Stained Concrete
Stained & Acid-Wash Concrete
Permanent, penetrating color finishes that create rich, one-of-a-kind marbled effects. Transform existing concrete or elevate a new pour — indoors or out.
Typical Range
$3 – $15 / sq ft
Service Area
Durham & the Triangle, NC
Experience
3 Generations
Why Choose Us
Why Stained Concrete by L.D. Williams
Truly One-of-a-Kind Results
Acid staining reacts chemically with the concrete's minerals — no two results are identical. Your patio, floor, or driveway will look unlike anything else.
Permanent, Non-Peeling Color
Unlike paint or surface coatings, acid stain penetrates the concrete matrix. The color becomes part of the slab and cannot chip, peel, or wear off.
Works on Existing Concrete
Already have a concrete driveway or patio? Staining can transform it for a fraction of the cost of replacement — no demolition required.
UV-Stable and Long-Lasting
Acid stain colors are UV-resistant and won't fade the way conventional concrete paint does — even in Durham's intense summer sun.
Interior and Exterior Applications
Stained concrete works beautifully indoors (floors, countertops) and outdoors (patios, driveways, pool decks). We handle both environments.
Eco-Friendly Option
Staining existing concrete eliminates the need for new materials, reducing waste. Water-based stains are also available for a lower-VOC option.
ACID STAIN VS. WATER-BASED STAIN
Both produce beautiful results but work very differently. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right finish for your project.
- Acid stain — chemical reaction with concrete minerals, creates marbled organic patterns
- Water-based stain — pigment-based, more predictable color results, wider color range
- Acid stain — earthy browns, tans, greens, and blues with natural variation
- Water-based stain — vivid custom colors including grays, reds, and blacks
- Both are permanent and penetrate the surface
- Sealer is required over both for protection and gloss level control
COLOR OPTIONS
Acid staining produces earthy, translucent tones that mimic natural stone, leather, and wood. Water-based stains offer a wider palette including modern grays and bold colors.
- Autumn brown — warm terracotta and sienna tones
- English red — rich brick-red with depth
- Cola — dark chocolate/espresso
- Antiquing gray — modern industrial look
- Sea green — cool coastal tone
- Cobalt blue — striking accent or border color
- Custom color matching available with water-based systems
IDEAL APPLICATIONS
Stained concrete is one of the most versatile decorative concrete techniques — applicable indoors and outdoors across many surface types.
- Exterior patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks
- Interior floors — living rooms, kitchens, basements
- Garage floors and laundry rooms
- Concrete countertops
- Commercial retail floors and restaurant spaces
- Renovation projects — transforming existing plain concrete
MAINTENANCE & CARE
Stained concrete is low-maintenance with proper sealing. Interior and exterior applications have slightly different care needs.
- Apply a quality topical sealer after staining for protection
- Reseal every 1–3 years depending on traffic (indoor sooner, outdoor less frequent)
- Mop or sweep regularly — avoid harsh acidic cleaners
- Re-staining or color touch-ups are possible if desired
- Re-sealing can restore shine and protection after wear
Serving Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh & beyond
Ready to start your stained concrete project?
Common Questions
Stained Concrete FAQs
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Serving Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill & the Triangle since 1964.