Highlights
Stained concrete floors are durable and easy to clean.
The average total stained concrete cost is $8,000–$15,000.
Costs vary by service level from basic to high-end design.
Concrete stain is permanent, so hire a pro for best results.
Investing in stained concrete floors may add value to your home.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance flooring surface that will last long and look good, stained concrete is an option worth considering. 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 for 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, you can expect to pay an average of $8,000 to $15,000 for stained concrete flooring.
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $11,000 | $18,500 |
Cost to Install Stained Concrete Flooring Near You
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 United States, 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 |
How Much Do Stained Concrete Floors Cost by Type of Stain?
There are two main types of concrete flooring stain.
Acid-based concrete stain
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
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. They can be used to create a wider variety of colors with a more uniform appearance, and are ideal in basement applications where poor ventilation could otherwise lead to chemical exposure.
What Is the Cost of Staining Concrete Floors per Square Foot?
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.
Basic Service
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 Service
Intermediate projects cost $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.
Upgraded Service
For full concrete slab prep and a floor that contains multiple different colors or intricate patterns, you’ll be paying for upgrade service at $8 to $15 per square foot.
High-End Service
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.
Cost to DIY vs. Hiring a Stained Concrete Floor Contractor
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, staining concrete can be a time-consuming project that will take up an entire day.
If you do go the DIY route, you’ll need one gallon of stain for every 200 square feet of space you’re staining. That will cost you $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 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 local 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 which 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.
Staining Concrete Floors FAQs
What other factors influence the total cost of stained concrete?
Other factors that influence the final cost you’ll pay for stained concrete include the size of your job and whether you plan to stain new, unsealed concrete or if your concrete was previously sealed with another material. The removal of old flooring such as carpet or tile can also add to your cost and will require labor to clean and prep your floors.
Will stained concrete floors add value to my home?
Stained concrete floors are easy to maintain and feature a custom look that stands out compared to gray, unsealed concrete surfaces. For both of these reasons, investing in stained and sealed concrete can be worthwhile and may catch the eye of potential homebuyers during resale.
