How Much Do Stained Concrete Floors Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Most homeowners spend an average of $11,000 to stain a 1,000‑square‑foot space, with total project costs ranging from $3,000 to $18,500. Stained concrete floors cost anywhere from $2 to $28 per square foot, offering a stylish and durable flooring option that fits various budgets. Professional staining ensures high-quality, durable results.

Stained Concrete Floors Cost Factors

There are several cost factors that make up your total price for your concrete flooring installation. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that impact your final costs.

Surface Area

The size of your home is a major cost factor because larger spaces require more time, labor, and materials.

Type of Stain

There are two main types of stains for concrete floors: acid-based and water-based. Acid-based stains, also known as reactive stains, chemically react with the concrete to produce unique, earthy tones and a non-uniform, marbled effect. They cost up to $25 per square foot, not including labor. If you're aiming for a natural and organic look, acid-based stains might be your best bet.

On the other hand, water-based stains, or nonreactive stains, add a layer of color without causing a chemical reaction. They offer a more uniform appearance and come in a wide variety of colors. Starting at $2 per square foot without labor, water-based stains are ideal if you prefer consistent color throughout your space.

Labor

Labor costs play a significant role in the total price, often making up more than half of the overall cost to stain concrete floors. This is because staining requires specialized skills and is quite labor-intensive. Depending on the complexity of your design and your location, you can expect to pay between $2 and $14 per square foot in labor costs.

Stain Design

Staining your concrete floor opens up a world of design possibilities, from a simple single-color wash to intricate swirls and detailed patterns. The complexity of your chosen design can greatly affect the total cost, as more elaborate patterns require additional time and labor. High-end work with stencils or custom designs can cost between $8 and $20 per square foot.

Prep Work

Preparing your concrete floor before staining is crucial for achieving the best results. Think of it like painting a wall—any imperfections will become more noticeable after the stain is applied. Addressing repairs beforehand ensures a smooth and even finish.

If your concrete has existing paint or sealers, you'll need to strip them before applying a new stain. Fixing imperfections like scuffs and scratches prevents them from disrupting the final look. Floor resurfacing costs $3 to $5 per square foot, on average.

Sometimes, damage may be too extensive for resurfacing alone. Larger cracks or significant issues might require concrete repair, which costs between $800 and $2,700.

Once all imperfections are taken care of, a thorough cleaning removes any dust or debris. Professional floor cleaning averages $75 to $200 per hour and ensures your floor is ready for staining.

Sealers

Sealers improve the durability of a stained concrete floor, helping to preserve the color while reducing wear and tear. Different types of sealers come with different price points—acrylic sealers are the most affordable at $0.85 to $1.15 per square foot, while polyurethane sealers average $0.95 to $1.10 per square foot. Both types are waterproof and simple to apply, but polyurethane sealers are thicker and deliver slightly more durability.

Epoxy sealer comes at a higher price point, averaging $3 to $7 per square foot. Although the upfront cost is higher, epoxy sealers are extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, which can increase the lifespan of your stained concrete. Epoxy is especially popular for high-traffic areas like garages.

Flooring Removal

Having a professional remove your old flooring costs an average of $1.50–$3.50 per square foot.

Stained Concrete Floor Replacement vs. Repair

If your stained concrete floor is showing signs of wear, it may be time to consider repairs or replacement. Whether it’s better to repair or replace depends on the extent of the damage, the age of the floor, and your overall design goals.

Stained Concrete Floor Repair

Newer floors with just a few scuffs and scratches can usually be fixed with a professional repair. In many cases, surficial scratches are solved by applying a new coat of sealer. If the scratches reach down to the concrete, you may have to grind and polish a section of the floor before a new seal and finish can be applied.

Major floor repairs are more costly, particularly if there’s structural damage or damage to the subfloor. Subfloor replacement costs anywhere from 900 to $3,00 on average but may be necessary to preserve the structural integrity of your concrete floor.

Stained Concrete Floor Replacement

If your stained concrete floor has major damage, such as extensive cracks, or if it’s older than 20 years and has already been repaired multiple times, replacing it may be more cost-effective. Replacement is also a good option if you want to dramatically change the look of your floor.

Layering a new stain over an old concrete floor that’s previously been stained may not yield the expected color. If you want to significantly change the floor color or design, replacement typically delivers more reliable results.

Do Stained Concrete Floors Increase Home Value?

Stained concrete floors may add value to your home, depending on location and buyer preferences. They are popular because of their durability, attractive look, and easy maintenance. For homes vulnerable to fire, stained concrete has the added benefit of being highly fire-resistant, which may mean lower insurance premiums compared to other flooring types, like wood.

Concrete floors can also add value by reducing heating and cooling costs. Concrete naturally absorbs and releases heat in a slow cycle during the day and night, which helps to balance your home's temperature and reduce energy bills.

Budgeting for Stained Concrete Floors

While staining a concrete floor is best left to the pros, especially when working with complex products like acid-based stains, you can keep your project budget-friendly with these tips:

• Stick to a single stain color. Adding multiple shades increases costs, so choosing one color helps you save.

• Opt for a simple design. Intricate patterns requiring stencils or hand-finishing significantly increase time and labor costs.

• Choose affordable sealers. Acrylic or polyurethane sealers are cost-effective and offer ample protection for most indoor spaces. An epoxy sealer might be worthwhile for high-traffic areas like garages.

• Maintain your floors regularly. Applying a fresh coat of sealer every two to four years extends the lifespan of your floors and reduces the chance of costly repairs.

• Bundle your projects. If you're planning to stain multiple concrete floors in your home, having them done at the same time may qualify you for bulk discounts.

• Compare quotes. Reach out to several concrete finishing professionals in your area to find the best price and service.

DIY vs. Hiring a Flooring Pro

Working with a concrete floor staining professional ensures high-quality, durable results that you can enjoy for years to come. Staining concrete floors requires specialized skills, making it a job that’s not suitable for DIY. In addition to skill, pros have the knowledge needed to recommend the best stain type for your budget and needs. They can also ensure that your floors are properly prepped before applying the stain, ensuring that your new floor looks great.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.