Almost all households in your neighborhood are using concrete floors and now you’re wondering if you should too. Are you going to jump on the bandwagon just like the rest of them? Before you make that decision, it’s important to learn about stained concrete flooring contractors, what benefits you can get from delegating the work to professional contractors, how different is stained concrete from polished concrete etc. Should you get stained concrete in your San Jose home? Read on to answer that question.
Contrary to popular belief, concrete floors are not a trend and it’s definitely not new. It has been around for centuries. However, the reason why it still exists today and why its demand never dwindles is the fact that concrete floors have evolved in terms of durability and design. It’s safe to say that it just keeps getting better and better.
For years, flooring contractors have used acid-based chemical concrete stains in order to achieve earth-colored floors that resemble leather, wood, marble and natural stone; but today, concrete floors come in a wide array of shades and designs. New products are now using solvent and water based dyes with colors ranging from yellows, purples, reds, and pastels. The good news is that they’re also easier to apply!
What Are Concrete Stain Floors?
In order to make stained concrete floors, your contractor will mix hydrochloric acid with water and amalgamate acid soluble metallic salts in the mixture. Since concrete is highly porous, the chemical mixture will simply seep through and react with concrete, which will become permanent stains. Concrete floors are not only known for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability. They are also resistant to chips, peels and fading. One distinctive feature of concrete floors is their translucence. This is probably why a lot of people love concrete flooring systems.
What Makes Polished Concrete Different From Stained Concrete?
Torn between polished concrete and stained concrete? Are you having trouble deciding which flooring to get? While it’s true that more and more people are considering concrete floors for their homes, it’s still a tough decision and many are caught in a dilemma. Should you go for polished concrete or is stained concrete the best choice?
Regardless if it’s polished or stained, concrete by itself is extremely durable and robust. It’s what buildings, bridges, and roads are made of. So if you’re looking for durability that can withstand high foot traffic, you can never go wrong with concrete. However, modern-day concrete found in homes are nothing like the concrete roads you see in the city. They look utterly beautiful, smooth, shiny and impressively sophisticated.
When you’re stuck in a rut and you can’t make a decision, it helps to have a comparison. To help you decide, we’ve come up with a guide that will show the differences between polished concrete and stained concrete in terms of durability, lifespan, cost, maintenance and customization.
Durability
Obviously, homeowners want to know which one is more durable. It’s actually one of the factors that influence their decision. If you have kids around, frequent houseguests or pets, it’s understandable that you’d want a floor that is able to withstand constant foot traffic. Well, both polished and stained concrete are durable but polished concrete may win on this one because it has a more meticulous installation process, which explains why it’s the flooring of choice in most retail stores and restaurants. If your home has very high foot traffic you can choose polished concrete but if you barely have guests over stained concrete would suffice.
Lifespan
How long does polished concrete last? How about stained concrete? Professional floor installers will tell you that polished concrete can last up to two decades but it can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Meanwhile, stained concrete can last for more than 100 years but under one condition, if you want the stain to last long you’ll need to wax or seal your floors at least once a year. The stain can fade if your floors are not properly sealed especially if it received constant high foot traffic. Nonetheless, both last long.
Cost
The stained concrete cost is also an important factor to consider. The cost is subjective depending on the floor area. Obviously, the bigger the area the more expensive it’s going to be. Basically, with polished concrete you’re expected to spend around $5 to $8 per square foot. It’s more expensive than stained concrete because more equipment is needed to get the job done. The installation process is also longer and more comprehensive compared to stained concrete. Despite the cost, business owners are more concerned about the durability rather than the expense and since polished floors are more durable and require less maintenance they would prefer this to stained concrete for their businesses. Surveys show that business owners have a higher ROI with polished concrete but for homeowners, this isn’t necessary. You can simply opt for stained concrete.
Maintenance
Homeowners want to know which of the two requires less maintenance. Well, both polished and stained concrete are relatively easy to maintain. You just need to clean it daily with a broom and a mop to remove dirt or you can vacuum it. If you want to do a deep clean on your floors after a big event you can use a steam mop or a regular mop and soak it in a mild floor cleaner but when it comes to long term maintenance, between the two, polished concrete is easier.
Customization
The fun part about stained concrete is your options are limitless. There are just so many colors to choose from. In fact, you can even design your very own pattern to make your floors uniquely yours. Meanwhile, polished concrete is more known for its shiny finish. Unfortunately, you can’t personalize polished concrete because all it has to offer is its beautiful shine whereas with stained concrete you can have the option to personalize it with the design and color you want.
Takeaways For Stained Concrete Consumers In The Bay Area
If you are looking for a better option for your home with minimal foot traffic, we believe stained concrete is your best choice since they are just as durable as polished concrete with an impressive lifespan. Not only that; you’ll also get to choose the shade and design you want to match the aesthetic that you are going for.
