If you are building a house or just considering a change in flooring, you might be curious about acid stained concrete in Arizona. This type of flooring is found often in commercial buildings, and you might have been impressed with the way it looks. There are many options, from colors to polish sheen to aggregate exposure. Acid stained concrete looks great in many interior styles, especially modern or contemporary homes. But, there are some things you should know about this style.

Stained Concrete Cost

Because there are so many different ways to do stained concrete, there is a range of cost, usually between $2 to $5 per foot. A simple stain process with a single coat of sealer is the cheapest process. But, if you like the look of the aggregate in the finished product, it will cost more. This means that that contractor will have to grind down below the “cream” level of the concrete to expose the aggregate. It’s messy and time consuming. This is the kind of flooring you see in high-end modern homes and businesses. It’s quite interesting to look at, but will cost more. So, while staining your concrete might seem like a great way to save money, it usually ends up costing you about the same or more than ceramic tile or carpet.

How Stained Concrete Works

Acid stained concrete is a staining process that oxidizes the minerals in the concrete, causing them to change color. While some might stop the process at that point and be happy with the color, others often apply an acrylic “faux” finish to add dimension. But, the floors are always sealed with an epoxy coating to prevent staining.

It’s a process that takes several days, since the concrete needs to be cleaned extremely thoroughly and then allowed to dry completely. The larger the area, the longer it will take. So, the existing flooring is removed, and the concrete gets cleaned with a large buffing machine, while excess water is removed with a wet vac. Then, paint drips, carpet glue, and other residues are carefully removed. Then floor is cleaned again and, once dry, is ready for stain. The stain is applied with a sprayer and then neutralized. After that, it’s ready for the epoxy top coat or an acrylic faux finish.

Durability of Stained Concrete

Concrete is, well, concrete. It’s obviously one of the most durable building materials in the world. However, the finish can be less durable, believe it or not. While epoxy coatings, when applied correctly, are hard to scratch, it’s not impossible. For instance, ceramic tile will be harder to scratch than epoxy coating in most cases. It’s really just a strong paint, and dragging a heavy piece of furniture across it will probably leave a mark. Also, if it’s not done correctly, it will scratch easier. So make sure you find an experienced and proven contractor to do the work.

If you really like the way stained concrete looks, it could be a great option for your home or business. However, if you are considering it simply because it’s cheaper, there are some flooring choices that are as cheap (or cheaper) that will be more durable, such as porcelain or ceramic tile.

Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research and hire the right contractor.

We do wood-look tile, natural stone flooring, and luxury vinyl. Give us a call for a quote.

Flooring Types Explained- What You Need to Know, From Cost to Durability

Choosing flooring for your home is a major decision that can take quite a bit of time and energy, not to mention stress. Flooring can be pretty expensive, and if the final product isn’t what you expected, you will either be spending even more money to fix it or living with it and regretting it every time you walk on it. Doing your research before pulling the trigger can spare you the headache of making a mistake. Here are some of the more popular flooring materials and some considerations.

The Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

People often want to know the difference between ceramic and porcelain. Both are made from clay and fired in a kiln and both are extremely durable and quite affordable. The clay used in porcelain is more refined, which makes it slightly more durable and offers more variety in design styles. But, porcelain is more expensive, running about $11.00 per square foot installed for mid-range quality, while ceramic is about $8.00.

Durability of Tile

Because these flooring types are water resistant and durable, they are excellent for pets and small children and clean easily. Also, in a flood situation these floors only need to be dried out and mopped up. In terms of comfort, tile is hard and somewhat cold, so a few carpets thrown over living spaces go a long way to warm up a space. Also, grout lines need to be well sealed in order to prevent rapid soiling.

Floor Tile Placement & Patterns

Flooring Layout Ideas + Materials for A Flooring Remodel from Gainey Flooring on Vimeo.

Currently there are many styles available in tile. Wood look tile offers the durability and water resistance of tile with the warm appearance of wood. This style is very popular today, and is a great option for many homes. It comes in a variety of finishes and sizes and can be laid in a herringbone pattern to add visual interest. Tile comes in a variety of modern styles and sizes as well. Some patterns can mimic the look of marble or travertine, which look great in a modern or contemporary style interior.

Pros and Cons of Hardwood

It’s not uncommon to go into homes that are 50 years old and find hardwood floors in good condition. While wood has a reputation for being slightly less durable than other flooring options, it tends to age well. Plus, it’s possible to resurface hardwoods and make them look new, as long as the wear is minimal. Another benefit is that, since it’s a natural product, there will not be a pattern repeat, which would inevitably be found on even the highest quality manufactured product.

Hardwood Flooring Costs

Hardwood flooring may be available for as low as $4.00 a foot, but installation can be up to $8.00 a foot, so cost is a significant factor. Also, if there is ever a flood that is not cleaned up immediately, you will be making a claim on your homeowner’s insurance, because the affected hardwood will definitely need to be replaced.

Best Interior Styles for Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood looks great in traditional homes in nearly any variety. Farmhouse, cottage, Victorian, and provincial style interiors are well suited for the conventional layout and colors of hardwood.

The Affordability of Carpet

Carpet is usually the most affordable option, depending on the grade of carpet you choose. Mid-range quality carpet can cost $25-$30 per square yard, installed. Be careful in estimating costs and room sizes with carpet, since carpet is almost always measured in yards, not feet. There are nine feet in one square yard.

Carpet is great for living areas because it’s soft. If you like to play board games on the floor, it’s less comfortable to sit on hardwood or stone. Also, it’s generally recommended to choose a high quality pad for comfort and because the new carpet will last longer and save money in the long run.

Why Choose Natural Stone?

Slate, travertine, and marble are some of the materials that fall into the natural stone category. All natural stone needs to be sealed every two to five years to preserve the stone’s surface and stain resistance. This can be quite an inconvenience down the road, not to mention costly at an average of $4.00 per foot. Initially natural stone is comparable in cost to manufactured tile at about $11.00 per foot installed, though the cost of resealing should be considered. Like hardwood, natural stone will not have a pattern repeat. Sometimes a pattern repeat can be distracting, depending on how it is installed. Again, this flooring will be very hard and cold, so figure area rugs into your total budget.

Choosing and Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

There are many types of flooring made from vinyl, but a major trend currently is luxury vinyl planks. These planks usually mimic the look and texture of wood, are easy to install, and are durable and water proof. This type of flooring is often found even in commercial installations because it holds up well to heavy traffic. It can even be installed over tile as long as the floor is leveled with a skim coat of thin set. As a bonus, you may be able to install it yourself!

Vinyl Plank Flooring and Your Budget

Luxury vinyl is relatively affordable, depending on the type, and costs less to install. On average it costs about $5 per square foot, including materials, to install this type of flooring. However, the cheaper the price per square foot, the shorter the pattern repeat. Printed knots or whorls in the planks will show up more often and can be distracting. So choose a mid-range product if possible.

Best Interior Styles for Luxury Vinyl

Wood look vinyl planks look great anywhere that hardwood would be stylistically appropriate. However, this flooring comes in different styles as well, including more modern colors and patterns. There is an option for nearly every interior in this material, from cabins.

Final Tips for Your Flooring Remodel Project

As you venture into home construction or remodeling, one of the most important considerations in terms of comfort and style is the flooring you choose. Be sure to take your time and don’t be pressured to choose something you don’t love. Hire reputable contractors and buy materials from a supplier who cares about you and your outcome. Ask family and friends who they have used, browse reviews online, and ask a lot of questions. Good luck and enjoy your beautiful new flooring!

Acid Stained Concrete Arizona