Decorative & Stained Concrete in Seattle
Decorative concrete delivers the look of stone, brick, wood, slate, or tile at a fraction of the cost — and with a single durable surface that holds up to Seattle’s wet climate better than any of those natural materials. We install decorative concrete across the greater Seattle area for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks, and interior commercial floors. Stamped patterns, integral color, color hardeners, acid stains, dyes, exposed aggregate, and polished overlays are all part of the scope; the right finish depends on exposure, traffic, and design intent.
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Color and pattern are chosen during planning, not at the pour. Earth tones — charcoal, sandstone, slate gray, warm tan — complement PNW landscaping and tend not to show efflorescence as visibly as brighter colors. We pull sample panels in your specified mix and finish before final approval so the installed surface matches what you signed off on.
Decorative concrete process
We start with surface prep and base stabilization, then apply color, texture, and finishing techniques to achieve the desired look, followed by sealing for durability.
Colors, patterns, and finishes
Options include stamped patterns, acid stains, dyes, broom finishes, and polished surfaces customized to match your property.
Typical decorative concrete projects
Common projects include patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks, entryways, and interior floors. To weigh finishes side by side on look, traction, upkeep, and cost, see our comparison of decorative concrete finishes.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a decorative technique that creates a textured appearance that mimics the look of natural materials such as bricks or stones. The process involves pressing molds into wet concrete to create unique patterns and designs, making stamped concrete in Seattle an ideal choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of texture to their outdoor patios, driveways, and walkways. Patterns, release colors, slip resistance, and the resealing schedule are covered on our dedicated stamped concrete service page.
Dyed Concrete
Dyed concrete is a decorative option that utilizes dyes instead of chemical reactions to achieve a desired color. With recent advancements in technology, dyes are now more durable and long-lasting, even in direct sunlight. This type of decorative concrete is perfect for indoor spaces, such as concrete floors, where stencils and patterns can be used to create unique designs, including company logos and brand names.
Concrete staining in Seattle
Staining colors concrete without changing its texture. It works on new slabs and on existing patios, walkways, entryways, basement floors, and garage floors, which makes it the usual way to add color to concrete that is already in place. That is the main difference from stamping: stamped concrete presses pattern and texture into fresh concrete during the pour, while stained concrete is a flat surface, new or old, colored after it has cured.
Acid stain vs. water-based stain
Acid stains react chemically with the lime in the concrete to produce translucent, variegated earth tones: browns, tans, rust, and blue-green. No two slabs take the color quite the same way, which gives the mottled, natural look most people picture when they think of stained concrete. The residue has to be neutralized and rinsed before sealing. Water-based stains carry pigment into the surface instead of reacting with it, so the palette is far wider, the color is more uniform and predictable, and there is no acid to neutralize. Acid stain suits outdoor patios and entryways where an organic look fits; water-based stain suits interiors and projects that need a specific color.
Sealing, moss, and maintenance in a wet climate
The stain itself is permanent; the sealer over it is what wears. Penetrating silane or siloxane sealers leave texture and traction unchanged and typically last three to five years on exterior flatwork. Film-forming acrylic sealers deepen the color and add sheen, but they need recoating every one to two years and get slippery when wet unless a non-slip additive goes into the coat. On shaded Seattle patios, moss and mildew streak stained color over time. Earth-tone palettes hide that better than light or bright colors, and a pH-neutral cleaner plus professional resealing on schedule keeps the surface saturated. Harsh cleaners and de-icing salts dull the finish and are best avoided.
What concrete staining costs
Staining sits in the lower cost tier of decorative concrete because it works with the slab you already have: acid staining typically runs $6–$12 per sq ft installed, against $12–$20 for stamped concrete (see the table below). Prep is the biggest variable. Old sealer, paint, and adhesive have to come off before stain will take, and patched or weathered slabs may need grinding or a thin overlay first, which moves a job toward the top of the range. On an existing slab, a test patch is the only reliable preview of the final color. Our stained concrete colors guide shows the palette for each stain type.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is a cost-effective way to create simple and visually appealing surfaces. This technique can be used on existing concrete floors or during the construction process to create a smooth and glossy finish.
Decorative concrete cost by technique
| Technique | Installed cost (per sq ft) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Broom / exposed aggregate | $6–$13 | Driveways, patios, walkways - traction-first |
| Acid stain | $6–$12 | Interior floors, patios - mottled earth tones |
| Dye (water or acetone-based) | $5–$10 | Interior - vibrant or custom colors |
| Stamped concrete | $12–$20 | Patios, driveways - mimics stone/brick/tile |
| Polished concrete | $4–$10 | Interior floors - low-maintenance, reflective |
Multi-technique combinations (e.g., stained + polished, or stamped + integral color) fall on the higher end. Request a free on-site estimate for your specific project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does decorative concrete cost in Seattle?
Decorative concrete in Seattle typically ranges from $8 to $25 per square foot installed, depending on the technique. Stamped patterns start around $12–$18/sq ft, stained concrete runs $6–$12/sq ft, and polished concrete for interiors costs $4–$10/sq ft. Exposed aggregate and custom multi-color finishes are on the higher end. Request a free on-site estimate for an accurate quote.
How long does a decorative concrete project take?
Most residential decorative concrete projects take 2–5 days from pour to final seal. Surface preparation adds 1–2 days, and the concrete needs at least 24–48 hours to cure before sealing. Stamped concrete with custom patterns or multi-color staining may extend the timeline to 5–7 days.
Do I need a permit for decorative concrete in Seattle?
Most decorative concrete overlays and resurfacing projects do not require a permit in Seattle. However, adding a new patio, driveway, or walkway may require a permit depending on size and location. Seattle's SDCI requires permits for impervious surface additions over certain thresholds, especially near shorelines or steep slopes.
How do I maintain decorative concrete?
Seal your decorative concrete every 1–3 years depending on traffic and Seattle's frequent rainfall. Avoid de-icing salts, which cause surface scaling. Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and a stiff broom. For stamped concrete, reapplying a UV-stable acrylic sealer restores color and gloss. Properly maintained decorative concrete can last 20–30 years.
What surface preparation is needed for decorative concrete?
Proper surface prep is critical for overlays and stains. We grind or acid-etch existing concrete to open the pores, repair cracks and spalling, then apply the decorative finish. For new pours, mix design and reinforcement are planned around the intended finish. Skipping prep leads to delamination and color failure.
How much does concrete staining cost in Seattle?
Acid staining typically runs $6–$12 per sq ft installed. Existing slabs that need old sealer, paint or adhesive removed, grinding or crack repair before staining land at the higher end, so a test patch and an on-site estimate come first.
What is the difference between acid stain and water-based stain?
Acid stain reacts with the lime in concrete to create translucent, mottled earth tones that vary from slab to slab. Water-based stain carries pigment into the surface, giving a much wider color range and a more uniform, predictable result, with no acid to neutralize.
Is stained concrete the same as stamped concrete?
No. Staining adds color to a flat slab, new or existing, without changing its texture. Stamping presses a pattern such as slate, brick or stone into fresh concrete during the pour, usually with color added at the same time.
Service areas
We handle decorative concrete work across King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Thurston counties, including in Mercer Island, Kirkland, Edmonds, and Steilacoom. See all service areas.
