Stained Concrete Floors Offer Rich Color at an Affordable Cost

SUNDEK has been staining beautiful interior concrete floors for more than 50 years.

Although there are many reasons to love stained concrete, the ability to get a custom look ranks at the top of the list. Stained concrete flooring offers limitless design options. There are a vast amount of concrete stain colors to choose from, and you can also create patterns, designs, and logos.

What colors can you stain concrete?

Staining offers a wide array of color options. Acid stains come in variegated earth tones, while water based stains come in more vivid colors. Often, colors can be customized by diluting or blending with other shades.

See all color charts

Are stained concrete floors expensive?

The cost to stain concrete depends on factors such as the size of your project, the current condition of your concrete, and your location. Often, stained floors are more affordable than other flooring options such as wood or stone. Contact a local contractor to get a quote.

Can you stain existing concrete?

Yes! SUNDEK can take any concrete slab and transform it by refinishing and staining it. Even if your concrete surface is cracked, chipping, or has any other damage, SUNDEK will be able to repair and stain it. In fact, repairing it before staining it is a critical step.

Does stained concrete peel?

No. Unlike paint, stained concrete does not peel because the color penetrates into the surface of the concrete. Read about concrete floor paint versus concrete staining.

Is stained concrete durable?

Yes. When concrete is stained properly, the color won’t fade, chip, or peel away. Although it looks beautiful, you can treat stained concrete the same way you treat any other flooring.

Is stained concrete for indoors or outdoors?

Stained concrete is for indoors and outdoors! SUNDEK will help you determine which sealer is best for your stained concrete so it stays looking nice longer—whether it gets a lot of foot traffic indoors or experiences harsh weather outdoors.

Related: Stained Concrete Driveways

Is stained concrete good for a garage floor?

Staining is an option, but we recommend epoxy coatings for garage flooring. Epoxies can handle abuse from hot tires, lawnmower blades, shovels, and even oil spills.

How SUNDEK does staining & coloring

We have a variety of products available for staining a decorative concrete floor, depending on what you’re looking for.

Read about the difference between staining and dying concrete.

Contact a SUNDEK contractor for guidance on which type of concrete coloring is best for your project.

How to stain concrete

While staining concrete yourself is possible, we recommend working with an experienced professional. Here are the general steps for applying the stain (details vary depending on products used and the type of project).

• Clean surface. Use a pressure washer to remove all contaminants.
• Allow surface to dry completely. There should be no signs of water or moisture, otherwise the coloring effects will be compromised.
• Prepare product. Mix according to instructions. Dilute with water for more variation in tone.
• Apply product. The details of this step vary depending on whether you are staining or dying your concrete floor. Check the instructions to find out if the stain should be applied with a paint roller or sprayer.
• Maintain temperature. It’s important that the surface you’re staining doesn’t get too hot or too cold until the stain has completely dried.
• Seal. Apply a sealer to protect and preserve your newly colored concrete.

Be sure to closely follow instructions for whichever product you decide to use. The information provided here is only a general overview and should not be used as instructions for coloring your floor. Again, we recommend hiring an experienced contractor as there are many nuances when it comes to staining concrete. For example, the method of application and the sealer can both affect the way the color looks when the project is complete. If you'd like to discuss your project, contact a local SUNDEK contractor.

Stained concrete vs. polished concrete floors

Stained concrete and polished concrete are both popular flooring options for commercial or residential properties. Ultimately, the choice between stained or polished concrete floors depends on personal preference, budget, and desired aesthetic.

Stained concrete floors offer a unique and natural appearance, with color variations and textures that mimic the look of natural stone or wood. The staining process involves applying a coloring agent to the concrete's surface. Most staining projects take just a day or two and are fairly affordable.

Polishing, on the other hand, is a multi-step process that involves grinding the concrete surface to a smooth, glossy finish. This takes more time than staining and will cost more money. Using a burnishable stain like SunBurn may be a better option if you want a high-sheen floor with less hassle.

Maintenance

No floor is maintenance free, but maintaining a stained concrete floor is easy. The most important step you can take is to invest in a quality concrete sealer. Sealers come in different sheens, from high gloss to matte. This will make it so that spills won’t penetrate the surface and you can easily wipe them up. You will need to reseal every few years, maybe more often in high-traffic areas. One of our local contractors can advise you on which sealer will work best for your floor.

Day-to-day maintenance includes periodically sweeping and mopping your floor to reduce potential abrasion. SUNDEK has a guide to maintaining your concrete, which includes information on products that will help you keep your floor looking great.