Many homeowners find that stained concrete floors add style and elegance to the house. When you decide whether you want stained or polished concrete floors, the price you pay might make a difference.
The average cost for staining concrete that’s 1,000 square feet is $11,000. However, it could cost $3,000 for simple designs (per square foot) or be as high as $18,500 if you wish to have a complex pattern.
Adding colors and patterns to the concrete floor or driveway could be a more cost-effective way to get a new style and appearance. Plus, you can use concrete for garage floors, as well.
Staining concrete often runs $7 to $15 per square foot. However, contractors might charge $2 to $4 per square foot for simple jobs and up to $25 a square foot for a high-end design. Regardless, these floors are extremely durable and will last a long time. Let’s learn more about staining costs!
2023 pricing insights: Stained concrete floor costs unveiled.https://t.co/ivawaLM3na pic.twitter.com/NxdMxOsqAL
— Austin Innovative Concrete (@AustinInnovati1) October 24, 2023
Factors for Stained Concrete Floors Cost
The cost of the concrete stain project depends on various factors, such as the total square footage, the type of stain you need, and more. It’s best to call Austin Innovative Concrete to get an exact quote. However, here are a few guidelines to help you begin the budgeting process for the job:
Per Square Foot – Stained Concrete Price
You can find many concrete stains, each with its design elements. Whether you want a primary and single-color stain or something more elaborate with stencils, here is a breakdown of the price per square foot:
- Staining concrete costs $2 to $4, including minor preparations to the concrete slab, a single color, and a final sealant coat.
- The intermediate cost to stain concrete is $4 to $10, including minor slab preparations, two colors, and a final sealant coat.
- The upgraded cost to stain concrete is $8 to $15 and includes slab preparations, multiple colors, and intricate patterns.
- High-end prices range from $12 to $25, including full slab prep, saw cuts, stencil work, and hand-finishing.
Type of Stain Used
There are two primary stain types: water-based and acid-based stain. Both give different results. Therefore, if you want the wow factor, you’ll probably need acid-based stains, but water-based ones are less toxic and easier to apply. Let’s learn more about them.
Water-based Stain
Water-based stains are called non-reactive stains. They’re made with pigments and polymers to add color. They’re less toxic than others and have an easy cleanup process.
Though acid-based stains react chemically with the material, water-based stains will only seep into the concrete’s pores. Still, you have many color options, such as bright hues, metallic, white, and black.
Water-based stain costs are similar to acid-based ones and are simpler to do. Therefore, you could expect to pay about $2 to $15 per square foot to stain concrete with a water-based product.
Acid-based Stain
On the other hand, acid-based concrete stains will produce more eye-catching and dramatic floors. The stains feature metallic salts and hydrochloric acid, which interact with the concrete chemically. You can find earthy tones or choose gold, green, blue, and orange hues. Plus, acid stains could look like natural stones, marble, leather, and stained wood.
These stains run about $2 to $6 per square foot for a basic design, but they can cost up to $25 for more intricate patterns.
Home’s Location
Your concrete stain job might cost more than normal per square foot, depending on where you live. Stained concrete floors in New York or Miami would be at the higher end of the spectrum, but those in Austin, Texas, will generally pay less.
Location within the House
More expensive and elaborate concrete stain jobs are done inside the house. It will generally cost about $2 per square foot for single-color and essential projects. However, multiple colors and details could cost $25 a square foot. Higher-end options will likely include stenciling, but the stain might appear like stone or marble.
Outdoor projects can include driveways and patios, which cost about $3 to $10 per square foot. However, this depends on the size of the area you’re staining, so the project might be more or less affordable.
Sealers
Sealing concrete floors will help them last up to 30 years and offer more protection from scaling and cracking. However, it would be best to have the right sealer for your existing concrete surface. Here are the options available if you want sealed concrete in your home:
- Penetrating Sealers – These chemically react with your concrete and are primarily used outside. It’s a straightforward solution and won’t alter the stain’s appearance. Plus, it will protect the material from the weather but is still breathable. Therefore, moisture can leave and won’t be trapped. It costs anywhere from $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot.
- Polyurethane Sealers are thicker than acrylic options and come in solvent- or water-based formulas. Like a penetrating sealer, moisture can’t leave the surface, so it’s not ideal for driveways. These cost about $0.26 to $1.00 per square foot.
- Acrylic Sealers – These can create a film atop the concrete and be solvent-based outdoors or water-based for the interior. It will protect the surface from moisture and costs about $0.05 to $0.07 per square foot.
- Urethane Sealers are highly durable and come as a solvent- or water-based. You could use it outdoors and inside, but they aren’t great for driveways. Urethane sealers won’t bond quickly to concrete, so you might have to prime the surface using epoxy beforehand. They cost about $0.11 to $0.14 per square foot.
- Polyaspartic Clear Coat Sealers – These will stay atop the concrete and won’t seep into it. Usually, they’re solvent-based and are great for cracked surfaces. It costs about $0.25 to $0.38 per square foot.
Prep Work
Before you apply the stain to the concrete floors, you should test the flooring by spraying water. If it beads on the floor, you should sand it or use a floor prep product, which is about $17 per gallon.
However, if the water features a rainbow hue, there’s oil on it. You’ll need a degreaser, which can cost about $12 per 32 ounces. Likewise, if the water absorbs into the floor, you should clean it with a concrete cleaner.
Now, you’ll have to determine what paints, adhesives, coatings, and sealers are already on the concrete. They should be removed; the stain won’t set correctly otherwise.
You can use a sealer stripper and hot water to remove water-based sealants. However, solvent-based products require Xylene and a pressure washer cleaning. Paint removal will use a paint stripper, and carpet glue can be sanded down.
Likewise, you will need to repair the cracks, which can cost $2 per square foot. If you resurface the flooring, it will generally cost about $2 to $3 per square foot.
Location Type – Stain Concrete Costs
Concrete staining can be done outdoors and indoors. Here are a few popular options for concrete staining around the home:
Flooring
It is possible if you want stained concrete flooring in the bedroom, living room, or the entire house. However, the total cost depends on the complexity of the job. Basic stains feature a single color; a high-end stained concrete floor might require stenciling.
It is possible to stain concrete floors. Here is the stained concrete floor cost you might pay per 500 square feet:
- Basic Design – $2,000 to $4,000
- Intermediate Concrete Floor Design – $4,000 to $10,000
- Upgraded Concrete Floor Design – $8,000 to $15,000
- High-end Concrete Floor Design – $12,000 to $25,000
Basement
If you want a stained concrete floor in the basement with poor ventilation, you’ll need a water-based stain to lower the chemical exposure. Water-based stains typically feature lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and emissions, which would impact your indoor air quality.
You will pay to stain concrete floors in the basement from $5,500 to $11,000 per 500 square feet. This is based on an average price of $11 per square foot. You might have to repair the concrete flooring before staining, which costs roughly $2 per square foot, but resurfacing costs anywhere from $2 to $3 per square foot. This is on top of the staining price.
Driveway
Many homeowners want the driveway to match the concrete flooring in the house. A stained concrete driveway will increase curb appeal, so it’s a great investment. However, a stained concrete driveway will range from $4 to $10 per square foot (basic designs.) You will also likely want an acrylic sealer.
Patio
Concrete staining works well on a patio and can elevate the space. Since it’s outside, you’ll require a sealer to ensure longevity. A stained concrete patio will generally cost about $3 to $7 per square foot for the sealer and stain. However, it might be more for complex designs. If you install a concrete patio, the average price will be $4,000.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of Stain Concrete Flooring
Concrete staining isn’t considered a DIY job, even if you have an existing concrete floor. Most people have never tackled a concrete stain project before, so they don’t know where to begin. Likewise, you won’t have the tools necessary to create the stained concrete floor, so it’s generally best to hire a professional.
Stained concrete flooring is beautiful and features lower maintenance costs in the long run. However, it’s wise to hire a professional. Austin Innovative Concrete can help. The team focuses on grinding concrete to polish it and will also add the appropriate stain. Call (512) 333-4293 for a quote today!