic acid.
An acid stain layer will make your concrete floor look like it’s made of granite or marble. You can even use acid staining to make your concrete floor resemble wood.
The average price of acid stain concrete is $2 to $5.70 per square foot for a simple design. When it comes to more complicated patterns, the price can go up from $11.50 to $23.75 per square foot.
Did you know? Once you apply an acid-based stain on your concrete floor, it will permanently alter its color. This is what makes acid-stained concrete the perfect option for outdoor applications.
There are many more advantages of installing acid-stained concrete floor.
For example, this kind of concrete floor stain is resistant to ultraviolet light, so it won’t fade if exposed to the sun like other types of concrete stains.
Acid stain for concrete flooring is also available in a variety of colors, most of which are earth tones like brown, black, dark green, orange, and the like.
Stained Concrete Floor Cost Factors
A few different factors can influence the total price of a concrete floor staining project.
Concrete Floor Stain Types
First of all, you have to decide the type of concrete stain you want for your floors.
The most affordable and common type of concrete floor stain is acid stain.
You can also choose between various water-based stains, which have better quality, but they’re also slightly more expensive.
Another option is a solvent-based concrete dye. This type of concrete stain requires professional installation, and it can only be used for indoor applications.
Floor Size and Shape
Another major factor is the size and shape of the floor. Naturally, the more space the floor takes up, the more the whole project will cost.
In terms of shape, if the room comes with a lot of curves or angles, the price to stain your concrete floor can be higher.
Similarly, if there are any obstacles in the room, like stairs, doorways, or islands, it will require more materials and increased labor.
Stain Color and Customization
The color and the customization are other factors that can determine the price of concrete floor staining.
A more complex stained concrete floor project can include multiple colors and patterns.
The stained concrete floor overlay can consist of two to three colors, and it can be textured or stamped. The same applies to the layer of polish that goes on top of everything.
A high-end concrete floor staining project can entail stencils, airbrushing, epoxy terrazzo, glass embeds, custom patterns, and multiple patterns.
Other Factors
If your existing concrete floor comes with a lot of cracks and similar damage, you will need to prep it before applying the staining.
The stain finish will still show these imperfections, so you’ll have to repair the concrete surface first. This can include grinding, sanding, removing adhesives, and cleaning.
So, if excessive repair work is required, you will need to increase your concrete floor staining budget significantly.
Factors that can impact the total stained concrete floor cost include the location of the area, the current condition of the concrete, and sanding requirements.
Is It Cheaper To Tile Or Stain Concrete?
It’s cheaper to install stained concrete floors ($2 to $15 per square foot) than tiles ($11 to $22 per square foot).
If we were to talk about high-end projects, one square foot of stained concrete flooring can cost from $8 to $15.
The price for luxury, high-quality tiles can go from $22 to $35.
For a 1,000-square-foot stained concrete flooring project, you can expect to pay at least $10,500 on average. A same-sized tile project can cost up to $17,500.
| Tiles | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Square Foot | $11 to $22 |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $10,500 to $17,500 |
Did you know? It’s more difficult to install tiles than it is to apply a layer of concrete stain. The low cost of labor makes stained concrete a better option if you’re on a budget.
While tiles can be installed by homeowners, you should leave concrete floor staining to professionals. The following section will explain why this is the case.
DIY vs Pro Concrete Stainers
If you decide to stain your concrete floor by yourself, you’ll be able to save some money.
For example, if you want to stain your concrete floor without the help of professionals, you can expect to pay $170 for all the necessary materials.
That being said, the concrete floor staining process is more difficult than it seems.
You will be required to prepare the existing concrete, apply the stain, and neutralize it if necessary. The last step is to seal the surface for long-term protection.
You will also need to have various materials and tools for this project.
The most important part of staining concrete floors is the concrete prepping part.
If you make a mistake, you won’t be able to fix it. You will need to be extra careful and pay attention to detail every step of the way.
Keep in mind that stained concrete floors are permanent, which is why you might want to consider hiring a professional concrete contractor.
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Stained Concrete Floors Cost vs Hardwood
Installing a hardwood floor is cheaper than tiles, but more expensive than stained concrete floors.
To be more precise, while one square foot of stained concrete flooring can cost from $2 to $15, the same amount of hardwood can cost from $8 to $12. For 1,000 square feet of space, you would need to set aside $6,000 to $12,000 for hardwood flooring.
| Hardwood | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Square Foot | $8 to $12 |
| 1,000 Square Feet | $6,000 to $12,000 |
The main difference between stained concrete floors and hardwood floors is the way they can transform a space.
When you add a stain polish to your concrete floor, it usually creates a contemporary effect.
Hardwood floors make a room look more rustic and charming.
It’s easier to clean and maintain stained concrete floors. Not to mention that concrete floors can radiate heat and solar energy, while hardwood floors can’t.
What’s more, hardwood floors are vulnerable to moisture and humidity damage. Stained concrete floors are simply more sustainable and efficient.
Stained Concrete Floors Cost vs Tile
We already discussed the price differences for installing stained concrete floors and tiles. Let’s talk about which option is a better solution for your home.
These two flooring options have many similarities.
For instance, they can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Did you know? Both stained concrete and tile flooring options can’t be damaged by moisture, and they can’t harbor mold, mildew, and similar allergens.
While they have a lot of similarities, they’re far from identical.
Not only is stained concrete flooring more affordable than tiles, it also requires less maintenance, and it’s easier to clean.
Another major advantage a stained concrete floor has over tiles is that there are no tile grout lines that you would constantly have to clean.
In terms of longevity and performance, stained concrete flooring is definitely a better option. Tiles can also be durable, but it depends on the material you choose.
The only area where tiles beat stained concrete is variety.
Unlike stained concrete, tiles are available in a wider spectrum of colors and patterns.
Cost To Stain Concrete Pool Deck
Staining a concrete pool deck is a wonderful idea, as doing so will prolong this area’s lifespan.
If staining your pool deck is something you had in mind, it’s best to use acid stain for the concrete, as it’s ideal for outdoor applications.
Another option to stain you pool deck is to use integral concrete dye, which doesn’t require a sealer. This will prevent the pool deck from getting slippery when it gets wet.
The price of concrete staining your pool deck depends on a few aspects, like the size and shape of the pool deck and the overall quality you’re going for.
The materials for this stained concrete project can cost from $456 to $980. Regarding the installation cost, the labor is estimated at $2,000 to $2,660.
The price for a stained concrete pool deck is $7.40 to $10 per square foot, which means the whole project can cost from $2,543 to $3,640.
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Stained Concrete Floors Pros And Cons
If you’re still not sure whether you should stain your concrete floors, here’s what you need to know.
Pros Of Stained Concrete Floors
There are many reasons why you might want to install stained concrete floors in your house.
Not only are they extremely durable, they’re also easy to maintain and are hypoallergenic.
You only need to clean them regularly and wax them every two years, and they will stand the test of time.
Thanks to the nature of stained concrete, no two applications will look the same.
Concrete stains are available in a variety of tones, from more subtle ones, like earth tones and neutrals or more vibrant colors. You can even mix two to three colors to get a unique pattern.
Stained concrete floors can create a warm and welcoming environment in your house.
Concrete staining is an affordable, budget-friendly home improvement project.
Instead of removing your old floors and installing new ones, the stain layer goes over the existing concrete. You’ll just have to prepare it.
They’re energy-efficient in colder climates, as they can retain heat and release it.
Most importantly, stained concrete floors are long-lasting. If properly maintained, you won’t see any signs of wear and tear for years.
Cons Of Stained Concrete Floors
If the existing concrete surface is damaged, staining won’t be able to conceal any scratches or cracks in the concrete.
Stained concrete floors can become slippery, especially if you spill something on it or mop it with water.
There is a way to prevent having slippery stained concrete floor. You’ll need to talk to your contractor about using a nonslip additive for the floor.
Do Stained Concrete Floors Add Value To Your Home?
Installing stained concrete floors does add value to your home.
That’s because concrete floor staining is seen as a long-term investment. If done right, a stained concrete floor can last for 100 years.
Stained concrete flooring adds a special effect to a home and makes it stand out, which is important if you ever decide to sell it.
Pro Tip: Concrete staining is not the same as concrete dyes. While dyeing your concrete floor just adds a layer of paint that can easily peel or chip over time, staining penetrates through the concrete. It’s much more durable, and it will stay there permanently. If you want a long-term flooring improvement project, stained concrete is the way to go.
Get Familiar With Concrete Staining
Concrete floor stains bring new life to your dull concrete floors. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home and make it seem welcoming.
As opposed to other flooring solutions, staining a concrete floor doesn’t cost as much, and it pays off in the long run.
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