Stained Concrete Flooring

I was swig’n a pint this afternoon at lunch with my buddy / bar owner who just remodeled his bar. The floors were pretty cool, they ended up staining the concrete foundation and adding some designs to give it a cool looking texture. He said the process was pretty painless, a few dudes he knows came in and helped him knock it out, sort of like I help him knock out his beverage inventory. I have considered doing something similar in my man cave. I have one beer on tap, a bar, fridge, pool table, and some comfortable seating for watching games. I think if I ripped out the carpet and stained the floor it would really make the room look cool. Plus, as I spill beer when I’m drunk, I don’t have to worry about staining carpet, I can just mop the stained concrete. So far I haven’t thought of any reason not to do this and I came up with a list of Pros and Cons as I ponder making this epic move. So, I share with you brew drinking, man cave loving, sports watching, ass scratching hooligans my pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Staining

For businesses especially, concrete is something that has gained attention in recent years. As a durable and strong material, it’s perfect for those expecting huge footfall. Also, the appearance of concrete has improved dramatically. Rather than the concrete we might find on the street, concrete floors now look so appealing that they’re utilized in some homes too. 

If you’re currently weighing up the pros and cons of stained concrete, allow us to help. Here’s why you should and shouldn’t choose stained! 

Pros

  • Beautiful Appearance – These days, there’s a wide selection of shades when it comes to concrete staining. With the very best contractors, they will delve into all sorts of shades, deep tones, neutrals, pastels, and more. In fact, some are even able to add waves, swirls, stenciled designs, and marbling designs. In a home or business, this adds character and can make a building seem more welcoming (perfect for all customers who enter!)
  • Flexibility – Often, people think they have to forgo a polished finish when they choose concrete, but this isn’t the case at all. Depending on what you need, you might apply a stain before polishing so you have a fantastic appearance but with a glossy finish. Alternatively, you can use a clear urethane coating and the flooring is suddenly protected from abrasions and spillages. 
  • Cost Effective – Let’s clear up another misconception because concrete staining can be a good investment. Yes, there are cheaper options with carpet and perhaps even laminate. However, it’s more of an investment and the durability of the concrete should protect this investment. 
  • Natural – Finally, why cover up the natural flooring of the home or building with laminate or carpet when you can let it shine instead? Make the most of the underlying concrete flooring and choose to have it stained with a design that suits you. 

Cons 

  • High Initial Cost – It will prove to be a good investment…but investments take some time to pay back. If you have the time to reap these rewards, this is great news. If you can’t afford the initial cost, or you’re planning to move office building in the near future, a cheaper solution might suit your situation better. 
  • Imperfections – Unfortunately, another issue with concrete staining is that discolored areas and cracks can still show. In fact, some experts will tell you that concrete staining actually draws attention to these problem areas. While some cracks and imperfections will tell a story and add character, others may ruin the appearance of the flooring. 
  • Requires an Experienced Hand – With something like carpet, we can actually do this ourselves. Although some choose professionals for installation, there’s no reason why we can’t put in a carpet with little help. On the other hand, concrete staining requires a talented hand with experience. Once the stain layer is down, there’s very little time to play around with special tools before it sets. Once it has set, there’s nothing we can do to change the appearance. 

Summary 

We believe that concrete staining is definitely something to explore. With the high level of customization, it’s possible to truly find a design that meets our needs. Whether in your home or a business building, the acids are versatile, and it allows for a level of personalization simply not possible with carpets, hardwood flooring, and laminates. What’s more, it’s also more durable than a coat of paint. Even if there’s a large number of people walking over the flooring on a daily basis, the fantastic look should last!