how much does a Stained Concrete floor Cost

The basic one color stained concrete floor cost is between $4 - $6 per square foot. Higher end stained concrete floors that include borders or multiple colors can cost between $7 - $15 per sq. ft.

stained concrete floor costOne color stained concrete floor cost is $4 - $6 per square foot

Several factors can increase the cost of staining a concrete floor:

  • Including the size of the area
  • The complexity of the job
  • The type of stain used
  • The condition of the concrete
  • Any necessary surface preparation or repairs. 
  • Additional costs may also include labor, equipment rental, and any necessary permits or fees.
stained concrete floor cost 2Photo courtesy of Polished Decorative Concrete

The stained concrete floor cost for multiple colors like the floor above is $10 - $15 per square foot.

The labor on a stained floor with multiple colors is what costs the most on a project like this.

Below, an upscaled version of a stained concrete floor could cost you $15 - $25 per square foot.

stained concrete floor cost 5Photo courtesy of Owens Concrete Staining
stained concrete floor cost 4Photo courtesy of Owens Concrete Staining

Are stained concrete floors expensive compared to other types of flooring

Staining your concrete floor can be comparable in cost to a number of other flooring products.

Here's a general comparison of the cost per square foot for various types of flooring:

  • Stained concrete floors: $4 - $6 per sq. ft.
  • Carpet: $2 - $6 per sq. ft.
  • Vinyl flooring: $3 - $6 per sq. ft.
  • Ceramic tile: $6 - $15 per sq. ft.
  • Natural stone: $10 - $25 per sq. ft.
  • Hardwood flooring: $9 - $25 per sq. ft.

These prices are estimates found on the internet and can vary based on the actual quality of materials used, the contractor you hire, and your location.

can i save money by diy staining the concrete floor myself?

Staining a concrete floor yourself can potentially save you money on labor costs, but it's important to keep in mind that there are several risks and challenges associated with DIY staining.

Staining concrete is a specialized skill that requires careful surface preparation, the right tools and equipment, and a good understanding of the stain and sealer products being used.

If not done correctly, DIY staining can result in uneven color, discoloration, or other issues that can be costly to fix.

Additionally, the cost of the materials needed to stain a concrete floor yourself can add up quickly, especially if you need to purchase or rent specialized tools or equipment.

It's always a good idea to consider the potential risks and challenges of DIY staining and to weigh those against the cost of hiring a professional.

what would be the cost to diy stain my concrete floor?

The cost to DIY stain a concrete floor can vary depending on the size of the area, the type of stain and sealer products used, and the tools and equipment required.

However, here is a rough estimate of the cost for staining a 500 square foot concrete floor:

  • Stain and sealer products: $100-$250 (depending on the quality and brand of the products)
  • Surface preparation materials (cleaning solutions, acid etch, etc.): $50-$100
  • Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator, etc.): $25-$50
  • Tools and equipment (sprayers, rollers, brushes, etc.): $100-$200 (depending on whether you need to purchase or rent the equipment)

The total cost for DIY staining a 500 square foot concrete floor could be anywhere from $275 to $600 or more.

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost could be higher or lower depending on the specific project and the quality of the materials and equipment used.

what are the different types of concrete stains?

There are two main types of concrete stains: acid-based stains and water-based stains.

  1. Acid-based stains penetrate the surface of the concrete and react chemically with the minerals to create a permanent color. They typically produce a variegated, mottled appearance that can be quite unique and aesthetically appealing. Acid stains are available in a limited range of colors, typically earth tones like browns, greens, and blues.
  2. Water-based stains are typically made from a mixture of pigments, resins, and solvents, and they are available in a much wider range of colors than acid-based stains. They typically produce a more uniform color that can be easier to control and replicate. 

Water-based stains are also generally safer to work with than acid-based stains, as they are less toxic and produce less fumes.

However, water-based stains do not penetrate the concrete as deeply as acid-based stains, and they may require more maintenance over time.

is it a good idea to seal my stained concrete floor?

Yes, it is generally recommended to seal stained concrete floors. Sealing helps to protect the stain and prevent it from fading or wearing away over time.

Sealing also helps to make the floor more resistant to stains, scratches, and other damage, and can make it easier to clean and maintain.

There are several types of sealers available for stained concrete floors, including acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane sealers.

The type of sealer that is best for your floor will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of stain used, the amount of traffic it receives, and is it a residential or commercial location.

What does a stained concrete floor cost?

Here's a simple stained concrete floor estimate.

Water based concrete floor stain cost: $5.00 dollars per sq. ft.

1. Protect walls, doors, etc. with tape & poly
2. Wash and clean the concrete
3. Apply one color of water-based concrete stain
4. Apply 2nd coat of same color if desired to darken
5. Apply 2 coats of water-based concrete sealer
6. Apply 4 coats of floor wax or floor finish

The water based stain, sealer, and floor wax all dry very quickly allowing this process to be completed in one day. This estimate is assuming the concrete floor is in very good condition.

Acid based concrete floor stain cost: $7.00 dollars per sq. ft.

1. Protect walls, doors, etc. with tape & poly
2. Wash and clean the concrete
3. Apply one color of acid stain - let dry 4 hours
4. Re-apply color if darker color is desired - let dry 4 hours
5. Neutralize acid with baking soda/water mixture
6. Immediately rinse floor with clean water - vacuum up water
7. Continue to rinse (3 or 4 times) until water is clean
8. Let floor dry overnight
9. Apply 2 coats of water based concrete sealer
10. Apply 4 coats of floor wax or floor finish

Like I said before, acid based concrete stains require a few more steps and more drying time to complete, that's why the cost is more than water based staining.

Concrete acid stain is more harmful to the surroundings and yourself, you really have to use the proper equipment, wear appropriate clothing, and tape & poly off everything that might receive overspray.

Here are some things that would add to the cost of concrete floor staining:

1. Removing paint off the concrete floor
2. Removing carpet glue off the concrete floor
3. Removing sheetrock putty off the concrete floor
4. Repairing cracks in the concrete floor
5. Applying a concrete overlay to start with a new surface
6. Using multiple concrete stain colors
7. Creating unique designs with sawed patterns

These things could add anywhere from $1.00 to $5.00 dollars per square foot to the cost of staining a concrete floor. I personally go look at every floor that I give an estimate for to make sure I give the customer an accurate quote.

I recommend you get three estimates if you decide to stain your concrete floor. Make sure the concrete staining contractor gives you a written estimate that includes exactly what is included in the price and what isn't included.

I wouldn't hire anyone that doesn't come look at your concrete floor to measure it and see what condition the floor is in.

You want to be able to talk to the contractor, ask them questions, tell them your expectations, and feel confident they know what they are talking about. Be sure to ask for references, I usually include 3 references right on my estimates for the customer to call if they desire.

Hiring an experienced, professional contractor will ensure you get an accurate stained concrete cost.

Return to concrete cost

Return to Home Page

One more way to share everything-about-concrete.com

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.