Stained vs Polished Concrete Floors

Concrete flooring is a durable, cost-effective option, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and business owners alike. Two different options for concrete flooring are polished and coated concrete, so which is the better flooring? Here, we look at the benefits and drawbacks of each, so that you can be informed when choosing between the two.

What is a Stained Concrete Floor?

Concrete is usually gray, but it doesn’t have to be! Stained concrete is created using a coloring agent that concrete absorbs. There are earthy tones, but the options extend far beyond that and even include bold tones. After the stain is applied, it seeps into the concrete, and the resulting color is permanent, resistant to fading and peeling. A protective sealant is applied to give the concrete a lasting finish, and it creates a visually striking look. Stained concrete is fairly affordable, with a reasonably straightforward application process, and it is a good option for spaces with heavy foot traffic.

What are Polished Concrete Floors?

Polished concrete uses a more meticulous process, with the goal of bringing out concrete’s inherent beauty. To achieve this, the concrete undergoes grinding, honing, and polishing, resulting in a high-gloss finish. This gives the concrete a sleek, contemporary, reflective look that fits well with modern minimalistic and industrial chic design. The shine can be anywhere from a satin finish to a mirror-like reflective surface, depending on preference, and the more reflective concrete floors can contribute to energy savings by reflecting light and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Sometimes, the aggregate beneath the surface of concrete adds an additional, terrazzo-like dimension to the look of the polished floor. Durable and low-maintenance, polished concrete is good for areas where cleanliness is a primary concern, because it has a seamless, hypoallergenic surface.

Stained vs Polished Concrete Floors: A Side by Side Comparison

Choosing the Right Concrete Floor Coating Option: Concrete Garage Floor vs Indoor Flooring vs Commercial Use

Really, these options are excellent, durable, and long-lasting. In most instances, the choice comes down to aesthetic preferences. With a concrete garage floor, durability will probably take priority over looks, so polished concrete is a good choice. Indoors, it depends on preference, and how important customization is to the homeowner or business owner.

Combining Stained and Polished Concrete on Your Concrete Floor

Sometimes, people decide to combine the two different types of floor finishes, and that is a viable design choice. This can be done in several ways. They can be layered, to create an artistic effect, or they can be used in different areas of the same space. Particularly when used in conjunction with other materials, like wood, marble, and natural stone, they can be used to create an interesting, visually appealing space.

For Top Quality Concrete Floor Coating, Contact Custom Floor Coating

At Custom Floor Coating, we offer high-quality floor finishes for residential and commercial properties. Specializing in decorative floor coatings and outdoor resurfacing, we provide quality workmanship and customer service grounded in a company culture committed to innovation, leadership, responsibility, and quality work. Our team of experienced and licensed experts use a time-tested flooring installation technique, in order to provide lasting results. Having performed hundreds of successful flooring installations in Jacksonville and St Augustine, we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations, through excellent craftsmanship and skillful collaboration. To learn more about how we can transform the floors in your home or business, contact us through our website and schedule a free consultation.