Pros and Cons of Using Stained Concrete in Commercial Spaces

Concrete floors are a popular choice for many commercial spaces, but like any other flooring, they come with both pros and cons. 

Stained concrete may seem like an attractive alternative for business owners who want the look of natural stone without the cost. But is it worth it in the long run? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of using stained concrete in your next commercial project.

Pros of using stained concrete in commercial spaces:

Stained concrete is a fun, affordable flooring option that can really enhance the appearance of your business. Business owners and facility managers worldwide choose this flooring because: 

It’s durable and affordable 

The cost of stained concrete flooring will naturally depend on the surface area, color, and staining method (e.g., acid or paint). Naturally, the more color and detail your design requires, the more expensive it’ll be.

You can expect basic to mid-level stains to cost anywhere between $2.50-$7.50 per square foot–similar to ceramics, carpet, linoleum, and vinyl. However, concrete is much more durable, which is why it’s more affordable than other options in the long run, as it can last for several decades without additional repairs or replacement costs.

It comes in endless options 

With stains and dyes, concrete flooring can come in a wide range of colors and decorative possibilities. You’ll find everything from basic solid color options, to different shades, and designs that mimic natural stone like slate or marble. 

It’s relatively low maintenance

Concrete is a very easy surface to maintain with relatively little effort . A regular mop and neutral pH cleaner can be used to wipe up spills and dirt on the surface, making it an ideal flooring choice for businesses with high traffic.

Aside from regular cleaning, the only real maintenance your stained concrete floors will need is an annual protective seal. For heavily-trafficked areas, consider reapplying this seal every 3-9 months.

Cons of using stained concrete in commercial spaces:

While the benefits of stained concrete floors are evident, there are still some drawbacks to consider: 

They can be uncomfortable when standing for long periods of time

This isn’t always a relevant issue, but stained concrete floors can be very hard underfoot if your employees or customers are often standing for long periods of time. If you’re looking for a flooring option that provides some cushion or padding under your feet, then this might not be the right fit for your commercial space. 

They will likely need to be re-polished over time

To keep your concrete floors looking like new, they’ll likely need to be polished every few years (along with being resealed). This process involves lightly grinding the surface, then adding a fresh coat of polish to make it look good as new.

The installation process can take a while

Installing a concrete floor can take quite some time and create a lot of mess. It takes a few days for concrete to be poured and set, and adding color will require even more time. So, if your employees, patients, or customers must be in the building while your new floor is installed, you may want to go with another material. 

Think stained concrete might be the right choice for your commercial space? Request a quote from Port Aggregates! Our skilled concrete contractors have over 40 years’ worth of experience built into every pour.