How Much Do Stained Concrete Floors Cost? [2026 Data]

If you’re looking for low-maintenance flooring that will last long and look good, you can expect to pay $3,000 to $18,500 or an average of $11,000 for stained concrete floor costs. You may not be into the cold, gray look of unsealed cement, but adding a stain can imbue these durable floors with a range of colors that will never fade or peel and a look that really pops. 

Whether you want to breathe new life into a discolored concrete surface in your basement or garage, or you’re interested in installing a stylish, easy-to-clean floor elsewhere in your home, budgeting for a stained concrete floor could be the way to go.

Stained Concrete Floors Cost Factors

As is the case with any home project, the shape of your room, preferred design, and the cost of labor in your area will sway the cost of stained concrete floors. And while materials only account for a small percentage of the costs, the stain type can sway the cost as well. Lastly, how much preparation is necessary for the existing floors will also affect the cost of stained concrete floors.

Cost per Square Foot 

The size of the concrete slab you're planning to stain can affect cost in two directions. In many cases, contractors will offer lower per-square-foot prices for larger spaces. Think about it—grouping all the work together in one go cuts down on travel and overhead costs. If you're having the concrete installed at the same time, you can save money on the cost of the concrete slab, stain, and sealant.

However, the larger the area, the more chances there are to encounter hard-to-stain areas. Tricky corners, small entryways, or curved rooms can take more time to stain, increasing the bottom line.

Type of Service

Like most types of flooring, the cost of a stained concrete floor is measured by the square foot. Your cost will depend on the level of service you’re receiving, as more complex projects will involve more time, materials, and skilled labor.

• Basic service: Basic designs cost $2–$4 per square foot. A basic job involves minor concrete slab prep and a single color of stain.

• Intermediate service: Expect intermediate services to cost $4–$10 per square foot. If you want a more complex design, you can add an additional color to your floor. 

• Upgraded service: For full concrete slab prep and a floor with multiple colors or intricate patterns, you’ll pay for upgrade service at around $8–$15 per square foot.

• High-end service: These services cost $12–$25 per square foot. The most complex stained concrete designs involve stencil work, saw cuts, or hand-finishing. The cost of a stamped concrete patio, for example, adds $8–$28 per square foot.

Type of Stain

There are two main types of concrete flooring stains. The design of your floor and where you're planning to stain the concrete in your home will often determine the right type for you. And while water-based stains are less expensive on average, you can achieve more natural hues with acid-based options.

Acid Stain Concrete Floor Cost 

The cost to install acid stains is around $2 to $6 per square foot for basic designs or $12 to $25 per square foot for complex colors and patterns. Acid stains, also called reactive stains, contain hydrochloric acid and metallic salts that chemically react with concrete to produce earthy colors. Acid stains create a marbled or mottled appearance that can even look like wood. 

Water-Based Concrete Stain Cost

The cost to install water-based concrete stains is about $2 per square foot. Water-based stains, or nonreactive stains, are made of water with added polymers and pigments for color. You can use them to create a wider variety of colors with a more uniform appearance, and they are ideal in basement applications where poor ventilation could otherwise lead to chemical exposure. 

Materials

Materials cost about $100 for every 200 square feet of space. The stain, concrete etching solution, prep materials, and stain sprayer account for less than half of the project. Keep in mind that material prices are higher for acid-based stains and projects with multiple colors.

Intricacy of the Stain

Adding a single-color stain is really only the beginning of your concrete floor design options. The higher per-square-foot costs account for multiple colors on one floor, especially when incorporating stencils, etched designs, or unique concrete floor finishes. If you add a stamped pattern and incorporate a stain, add between $8 and $28 per square foot for the cost of stamping the concrete.

Type of Sealer

It's also important to know why and how to seal concrete after adding a stain, even if you leave the job to the professionals. Sealing concrete will keep the color and quality of your concrete looking strong and attractive for much longer. 

The cost of concrete sealing depends on the material and the purpose of your concrete slab, as some require more protection than others. Here are some price options for materials only:

• Acrylic sealer: $0.85–$1.15 per sq. ft.

• Epoxy sealer: $3–$7 per sq. ft.

• Polyurethane sealer: $0.95–$1.10 per sq. ft.

Labor

Labor accounts for around $2 to $14 per square foot, more than half of the cost to stain concrete floors, particularly because the flooring contractors have specialized skills. Labor rates will depend on the cost of living in your area and the job complexity.

Preparation

Preparing your concrete floors for staining is just as important as preparing furniture for a new coat of paint. Your floors should be damage-free, clean, and prepped to receive the stain evenly. They may require a layer of degreasing or sealant stripper. 

Here are some of the additional costs related to concrete floor staining just before the work begins:

• Old floor removal: $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft.

• Concrete repairs: $800–$2,700

• Concrete resurfacing: $3–$5 per sq. ft.

Location

The cost of a stained concrete floor will vary based on where you live. Below are the average total costs in major cities across the U.S., accounting for materials, labor, and equipment in a 1,000-square-foot space.

Why You Should Hire a Concrete Flooring Pro

Staining concrete floors is simple and straightforward in theory, but it’s easy to make mistakes that aren’t easy or affordable to fix. Since stain penetrates concrete, you can’t just sand off the color if you mess up, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Hiring a reputable concrete flooring pro near you will add an average of over $5,500 to your total, but it will help nail the look you’re going for in your home and avoid costly mistakes.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a concrete flooring pro

The labor cost for concrete floor staining is high, but there are some important benefits you’ll get from hiring a pro that make it worth the investment.

• Professionals will know how to prep the surface properly for the best appearance, which could include surface repairs, grinding, or etching.

• DIY mistakes can result in uneven finishes that detract from the look of your home rather than add to its appeal.

• Some concrete stains can be caustic and dangerous to work with or inhale, so leaving the work to a pro can keep you safe.

• Pros have the experience to get the job done quickly, which means you’ll be back to your daily routine more quickly.

If you want to DIY concrete floor staining

While it’s best to leave the majority of the work to an experienced pro, there are some things you can do to help out and potentially save on labor costs.

• Clear furniture and decor from the space before your pro arrives.

• Clean the surface of the concrete to prepare for etching and staining.

• Consider tackling minor surface repairs, like sealing hairline cracks.

• Tape off edges and trim to make the application easier.

• Apply a finish or polish after the stain sets.

Cost of Common Stained Concrete Floor Add-Ons

While there are not many features to add to stained concrete floors, the common additions are sure to upgrade the floor’s look and durability.

• Tinted Sealer: A tinted sealer adds a pop of color or shine to your stained concrete floor. On average, 1 1/2 gallons of tinted sealer cost around $100 to $300.

• Top coat: Adding a top coat to stained concrete floors will enhance their durability. On average, top coat costs $50 to $100 for 1 1/2 gallons.

How to Save on Stained Concrete Floor Costs

If staining concrete yourself is a step too far in the DIY direction, there are plenty of related tasks you can do to cut costs. For example, learn how to clean concrete yourself to cut down on any added fees your contractor may add. 

A few extra cost-saving tips include:

• Meeting with at least three local concrete staining contractors to compare costs and packages

• Opting for water-based stain over acid-based options

• Pairing concrete staining with other jobs, such as slab installation, polishing, and sealing

• Choosing an acrylic or polyurethane sealer

• Foregoing additional design elements such as etching or stamping

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.