How much does stained concrete cost in Los Angeles?

Alonso Romero

by Alonso Romero
CA State Lic. Concrete & Masonry C-8
CA State Lic. General Contruction - B
Buckaroo Banzai the Concrete Nerd
Actual person performing the job
Date: 06/17/2020
 

How much does stained concrete cost in Los Angeles?

You may have thought about installing tile to update the inside or outside of your home. But have you ever considered stained concrete? With stained concrete, you can have almost unlimited choices in design and color at a fraction of the cost of tile or wood.

In fact, stained concrete can cost as little as $2 to $4 per square foot.

What are the different options for staining concrete?

How much your stained concrete will cost will vary greatly on the project. As your job gets more complex, the price will increase. Here’s a breakdown in prices for different types of projects:

  • Basic stain
    • $2 to $4 per square foot
    • One color
    • Minimal slab preparation
    • Final sealer coat
  • High-end stain
    • $4 to $6 per square foot
    • Stencilled designs
    • Hand applied stains

What factors should I consider in the cost?

There are many factors in play when budgeting for stained concrete. Here are few things to consider when choosing stained concrete for your home:

  • Size of the job: Obviously, how big your job is will be a huge determinant to your budget. You may be surprised to find out that most contractors actually decrease the price per square foot as you increase the size of your project.
  • New vs. Old concrete: New concrete is easier to stain, making it more cost-effective to stain newly installed concrete, rather than trying to stain old concrete that has already been sealed or covered by any other flooring materials.
  • Surface prep requirements: Is your concrete covered by old carpet, tile or other flooring? This will have to be removed and your concrete cleaned and ground in order to stain it. Therefore, expect labor costs to rise if this is the case.
  • Complexity of stain application: Elaborate projects such as faux finishing, multiple colors, or sawcut, sandblasted, or stencilled designs will undoubtedly give a wow factor to your project. They will also require more time and skill, thus raising the price of your project.
  • Type of sealer used: DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS! The sealer you use protects your stained surface for years to come. After creating your incredible design, make sure that it’s properly protected.

How much does it cost to stain my concrete patio in Los Angeles?

In general, it will cost about the same to stain your patio, driveway or other outdoor concrete surface as it would an indoor surface. That’s about $2 to $4 per square foot. The major factors in determining the final cost of your project are how detailed and how large your surface is. Also something to consider is how old or new your concrete surface is. Newer surfaces take less time and labor to prepare for staining.

Why should I stain concrete? Is it cheaper than other options?

While you could opt for wood or tile flooring, stained concrete offers almost limitless choices that are more budget-friendly than other materials.

Stained concrete can cost from $2 to $25 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project. Compare that to ceramic or porcelain tile, which can run from $7 to $24 per square foot or wood which can cost anywhere from $8 to $13 per square foot. Natural stone, such as marble or slate costs between $20 and $50 per square foot.

And it’s not just installation costs you should consider. Consider, also, the maintenance and upkeep of other flooring materials. With carpet, tile, or hardwood, you have to consider the longevity and replacement costs.

Stained concrete that is properly sealed and maintained can last for decades and rarely needs to be replaced. Unlike other flooring materials, stained concrete will not tear or be gouged. It is not vulnerable to mold or water damage either. If the stained surface wears after time, it can often be brought back to life with some touch up staining and reapplication of a protective sealer.

What is the process for staining concrete?

When you decide to stain your concrete, there are several steps involved in ensuring your project turns out gorgeous. First, the surface must be cleaned and prepared. Then, the stain is applied. It’s always a good idea to test the stain on the concrete you are using, as the color may turn out different. Stain penetrates the surface, making it difficult to change the color.mThat’s why you want to get it right the first time. If you are creating any designs, those will be masked out and the separate stains applied. After the stain is applied, the stain is neutralized and cleaned up. After that, the sealer is applied and you now have a fabulous looking slab of concrete.

Can I stain concrete myself?

Of course you can stain concrete yourself. Going the DIY route will save you money ,as you don’t have to pay for labor. However, you’ll run the risks of mistakes, plus the added time it will take to complete your project by yourself. You also may not get the look that you desire. While staining concrete looks like a relatively simple process, remember that while your stain is permanent, so are your mistakes. Leave the staining to the pros.

That’s why we suggest you give us a call at Concrete Decor Contractors. The specialists at Concrete Decor Contractor will ensure your job is completed on time and done right the first time. Call 1-818-722-8124 for a consultation today.