Concrete Color and Stain: Permanent Color for Slabs and Floors
Integral vs dry-shake vs acid stain — three ways to color concrete and when to use each.
Plain gray isn't your only option. Three methods give concrete real, permanent color.
Integral color — through the slab
Pigment added to the ready-mix at the plant. Color goes all the way through, so chips and wear never expose gray. Costs $2–$4/sq ft extra.
Dry-shake hardener — broadcast on wet
Color hardener tossed on freshly placed concrete, then troweled in. Richer color than integral but only in the top 1/8". Adds $3–$5/sq ft.
Acid stain — translucent on cured
Acid-based stains chemically react with cured concrete, creating mottled, marble-like effects. $2–$5/sq ft DIY, $8–$15 pro.
Sealing is mandatory
Colored concrete fades 20–40% in direct sun without UV-stabilized sealer reapplied every 2–3 years.
Estimate colored or stamped concrete with the calculator.
Open the Concrete CalculatorGet more guidance like this in your inbox
Weekly emergency-fund tactics, milestone checklists, and the next article — delivered free.
Order the right amount of concrete
Get exact cubic yards, bag counts, rebar, and total cost — slab, footing, column, or stairs — with our free Concrete Calculator.
Open the Concrete Calculator