Anyone like to use stained concrete vs laminate/carpet?

Question

A few years ago I lived in very nice duplex that was newly constructed. The owners had several of these properties, and had stained concrete floors in all of them. Just wondering about the cost compared to other flooring options and also improving the "sellability". Just a side note - the stained concrete flooring options are almost endless and the women that have heard comment on them all like them. That is a big selling point - if a couple is looking at a house and the female doesnt like the carpet - that could be a big factor in whether they buy the place or not.

comments?

Jim T. · Answer

I have done a few homes with stained concrete as the finish. To help with the cracking of concrete we have done a few things to  make it look better.  One we scored and distressed the floor to make it look like travertine.  The other floor we cut random score marks in it to make it look like random rocks were placed through out the floor.  It is probably more expensive then the lower end carpets, but done right it will make your floor look great.

If you want to check out a website we used a company here in Utah to do our floor.  There site is: http://www.kykancoatings.com/acidstaining.html

I don't think they travel outside of Utah but they have done some great looking floors.

Will Barnard · Answer

We had stained concrete in a few of our duplex units we had built. Mixed emotions. They last forever (basically) easy clean up, low maintenance for tenants, BUT, some like it while others do not. One of our biggest complaints is when the floor cracks, the cracks show and are not really repairable. While some may argue it adds character to the floors, I don't like to see the cracks.

If deciding between stained concrete and laminate, I choose concrete each time. Tile/carpet is our best choice (Tile in all wet areas and walkways, carpet in bedrooms)

Steve Doyle · Answer

As far as cost goes....

November 08 had one done, included grind/polishing to 200 grit, stain w/ 2 colors.

Cost was $3 per sq ft. This was a 1950 sq. ft. job so expect to pay more per sq. on a smaller job. I recieved prices as high as 6.50 per sq. 3 was the cheapest we found. Quality reflected savings!

Tom Tarrant · Answer

Stained concrete floors have been trendy for a few years now. They arent mainstream enough for your average buyers but on high end remodels they are good. The best thing of all is that its a very cost effective way of doing your flooring. The real way to do it is with an acid wash and stain. Stay away from the cheap faux "coatings" that alot of companies are pushing.

Tod R. · Answer

I love the look of stained concrete.  I would be interested in the price range as well.  I've heard that a lender will not loan on a home that has bare concrete.  I don't see how this would apply to stained concrete, but was wondering if anyone knew about this as well.

Account Closed · Answer

I love the look. You'd really need a decent artist to apply it.

Nobody ever uses slab foundation in my area. There must be a good reason why. So, no concrete to stain in my area.

I don't think I'd try it in a rental. There is no such thing as tenant-proof, and it would hurt if they managed to chip or damage the floor. (never underestimate their destructive abilities).

I've seen some concrete kitchen counters that looked good, but they were outrageously expensive. Out of the question for rentals.

Account Closed · Answer

I don't personally know about the pricing, but a friend did the stained concrete with radiant heating and I absolutely love how it looks and feels.

Jesse Kirchhoff · Answer

I love the acid stains as long as they have a good thick coat of clear epoxy and then a wax coat over that. 
          
          The decorative epoxy overlays still leave a lot to be desired - but Shire Stone is taking it to a whole nother level. It is amazing what they can do! www.shirestone.net

Jon Klaus · Answer

I tried the faux coating a few years ago in my sunroom.  I didn't like it as it looked like paint.  I tiled over it.

Jesse Ramirez · Answer

Isn't there some type of repair method to fix it.

Anyone like to use stained concrete vs laminate/carpet?

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