The Differences Between Stained and Polished Concrete

Choosing between stained concrete or polished concrete flooring impacts the look and durability of a facility’s ground. There are factors to consider before applying either of these coating solutions. Factors such as the industry type and intended use of the commercial property can help property owners select the best concrete finish for their building. Both stained concrete and polished concrete have their advantages and differences. Depending on the intended use, one type of concrete may be better than the other. Here are some of the differences between stand concrete and polished concrete.

Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete is a type of floor finish that is glossy. The mirror-like finish provides vast decorating options for property owners. For those that require different floor colors, or creative designs applied to the floor, polished concrete flooring is a popular option. The finish can be applied to nearly any substrate and gives a professional looking coat.

The Cost of Polished Concrete Flooring

One of the concerns about applying polished concrete is a higher upfront cost as compared to stained concrete. Polished concrete jobs typically are about $5 to $8 higher per square foot than stained concrete flooring. The reason for the higher costs is that polished concrete flooring requires additional equipment to complete a more involved job. In the long run, polished concrete flooring can actually save money over the duration of a floors life.

Benefits of Polished Concrete Flooring

One of the reasons that companies use polished concrete flooring is because of the benefits they provide. Areas that have high foot traffic typically show signs of wear and tear and can cause damage to the floor. Floor maintenance is a business expense that can be costly if a commercial buildings floor isn’t treated. Polished concrete flooring is beneficial to businesses that have industrial or commercial properties. Here are some of the ways that polished concrete is beneficial to business owners.

• Polished concrete is easy to maintain which saves businesses money on routine maintenance.
• The durable coat keeps its finish, even in high foot traffic areas.
• Floors can be decorated to accommodate businesses needs such as painting safety lines and making areas that are off-limits.

Stained Concrete Flooring

Stained concrete, or sometimes referred to as acid stain, involves the process of color being etched into the concrete. Essentially, the process involves the burning of acid solution into concrete. With this process, there isn’t the need for surface preparation. That means stained concrete can be applied on new and existing concrete and offer the same finish.

Stained Concrete Cost and Benefits

Concrete stains are highly versatile and can be used in both commercial and residential concrete flooring applications. Since the process of applying stained concrete requires less preparation, the cost is lower than using polished concrete flooring. The colors that are available with stained concrete are typically subtle earth tones such as tans, browns, terracottas, and et cetera. Here are some of the benefits of applying stained concrete to industrial flooring.

• Lower upfront cost when treating the floor
• Requires little to no surface preparation of the concrete
• Provides a unique finish to a bare concrete floor
• A popular finish for properties with a smaller floor plan

Which Floor Treatment is Better for Flooring

Both stained concrete and polished concrete can be applied to industrial and commercial flooring. Selecting which treatment can be challenging as they both offer their individual benefits. For property owners that own a small space that does not see a large amount of foot traffic, stain concrete is preferred. Large warehouse facilities are typically better suited to polished concrete because of its durability.

It’s important to have a professional floor treatment company install polished concrete or stained concrete. They can ensure that the treatment is applied correctly so it offers maximum protection and durability for the concrete floor. For the best floor treatment service that will get the job done right, hire Seal Well. For a free quote on polished concrete or stained concrete flooring, contact us at 1-877-959-8279.