New floors are a great way to update your home and add value. Stained concrete floors are quickly becoming a popular option for many homeowners and you have the opportunity to do much, or all, of the work yourself. Before making the investment, however, it’s a good idea to take a critical eye to your space, and educate yourself on the pros and cons associated with stained concrete.
- Pros of staining concrete
Perhaps the best reason for choosing stained concrete flooring is because of how versatile and customizable it is. There’s a seemingly endless variety of stains and acids available so you can create floors that match your vision perfectly. You can also use acids to create a design unique to your home or office, which can help you personalize your floors in a way that’s not possible with hardwood or carpet. Because your floors will be pure concrete, they’re also incredibly durable. Rather than adding a coat of paint over the concrete that can chip away, staining concrete lasts and can be sealed to retain that same look for decades. This makes them ideal for high traffic areas because they won’t easily show signs of wear, and many times your stain will be resistant to water and spills too. Finally, a benefit most don’t even consider is that stained concrete floors are actually better for allergy sufferers. Pet dander, dirt and other allergens can get trapped in carpet fibers, but are easy to sweep or mop away on concrete. Your floors will be cleaner and you’ll breathe easier.
- Cons of staining concrete
There are a couple of potential issues when staining concrete floors that you should also be aware of before taking the plunge. First, if you’re going to stain concrete, it’s usually best to do it when the concrete is freshly poured. When you try to stain older concrete slabs that have been set for years, you’ll often find that the concrete already has a sealant applied to it, making the stain hard to apply. Second is a similar issue. Applying acids to your concrete floors might require the help of a professional. The more intricate your design, or customized your color choice, the more important it is to enlist a pro. Even for simple stains, it may be worth the money to have it done correctly.
Whether you’re a professional, or a weekend warrior, Maxwell Supply in Tulsa has all the supplies you need to complete your next project. Come see us for concrete stain and a variety of other products.