Things You Need to Know About Stained Concrete Floors

Posted in: Eco-Friendly Interiors

The use of stained concrete flooring has been gaining momentum for both commercial and residential properties due to its beauty, low cost and durability. Due to its durability, properties that have high traffic, like movie houses, restaurants and hotels, and those that have heavy stationary objects such as showrooms, warehouses and appliance centers benefit greatly from stained concrete floors. Not only do they get the reliable and sturdy surface of concrete, they also get the bonus of eye-catching designs that attract more customers to walk into their establishment.

Stained Concrete is Easy to Maintain

Maintenance can be one of the most significant post-installation factors to consider for your flooring options. Stained concrete floor is less susceptible to breaking or chipping compared to tile flooring. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, stained concrete floors just need an occasional floor wax application, coupled with regular dry dust mopping. Wet mopping can also be done using water or neutral-pH cleaner. If your stained concrete is located on the exterior of your house or establishment, as clear sealer is a good way of keeping your floor long-lasting.

Stained Concrete Colors Last Long

When properly applied, the stain in the concrete will not fade, peel, chip or flake. Once the stain has been applied to a prepped and clean concrete, the stain penetrates below the surface, making a durable and long-lasting rich color that stays true for a long time despite heavy foot traffic. It looks like new with minimal care.

Stained Concrete Colors are Versatile

Depending on the type of stain you will be using (water-based or acid-based), you will have a wide variety of color options. Acid-based stains give your floor a rich and translucent effect, akin to a marble texture. Water-based give an even and consistent color through the surface. Water based stains have a broader range of color options than acid-based stains, but if you want to have elegant effects for your stained concrete floors, like a polished marble, natural stone or tanned leather finish, the latter is the preferred option. There are also many options you can do the available stain colors. You can apply multiple stain colors through layering or blending the colors. Concrete dyes can also be combined to concrete stains to expand the color palette even further and to produce more marvelous effects. Thicker gelled stains can be used with stencils to create decorative designs and artistic patterns, giving the floor a full and continuous design without the cutoff or bordered look from decorative tile floors.

Stained Concrete is Affordable

Stained concrete has a low cost of application. Depending on the complexity of the stain application, concrete surface prep requirements and the size or area of application, the per-square-foot cost runs from $2 to $16. Basic one-coat applications typically cost $2 to $4 per square foot while elaborate and multi-colored coats or those with special design details can cost $16 or higher depending on the skill level and time required for the staining.

Stained concrete can make your regular concrete floors look elegant and classy. With additional installations or surface modifications, staining is an easy and convenient way of achieving a better-looking floor. To achieve excellent craftsmanship and stain application, it is best to let the professionals handle it due to the permanent effects the stain can have on your floor. With the right color, application affects and decorative design that matches your home or building’s interior design, you can achieve a fantastic, long-lasting and durable flooring effect.