Colored Concrete: Options, Costs, and How It's Done
Colored concrete transforms plain gray slabs into design features that complement your home and landscape. You have four main options: integral color mixed throughout, color hardener applied to the surface, stains applied after curing, and dyes for vibrant tones. Each method has different costs, durability, and applications.
Colored Concrete: Options, Costs, and How It's Done
Colored concrete transforms plain gray slabs into design features that complement your home and landscape. You have four main options: integral color mixed throughout, color hardener applied to the surface, stains applied after curing, and dyes for vibrant tones. Each method has different costs, durability, and applications.
The best method depends on whether you're pouring new concrete or coloring existing surfaces, your budget, and how permanent you want the color to be.
Why Color Concrete?
Gray concrete is functional but uninspiring. Colored concrete offers:
- Curb appeal: Coordinates with home exterior and landscaping
- Design flexibility: Creates visual zones, borders, and accents
- Property value: Decorative concrete adds perceived value
- Personalization: Match any color scheme
Colored concrete costs 15-50% more than plain gray but delivers significantly more visual impact.
Coloring Methods Compared
| Method | When Applied | Durability | Color Depth | DIY? | Cost Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integral color | During mixing | Excellent | Throughout | Yes* | +$1-3/sqft |
| Color hardener | During pour | Excellent | Surface (1/8") | No | +$2-4/sqft |
| Acid stain | After curing | Good | Penetrating | Yes | +$2-4/sqft |
| Water-based stain | After curing | Good | Surface | Yes | +$2-4/sqft |
| Concrete dye | After curing | Moderate | Penetrating | Yes | +$1-3/sqft |
*Integral color is DIY-friendly for mixing; the pour itself may still need help.
Integral Color (Mixed Throughout)
Integral color is pigment added directly to the concrete mix before pouring. The color extends through the entire slab thickness.
How It Works
Pigment powder or liquid is added to the concrete mixer. The color blends uniformly throughout the mix, so chips, scratches, or wear don't reveal gray underneath.
Advantages
- Most durable: Color goes all the way through
- Consistent: Uniform color throughout
- Low maintenance: Won't wear off
- Simple: Added during normal mixing
Disadvantages
- Limited palette: Earth tones work best (tan, brown, terra cotta, gray tones)
- Subtle: Colors are muted compared to stains
- Batch variation: Slight differences between loads possible
- New concrete only: Can't add to existing slabs
Cost
+$1-3 per square foot beyond plain concrete
For a 200-sqft patio: $200-600 additional cost
Best For
Driveways, patios, sidewalks—anywhere you want durable, low-maintenance color that won't wear away.
Color Hardener (Surface Application)
Color hardener is pigmented powder broadcast onto wet concrete during finishing, then floated into the surface.
How It Works
- Pour and screed concrete normally
- Broadcast color hardener powder evenly
- Float powder into surface
- Apply second application if needed
- Finish and seal
Advantages
- Richer color: More vibrant than integral color
- Stronger surface: Hardener densifies the top layer
- Two-tone options: Use with integral color for depth
- Wide palette: More color options than integral
Disadvantages
- Surface only: Color penetrates about 1/8"
- Professional skill: Timing and application are critical
- Potential mottling: Uneven application shows
- New concrete only: Applied during pour
Cost
+$2-4 per square foot beyond plain concrete
Often combined with stamping for decorative finishes.
Best For
Stamped concrete, decorative patios, pool decks—anywhere you want rich, vibrant color with enhanced surface durability.
Concrete Stains (Applied After Curing)
Stains are applied to cured concrete (new or existing). Two types: acid-based and water-based.
Acid Stains
How they work: Acid stains contain metallic salts that chemically react with concrete. The reaction creates permanent, variegated color that can't be scraped off.
Characteristics:
- Translucent, marbled appearance
- Each application is unique
- Limited colors: earth tones, blue-green
- Penetrates into concrete
- Requires neutralizing and sealing
Best for: Unique, one-of-a-kind finishes; indoor floors; patios
Water-Based Stains
How they work: Water-based stains deposit pigment into the concrete surface without chemical reaction. More consistent than acid stains.
Characteristics:
- More uniform, predictable color
- Wide color range including bright colors
- Easier application than acid
- Less surface prep required
- Requires sealing
Best for: Consistent color; bright or unusual colors; DIY projects
Stain Costs
| Type | DIY Cost | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Acid stain | $0.30-0.50/sqft | $2-4/sqft |
| Water-based | $0.20-0.40/sqft | $2-4/sqft |
For detailed staining information, see our stained concrete guide.
Concrete Dyes
Dyes are penetrating colorants that offer the widest color range.
How They Work
Dyes use very fine pigment particles that penetrate concrete pores. Available in solvent-based and water-based formulas.
Characteristics
- Widest color range: Including vibrant colors impossible with other methods
- Fast drying: Ready to seal same day
- Easy application: Spray, brush, or roller
- Less durable: UV exposure can fade colors
- Best indoors: Or covered outdoor areas
Cost
+$1-3 per square foot for DIY application
Best For
Interior floors, covered patios, accent areas, artistic applications
Color Options by Method
| Color Family | Integral | Hardener | Acid Stain | Water Stain | Dye |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tan/Buff | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brown | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Terra cotta | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gray tones | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Red | Limited | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blue | No | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Green | No | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Black | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bright colors | No | No | No | ✓ | ✓ |
Most popular colors: Tan, buff, sandstone, terra cotta, and various brown tones account for 80%+ of colored concrete installations.
Choosing the Right Method
For New Concrete
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Driveway (durability priority) | Integral color |
| Stamped patio | Color hardener + integral |
| Budget-conscious | Integral color |
| Vibrant/rich color | Color hardener |
| Maximum durability | Integral + hardener |
For Existing Concrete
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Unique, artistic look | Acid stain |
| Consistent, uniform color | Water-based stain |
| Bright or unusual colors | Dye |
| Indoor floors | Dye or acid stain |
| Outdoor patio | Water-based stain |
Cost Comparison
For a 200-sqft patio, additional cost for color:
| Method | Added Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Integral color | $200-600 | Most durable |
| Color hardener | $400-800 | Often with stamping |
| Acid stain (DIY) | $60-100 | Plus sealer |
| Acid stain (pro) | $400-800 | Includes sealer |
| Water stain (DIY) | $40-80 | Plus sealer |
To understand how coloring affects overall project cost, see concrete cost per square foot or use our cost calculator.
Durability and Maintenance
Longevity by Method
| Method | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Integral color | Permanent | Seal every 2-5 years |
| Color hardener | Permanent | Seal every 2-3 years |
| Acid stain | Long-lasting | Seal every 2-3 years |
| Water stain | Long-lasting | Seal every 1-3 years |
| Dye | Moderate | Seal every 1-2 years; avoid UV |
Fading Concerns
All colored concrete can fade over time, especially with UV exposure. Regular sealing dramatically reduces fading. Integral color fades least because color extends through the slab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular concrete color?
Tan, buff, and sandstone tones are most popular—they complement most home exteriors and landscaping. Brown tones and terra cotta are close seconds. These earth tones work with integral color, which is the most durable and cost-effective method.
Does colored concrete fade?
Yes, all colored concrete can fade with UV exposure and wear. Integral color fades least because the color goes throughout the slab. Regular sealing (every 2-3 years) significantly reduces fading for all coloring methods.
Can you color existing concrete?
Yes—stains and dyes work on existing concrete. Acid stains create unique, variegated finishes. Water-based stains provide more uniform color. The concrete must be clean, porous (not previously sealed), and in good condition.
Is colored concrete more expensive?
Yes, typically 15-50% more than plain gray concrete. Integral color adds $1-3/sqft, color hardener adds $2-4/sqft. For a 200-sqft patio, expect $200-800 additional cost depending on method. The visual improvement often justifies the premium.
Key Takeaways
- Integral color is most durable—color throughout the slab
- Color hardener creates richest color but is surface-only
- Stains work on existing concrete; acid creates unique patterns
- Earth tones (tan, brown, terra cotta) are most popular and versatile
- All colored concrete needs sealing to maintain appearance
- Budget +15-50% beyond plain concrete for color
Explore other decorative options: stamped concrete, stained concrete, and exposed aggregate. For fundamentals, see concrete basics.