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Whether it's better to stain or paint concrete depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and DIY skill level. Generally, staining is a more durable option because the stain soaks into the concrete's surface and won't wear away like a topical paint coating. Painting concrete can trap moisture underneath the paint layer, which may cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. However, concrete paint offers a wider variety of colors, is typically easier and less expensive to apply, and is effective at covering up existing stains or blemishes on the surface.

New flooring costs quite a bit, so longevity is important to think about. Concrete generally has the longest life span, but it’s not always a good solution for homes with wooden subfloors. That said, hardwood floors and stone floors can last up to 100 years, and you can refinish or restore them to remove imperfections from daily wear.

Self-leveling compound usually requires up to 24 hours to dry before you can begin installing tile. It’s best to follow the instructions on the self-leveling product label for appropriate dry time. If you’re still not sure, play it safe and give the self-leveling compound two days to dry before you begin the tiling process.

When you’re painting a garage floor, it’s best to use a combination of rollers and brushes. You’ll want to start with a brush, making a border around the edges where the floor meets the wall. From there you can use a roller, though some people also like to do the entire first coat with a brush because it’s easier to work the paint into the textured concrete.