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Concrete stain should last for five to 20 years, depending on the type of stain you use. Acid-based concrete stains can last up to 20 years if they’re well-maintained, though you'll do well to reseal the concrete every few years. Water-based concrete stains will last about five years before the color begins to fade, especially on outdoor concrete projects that see UV light, rain, and snow. Most homeowners reseal their stained concrete every three to five years to maintain the color, regardless of the type of stain they used.

You can refresh the look of old concrete steps by investing in concrete resurfacing, which can serve to patch crumbling or broken sections of concrete. You can also paint or stain it if there isn’t any surface damage to address and you’re just dealing with discoloration. For a quick and easy solution, you can also cover up any unsightly spots with potted plants, garden statues, lanterns, and other decorative items. Even if they don’t completely disguise the problem areas, they’ll still spruce up the overall look.

A concrete overlay should be 1/4 of an inch to 2 inches thick to form a strong layer on top of a base slab. The thickness depends on the condition of the existing concrete and the depth of your design and imprints. You should repair and clean the surface before applying a primer and a layer of fresh concrete.

Polished concrete gets its glass-like finish from several rounds of polishing, using increasingly finer grit diamond grinding pads. The concrete’s hardness will determine which grits you need to get your desired finish. The densifier and sealer also contribute to the look of the final floor, so either talk to a concrete pro (or hire one) to achieve the right concrete floor finish.