Frequently Asked Decorative Concrete Questions

As the Decorative Concrete industry continues to grow and develop, the number of contractors who can do quality work has increased. Even so, the average costs of decorative concrete can be anywhere from $8-$20 per square foot. This is dependent on colors, designs, stamps, borders, steps, size and other variables. It also can be dependent on location. More saturated areas will generally yield more competitive pricing.

It can be overwhelming to see all the options you have for colors, patterns, and top coat finishes. Everyone’s desired flooring is different. Our experienced team would be glad to assist in helping you understand and make the right selection for your project.

1. Pool decks are subject to having standing water on them for long periods of time and this can cause a slipping hazard. As a result, we recommend using a low solid, penetrating sealer that will not leave a thick film build on the concrete. Anything with high solids is susceptible to becoming slippery. We recommend Deco Guard (standard version NOT Deco Guard Plus) for sealing new concrete pool decks. Be aware that this sealer will not work overtop of already existing topical sealers, and it is better to use on new concrete rather than reseal jobs. Refer to an experienced decorative contractor or our in-store experts for additional options.
2. You may also mix in surf-grip to your sealer. This allow the sealer to have more traction and be less slippery.

1. There is a variety of sealers yielding different finished looks. Each of them has unique qualities that will help you get the look and protection you’re looking for. For a natural look we have Deco-Guard and Enhancer Shield. For a wet look, there is Enhancer Shield SB. We also have matte satin and gloss options. If you are uncertain what is right for you then our team can help recommend the right one.
2. Some can be sprayed and others can be rolled.

Just like any other work, price will be different depending on size and level of difficulty. For example, just one solid color might run $4-$5 per sqft. Flake flooring you can potentially expect to pay around $6-$10 per sqft. Metallic epoxy is the most expensive, contractors usually charge $10 per sqft and up for installation. Please note, that these prices are average and may not reflect your exact situation.

This is considered the most important step. If not done properly, the whole floor could fail. A light grind with diamond tooling is most used to open pores in the concrete and allow the coating to adhere. Some may use acid etching and shot blasting. This is a vital step to ensure the success of your coating.

We sell many products that can be used for both curing and sealing, and which meet the ASTM 309 standards for “curing” concrete. Some examples of cures would be Deco Guard, Repel Cure, and Aqua Cure 30. HOWEVER, there is much confusion in the industry about these product and the confusion comes from the misconception that people think you can cure and seal at the same time. This is simply incorrect. If using a “curing agent” you are spraying the cure on the same day the concrete is installed in order to stop moisture lost and help the concrete cure efficiently. When using a “sealer” you are typically waiting 28 days after the initial pour, in order to spray the sealer and protect the concrete for stains, water, and any other things that might shorten the life span of the slab. You cannot do both at the same time, but we have many products that serve as curing agents, and also can be applied as “sealers”.

1. This is where an experienced decorative contractor or our expert team can be of great value. Altering finished work is generally not cost effective but not impossible. There are many stains that can change the color if done prior to sealing the concrete. If done after then the sealer will need to be removed.
2. Overlays can be used for new stamp patterns or just a smooth finish in stamped concrete. However, this option is usually pricey and in some cases, it is more cost effective to rip out the concrete and start over.