Philadelphia Concrete Staining

Inexpensive, durable, and surprisingly versatile, concrete is becoming one of the most popular flooring materials in new construction. It requires less maintenance than many other types of flooring and in many scenarios, concrete will out perform just about anything else. One of its few drawbacks, however, is that its natural color is not what many people would call "pleasing". For new construction in Philadelphia, concrete stain is a very useful tool for making this extraordinary material more appealing in a residential setting.

The Benefit of Using Concrete Stain in Philadelphia
Concrete floors have been common in garages and basements for a long time. In these situations, it's hard to imagine a more suitable material (anything a car can drive on without creating a significant amount of damage will probably make a good parking spot). However, since concrete has come into more visible areas of the home in southeastern PA, it has had to compete with the very attractive tile and hardwood that is so common in Philadelphia. Concrete staining is the key when it comes to turning a drab looking slab of concrete into a floor worth looking at. And once you've got an attractive piece of concrete, you've got a beautiful floor that will still look good after decades of whatever traffic it is exposed to.

Besides its durability and longevity, concrete is also a good choice for snowy climates like that of Philadelphia. Concrete staining, once completed, leaves a permanent pigment that is set inside the concrete itself. Unlike paint, concrete stain cannot be harmed in any way by moisture, cold, or any combination of the two. Once the stain is set, all the slush on Broad street couldn't cause it to chip, fade, or become loose in any way; this means that a little tracked in moisture will have no effect on stained concrete floor (unlike the negative effects it can have on hardwood or grout between ceramic tiles).

Concrete Stain in Countertops
Another place where stained concrete is making a name for itself is in countertops. Concrete's strength is comparable to that of natural stone such as granite or marble (and the price is comparable, as well), but concrete offers a bit more versatility in what it can look like. Unlike natural stone counters, which are simply cut and polished, concrete can be poured to take whatever shape you desire. Concrete stain also plays an important role in making these counters unique and attractive. Unlike natural stone countertops, concrete counters are often produced by individual craftsmen; their work is as much a piece of sculpture as it is a manufactured product.

How Concrete is Finished
While most of us are familiar with the rough texture of the industrial concrete found in sidewalks and roads, the high gloss of finished concrete is less common and much more desirable. After the concrete is cured completely, stain can be applied to chemically change its color. Once the desired hue is achieved, it is then ground smooth. It can then be sealed and polished to an incredible gloss. Once finished, concrete is very beautiful and unique. It makes a statement that is unlike anything else, and it will last a lifetime.

Philadelphia Concrete Staining Prices
Pouring concrete floor from scratch and making it suitably flat costs about $3,500 (to resurface an existing concrete floor is generally about $2,500). Applying a floor coating is in the $1,100 range. When comparing the cost of these two tasks to the price of your average wood floor (over $5,000), it is easy to see why more and more folks are looking to durable, long-lasting stained concrete for their new floors.