Stained concrete floors cost anywhere from $3,000 to $18,500 and $11,000 on average for a 1,000-square-foot space.
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.
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.
Like most types of flooring, the cost of a stained concrete floor is typically 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.
Expect to pay between $2 and $4 per square foot for basic designs. A basic job tends to involve only minor concrete slab prep and a single color of stain.
Intermediate projects cost around $4 to $10 per square foot. If you want a more complex design, you can add an additional color to your floor as part of an intermediate job.
For full concrete slab prep and a floor that contains multiple different colors or intricate patterns, you’ll be paying for upgrade service at around $8 to $15 per square foot.
These services cost anywhere from $12 to $25 per square foot. The most complex stained concrete designs can involve stencil work, saw cuts, or hand-finishing, all of which are considered high-end services. The cost of a stamped concrete patio, for example, adds up to between $8 and $28 per square foot in total.
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.
| Area Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $800 |
| 500 | $5,000 |
| 1,000 | $11,000 |
| 2,000 | $25,000 |
There are two primary types of concrete stains and related costs. We'll detail them more below, but you can opt for either acid- or water-based stain overall. Water-based stains will cost as little as $2 per square foot, whereas the intricate designs pulled off by acid-based designs can cost $25 per square foot.
Materials only account for 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 whole project. Keep in mind that material prices are higher for acid-based stains and projects with multiple colors.
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.
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 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 vary depending on the cost of living in your area and the job complexity.
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.
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.
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Miami, FL | $11,500 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $11,800 |
| Helena, MT | $12,100 |
| Kansas City, MO | $12,600 |
| Hartford, CT | $13,300 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $13,700 |
| Chicago, IL | $14,100 |
| Juneau, AK | $16,100 |
| New York, NY | $16,400 |
| Honolulu, HI | $16,900 |
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.
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.
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.
If you already have a concrete floor, you may be considering staining it as a DIY project to save money on labor. While not an impossible task, learning how to stain concrete can be a time-consuming project that will take up an entire day.
If you do go the DIY route, you’ll need 1 gallon of stain for every 200 square feet of space you’re staining. That will cost you around $0.30 to $0.40 per square foot, or about $60 per gallon. You’ll also need to pay an additional $20 per gallon for a concrete etching solution to treat your concrete before staining it. Since stain is a permanent treatment that chemically bonds with your concrete, any mistakes you make will also be permanent. For that reason, we recommend hiring a pro for the best results.
You’ll also pay for the following gear:
Protective gloves and safety glasses: $20
Plastic sheeting: $30 per roll
Acid-proof paint sprayer: $200 to buy or $15 per hour to rent
Keep in mind that a paint sprayer is a specialized tool you’ll need to learn how to use properly if you want to avoid leaving unwanted marks or streaks on your floors or causing harm to yourself or others with harsh chemicals.
All this being said, you should contact concrete flooring companies near you and get their expertise for staining concrete.
While there are not many features to be added on 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, tinted sealer costs around $100 to $300 for one and a half gallons.
Top coat: Adding a top coat to stained concrete floors will enhance their durability. On average, top coat costs $50 to $100 for one and a half gallons.
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
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Investing in stained and sealed concrete can be worthwhile and may catch the eye of potential homebuyers during resale. The look is sleek and modern and allows new buyers to envision a versatile list of home decor options. Stained concrete floors are also easy to maintain and feature a custom look that stands out compared to gray, unsealed concrete surfaces.
Stained concrete floors are extremely durable and can last a lifetime if properly maintained, which includes properly sealing them every few years or as needed. While some concrete floors can last for decades, exposure to extreme weather conditions may shorten the life span. Also, some stains, such as acid stains, are not as durable as others, and may only last 20 years.
It costs between $600 and $8,400 to stain an average-size concrete patio of around 300 square feet. The wide price range accounts for intricate stains that incorporate multiple colors and stenciling, high-end sealers, and special touches, such as stamping or concrete polishing. Prices can also vary if you need to make multiple repairs to your patio before adding the stain and seal.
