Have You Ever Thought About Staining Your Concrete Homes?
Before you spend thousands of dollars on installing new flooring, give stained concrete floors a try! Stained concrete is an affordable and eco-friendly way to update your home without the hassle. It adds color and design to your outdoor patio or living room while also protecting it from stains. Suppose you're looking for more information about stained concrete before making the decision. In that case, this blog post will cover all of your questions!
What is stained concrete, and what is it used for?
Stained concrete is a surface finish made from combining cement and pigments. It can be used for both commercial and residential purposes, such as patios or house floors. Stained concrete floors is an excellent option for homeowners who want to add value, beauty, and functionality to their homes. Austin TX residents choose concrete stain over wood flooring in the kitchen because it adds warmth while remaining very durable and at an affordable price. It can be used on any level of your home, including basement floors, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Typical patio-stained concrete mistakes to avoid
One of the most popular reasons is because it has low maintenance cost. Because it's cement, you can be sure that any stains or discoloration will fade out over time, especially if they are exposed to sunlight.
This means there is no need for harsh chemicals or power washers! It also doesn't require sealing on an annual basis, which makes this material more environmentally friendly than some other options since fewer new materials have to be used and disposed of each year.
In addition, many people who do not want complete outdoor renovations enjoy using decorative concrete floors around their home so they can avoid being inconvenienced by construction work in their yard. The last reason stained concrete may be a good choice for you is that it's straightforward to install.
What are the different types of stained concrete?
There are several different types of stained floors you can choose from for your decorative concrete project. You can always go with a simple stain or concrete polishing, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, why not try some of these unique options instead.
Acid stain - a more vibrant and colorful choice. Also known as acid etching, it's the process of applying an oxidizing agent to expose the existing surface texture or aggregate below. This is done with chemical cleaners that are used by spraying or brushing on the concrete flooring so you can see what kind of effect it will have before making your final decision. The cleaner can be applied by hand or with a machine and then rinsed off thoroughly to reveal the color hidden beneath the concrete's natural surface.
Integral stain - is done by staining the top layer of your concrete floor, giving you complete coverage over its entire flooring and resulting in rich and deep colors. It's a beautiful effect and very durable as well, making it the perfect choice for those who want their Austin stained concrete flooring to stay looking great on its own without needing any other type of protection or maintenance down the road.
Acid stain over integral - as we mentioned above, you can also choose this option that will give you more vibrant colors that will surely impress.
Metallic stain - this is an excellent option if you want your concrete floor to have a bright metallic look that can't be missed by anyone who walks in the door every day, so it's great for public spaces or homes with high traffic. It's also very durable and easy to clean without any issues whatsoever since it has a similar look to that of an oil spill, so you don't have to worry about it getting dirty or scuffed up over time.
Solid color - the most common option for many reasons, including durability, affordability, and low maintenance. There are also different colors available, ranging from natural earth tones like sandstone and taupe to vibrant red, orange, and yellow shades.
Personalized coloring - you can choose to add any personalization or artwork that you like when making your home look great with stained concrete surfaces. This is perfect for homes with children, pets, or even homeowners who want something unique instead of everyone else's same old generic style.
Topical color - is done by applying thin layers of colored concrete, which are applied one at a time to the concrete surface with either brushes or sprayers, depending on your preference and budget. It's unique looking since it has an almost mosaic design quality. Still, once all of the layers have been added together, you'll have a fantastic result that's perfect for those who want something dramatic and eye-catching.
Acid stain over topical color - you can also choose this option which will give more vibrant colors than just the single-colored concrete itself, so it looks even better when all of your layers are combined into one final design.
Benefits of stained concrete
If you're considering stained concrete for your home, here are some things you should know about this durable product:
Decorative concrete can look like anything, whether you want a vintage-looking brick pattern or an ultra-modern black and white design. Stained concrete can imitate just about any other material on the market today. You can even add decorative elements such as metal strips or raised panels if desired.
Stained concrete flooring can also imitate materials like marble, granite, wood, and even tile. These days you'll find this type of flooring with both matte finishes and glossy ones. When stained correctly, the finish will make your space look unique to anyone who walks in off the street—and it's guaranteed not to fade or chip for years.
Stained concrete can be applied to any surface, including existing floors or new construction. You can also choose from various stains and finishes, so it's easy to get exactly what you want without spending an arm and a leg on custom materials.
The great thing about a stained concrete floor is that no two installations are alike—and they're not just for homes or businesses. You can install this type of flooring in garages, patios, and even boat decks as well!
How to decide which kind of decorative concrete to get for your project?
It's essential to consider the pros and cons of each type of stained concrete, as well as which one is right for your project.
Know what you want
Know what you want before talking with a concrete stain contractor or designer about your ideas. There are many different types of stains available today, so it's best to have an idea in mind about specific colors that will work best with the space you're looking at decorating.
Consider your budget
The second thing you should do is look at your budget. How much are you willing to spend on the project? There are ways of getting lower-priced options, but they will lack certain features that others offer. You'll need to know what works best for your price range if you want the right kind of stained concrete for your home.
Ask for references
You can also ask friends and family who have had their refurbishments or renovations done in their homes about which type was used in their projects. This may be an excellent place to start when looking into various kinds available today. There may be even some people in your area who have expertise with different types of stains themselves! Ask them how long it took them to complete the process and if they had any difficulties.
Consider the project space
Who will be using this space? What type of furniture and decorating ideas do you have in mind for the room? If there's a lot of foot traffic, it may not matter so much what kind of stained concrete is used since it'll get dirty quickly anyway!
But, on the other hand - perhaps you plan to keep your floors looking clean by having lots of area rugs or carpeting. In these cases, a more expensive option with a higher quality stain might work best for you because it could resist dirt from being tracked onto the floor better than others.
Sunlight orientation
Which way does your home face when it comes to sunlight? For instance, some stains were created specifically for rooms that receive an abundance of sunlight. The stain will reflect the light and make your concrete flooring look brighter than other options would - so it's essential to consider this when searching for the perfect stained concrete contractor for your home!
Another thing you'll want to think about is if there are any rooms in your house that get a lot of natural sunlight but still lack adequate lighting within them. Perhaps having some artificial illumination could help increase visibility. What type do you already have throughout the rest of the home?
Can it be repaired?
It's also good to know what kinds can be repaired easily. If accidents happen with pets or even children running around, chances are they might trip over something one day and damage part of their room or yours! You'll need an option that comes with a warranty and can easily be fixed afterward.
Know your concrete staining needs
Some stains are better for areas with lots of activity, while others may hold up well in bedrooms where people spend more time relaxing or sleeping. The right choice will depend on your needs as an individual homeowner!
Why are some concrete stains more expensive?
It's important to remember that while most Austin concrete staining companies will charge for their services on an hourly basis, the quality of work is what determines how long it takes them. So, suppose you have a particular look in mind, or they need to do any extra prep before applying the stain. In that case, this will take additional time and therefore cost more than a company offering less customized services such as using an all-purpose stain.
Some stains are also applied in layers, which means they need to be sealed or shined after each coat is used not to damage the underlying layer before the last one has thoroughly dried. This can be done as part of the service or added on later for an additional fee.
Another thing to keep in mind has a large area with many different surfaces and corners. It will take longer than simply working on one room at a time, so multiple technicians may need to be assigned to your job site. This also means that you might have to pay a service charge for each one, which quickly adds up.
How to choose the right concrete staining company?
It can be tough to know which one is right for you, with so many Austin concrete staining companies to choose from. Think about what kind of look you are going for with the project, budget constraints, and how important customer service is to your experience. Once you have that figured out, it's time to start calling around.
The most important piece of advice is to know what kind of look you are going for with the project before you even begin searching for Austin TX decorative concrete companies. Does your home need a facelift? Are there stains or scuffs on the concrete driveway from heavy foot traffic over the years? Does the garage or back patio have a patch of worn-away concrete that needs replacing? How about the pool deck? Do you want it to stand out in your backyard with bright colors and some flair?
If there are no specific stains on your driveway or other parts of the home, then you can choose from color-enhancing options. One of the greatest things about concrete staining is that you can choose from a wide range of color options. It's an easy way to update your space without committing to ripping up old carpet, refinishing hardwood floors, or adding new furniture.
Do not forget to mention how vital customer service is in your experience! You want someone who will show up on time to your home, be passionate about the project and get it done on time. You want someone professional from start to finish with no confusion or delays!
A decorative concrete company charging more may still save you money because their quality will be higher and therefore last longer than an inferior product would. This means fewer repair costs down the road, which offsets some additional upfront expenses during installation. But still, be wary of some companies charge too much for their work.
Your budget is another essential factor to consider. You want a cost-effective solution that doesn't break the bank and isn't so cheap as to be made of defective materials and will need repair within weeks or months after installation. It's not just about what you can afford now. Think long-term! If it costs more now, then you will save money in the long run because it won't need repairs and will look great for years to come.
Conclusion
For a new and very different look for your home, stained concrete might be the way to go. It's an affordable solution that will add personality, bring new life and style to any space. If you're interested in learning more about how this process works, contact us today!
We'll help you find the perfect design with just the proper depth of coloring that matches your needs. Give our team at ATX Stained Concrete a call or fill out our online form so we can get started on a free consultation and creating something unique together.
Why Choose Us?
Austin TX has trusted ATX Stained Concrete as a leading concrete staining and polishing expert for years.
We stand by our work with honesty and integrity. We offer value and satisfaction though the quality of our work.
We deliver exceptional work based on your requirements and needs with accurate forecasting. We stick to budgets and done leave until the job is done right.
ATX Stained concrete holds to the highest standards and practices, using modern technology and techniques. We are in the business to serve you.
Proudly serving Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, Bastrop, Kyle, Buda and beyond.