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Before & After

Stained Concrete Patio Ideas: Before & After Photos From Real DIY Projects

Stained concrete patios are one of the most cost-effective ways to transform an outdoor space. Unlike paint, which lays down a thick film that eventually peels, concrete stain colors the surface itself and is locked in with a sealer — and a DIY stain-and-seal project typically runs under $1 per square foot in materials, compared with $3–$15 per square foot to hire a contractor. Below you’ll find 27 real before-and-after patio projects from Direct Colors customers, each with the exact colors, products, and timelines behind it — plus what staining costs, which stain to choose for your surface, and how long the finish lasts.

Wood-plank stamped concrete patio before and after staining with Driftwood stain, changing it from faded light gray-tan to warm driftwood brown

A faded wood-plank stamped patio, before and after Driftwood Antiquing™ — one of 27 real customer projects below.

Browse by color: Wood Plank · Black & Charcoal · Brown & Driftwood · Red & Warm Earth · Gray, White & Multi-Color · Acid-Stained · Paver Patios
Planning a project? Cost · How to stain · FAQ

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Before & After Patio Projects

Faux Wood Plank Patios

Wood-plank stamped concrete gives you the warm look of a timber deck — without the warping, splintering, or yearly refinishing. Stain is what makes it convincing: the right color settles into the grain and plank lines so the pattern reads like real weathered boards instead of gray concrete. These projects show the range, from a single warm tone to a hand-blended multi-color floor where no two planks match.

Faux Wood Plank: Restoring a Stamped Concrete Patio to Rich Brown

Wood-plank stamped concrete gives you the look of a timber deck without the warping, splintering, or annual refinishing — but like any stamped surface, it fades. Six years of sun had drained this lakefront patio to a flat gray-tan, flattening the grain detail the stamp was there to create. Driftwood Antiquing™ brought the warmth back. Because the color settles into the low points of the grain and leaves the raised areas lighter, it restores the plank definition rather than just recoloring the slab — which is exactly what makes wood stamping read as convincing in the first place. At 3,250 sq. ft. this is the largest project in this gallery.

Size
3,250 sq. ft.
Surface
Wood plank stamped concrete
Color
Driftwood Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
6 days
Level
Intermediate
Sun-faded gray-tan wood-plank stamped concrete patio on a lakefront home before Driftwood Antiquing stain
Faded before.
Wood-plank stamped concrete patio freshly stained with Driftwood Antiquing, wet and dark before drying and sealing, edges masked off
Driftwood Antiquing™ during application.
Curved lakefront wood-plank stamped concrete patio finished in warm Driftwood Antiquing stain with the grain and plank detail restored
The finished lakefront patio.

Just Like New: Maple Antiquing on a Wood-Plank Stamped Patio

This 1,200 sq. ft. wood-plank stamped patio was poured with integral color back in 2017 — and by now the color had faded and the finish was completely gone. A pressure wash, one coat of Maple Antiquing™ Stain, and a coat of EasySeal™ Gloss brought the warm wood tone and grain detail roaring back. The whole thing was done in a single day, start to finish.

Size
1,200 sq. ft.
Surface
Wood-plank stamped concrete (2017, integrally colored)
Color
Maple Antiquing™
Sealer
EasySeal™ Gloss
Time
1 day
Level
Beginner
Faded gray-tan wood-plank stamped concrete patio with worn finish before Maple Antiquing stain
Before — wood-plank stamped concrete (2017, integrally colored).
Wood-plank stamped concrete patio restored to a rich warm maple wood tone with Maple Antiquing stain and EasySeal Gloss
After — Maple Antiquing™.
“It looks so much better, just like new! I started staining about 9 in the morning and by 4 in the afternoon I was done. Not too bad for a 56-year-old lady to accomplish in a day!” Lisa’s tip: “I poured the stain and sealer directly on the concrete and used a disposable roller to work it into all the wood-plank indentations — rolling let me control exactly where the color went along the edges, so I didn’t get any on the garage siding or the retaining wall.”
— Troy & Lisa Furrer, DIY Contest Entry

Boardwalk Blend: Multi-Color Antiquing on a Wood-Plank Stamped Patio

This 650 sq. ft. patio was stamped with a 6-inch boardwalk plank pattern over a "wheat medium" integral base, then hand-colored plank by plank with four Antiquing™ stains — Crimson, Cumin, Aztec Brown, and Tweed — to mimic the natural color variation of real weathered wood, with a Charcoal slate border framing it. A new section was poured and overlaid in the same pattern to extend the existing patio seamlessly. Sealed in high-gloss for a rich, wet-look sheen.

Size
650 sq. ft.
Surface
Wood-plank stamped concrete (6" boardwalk stamp)
Color
Crimson, Cumin, Aztec Brown & Tweed Antiquing™ · Charcoal border
Sealer
EasySeal™ Gloss
Time
7 days
Level
Advanced
Freshly stamped wood-plank concrete patio in a plain wheat integral color before Antiquing stain
The wheat integral base before staining.
Wood-plank stamped concrete patio hand-stained plank by plank in Crimson, Cumin, Aztec Brown, and Tweed Antiquing with a charcoal border
The four-color plank blend.
Close-up of wood-plank stamped concrete showing varied Crimson, Cumin, and Aztec Brown plank colors beside a glossy charcoal border
The finished floor with its Charcoal slate border.

Black & Charcoal Stained Patios

Black and charcoal are the boldest, most requested colors for a patio — and the most forgiving when you're covering existing color, since dark tones absorb variation instead of revealing it. Every project here used Antiquing™ stain .

Modern Black: Concrete Patio Built for Entertaining

A plain poured slab becomes a sleek outdoor room with Black Antiquing™ stain. The photos follow the full sequence — bare concrete, freshly stained, and finally sealed — and the last two are worth comparing closely: sealing is what takes the black from flat to deep.

Size
433 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth concrete
Color
Black Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
5 days
Level
Beginner
Plain 433-square-foot covered smooth concrete patio masked and prepared for Black Antiquing Stain
Before — smooth concrete.
Finished covered smoth concrete patio with variegated Black Antiquing Stain and a sealed satin-like sheen
After — Black Antiquing™.
Black Antiquing Stain sprayed across a smooth covered concrete patio before applying the topcoat
Black Antiquing™ going down.
Alternate view of a new smooth concrete covered patio transformed with Black Antiquing Stain and a protective topcoat
The finished patio in its new-construction setting — compare the stained-vs-sealed depth.

Barnyard Bold: Charcoal on Broom-Finished Concrete

Charcoal Antiquing™ Stain transformed this plain broom-finished concrete barn apron with a bold, variegated finish. The dark color minimized the unfinished appearance and gave the rural exterior a more polished, modern look.

Size
3000 sq. ft.
Surface
Broom finish concrete
Color
Charcoal Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Beginner
Plain broom-finished concrete apron outside a rural barn before applying Charcoal Antiquing Stain
Before — broom finish concrete.
Rural barn with a broom-finished concrete apron transformed with Charcoal Antiquing Stain
After — Charcoal Antiquing™.

From Orange to Elegant: A Charcoal and Black Color Change

This homeowner inherited a stamped patio in an unfortunate orange, and used a mix of Charcoal and Black Antiquing™ to take it somewhere else entirely. The dark tones highlight the stamp pattern while letting a hint of the original color show through — proof that you don't need to strip existing color to change it.

Size
350 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth concrete
Color
Black & Charcoal Antiquing™
Sealer
Gloss EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Faded red stamped concrete patio before restoration with Black and Charcoal Antiquing Stain
Before — smooth concrete.
Backyard stamped concrete patio restored with Black and Charcoal Antiquing Stain and arranged with outdoor furniture
After — Black & Charcoal Antiquing™.

Black and Gold: Turning Patio Cracks Into a Feature

Rather than fight the cracks in this broom finish slab, the homeowner leaned into them — Black Antiquing™ stain across the surface, then gold acrylic craft paint worked into the crack lines. A reminder that a cracked patio isn't disqualified from staining; it just needs a design that accounts for it.

Size
200 sq. ft.
Surface
Broom finish concrete
Color
Black Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Beginner
Porous broom-finish concrete patio before staining, with a pump sprayer and spiked shoes ready for application
Before — bare broom-finish slab (spiked shoes and pump sprayer ready).
Broom-finish concrete patio transformed with Black Antiquing Stain, gold-painted cracks, and satin acrylic sealer
After — Black Antiquing™ with gold worked into the cracks.
DIY homeowner wearing spiked shoes and spraying Black Antiquing Stain onto a broom-finish concrete patio
Applying the Black Antiquing™.
Close-up of a black-stained concrete patio featuring natural cracks highlighted with gold acrylic paint
A detail of the gold crack lines.

Brown, Driftwood & Chocolate

Warm browns are the most popular patio colors in the Direct Colors range — neutral enough to work with nearly any home exterior, and rich enough to read like natural stone or wood on stamped concrete. This group runs from the best-selling Driftwood Antiquing™ to one-step Chocolate EasyTint™ .

Pole Barn Patio: Driftwood on a Broom Finish Slab

Bare, unfinished concrete in a pole barn outdoor living space, transformed with Driftwood Antiquing™ over a broom finish. The evening photo is the one to look at — string lights over warm brown concrete is exactly the effect people are after and rarely see rendered honestly.

Size
400 sq. ft.
Surface
Broom-finish concrete
Color
Driftwood Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Beginner
Unstained smooth concrete patio outside a pole barn before applying Driftwood Antiquing Stain
Before — broom-finish concrete.
Smooth pole barn concrete patio transformed with rich brown Driftwood Antiquing Stain
After — Driftwood Antiquing™.
Covered pole barn concrete porch finished with variegated brown Driftwood Antiquing Stain and furnished with wicker seating
The furnished pole-barn porch.
Furnished pole barn concrete porch stained with Driftwood Antiquing Stain and illuminated by string lights at dusk
The same space at evening under string lights.

Mountain Majesty: Repairing and Recoloring a Freeze-Damaged Patio

Starting with a surface pitted and faded by the harsh Colorado elements, this patio was revived by patching the damage, tinting the repairs with concrete pigment so they'd blend rather than show through, and finishing with antiquing stain applied by pump sprayer.

Size
400 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Driftwood Antiquing™ & Cocoa Brown Pigment
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Intermediate
Colorado stamped concrete patio with freeze-thaw pitting, sun-faded color, and worn sealer
Before — stamped concrete.
Restored Colorado stamped concrete patio finished with Driftwood Antiquing Stain and satin acrylic sealer
After — Driftwood Antiquing™ & Cocoa Brown Pigment.

From Faded Pink to Rich Again: Driftwood on a Smooth Concrete Patio

This 1,600-square-foot patio was poured in 2012 with dark red integral color that had faded to a washed-out pink. Driftwood Antiquing™ Stain and EasySeal™ Satin restored its color depth and dimension while preserving the concrete’s original character.

Size
1600 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Driftwood Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Beginner
Smooth concrete patio poured in 2012 with its original dark red integral color faded to light pink
Before — stamped concrete.
Concrete patio poured in 2012 restored with Driftwood Antiquing Stain and EasySeal acrylic sealer
After — Driftwood Antiquing™.

Sweet Outdoor Living: Chocolate EasyTint™ on a Covered Patio

Rather than staining and then sealing, this covered patio was finished with Chocolate EasyTint™ — a tinted sealer that colors and protects in a single application.

Size
150 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth concrete
Color
Chocolate EasyTint™
Sealer
Chocolate EasyTint™
Time
1 day
Level
Beginner
Smooth concrete patio with faded color and uneven discoloration before restoration
Before — smooth concrete.
Finished smooth concrete patio restored with Chocolate EasyTint tinted sealer
After — Chocolate EasyTint™.

11-Year-Old Patio Reborn: Chocolate EasyTint™ on Stamped Concrete

This 11-year-old stamped concrete patio had lost its original color, leaving it faded, chalky, and uneven. Chocolate EasyTint™ tinted sealer restored a rich brown tone, revived the stamped pattern, and gave the outdoor space a refreshed finish.

Size
950 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Chocolate EasyTint™
Sealer
Chocolate EasyTint™
Time
2 days
Level
Beginner
Faded and weathered 11-year-old stamped concrete patio before applying Chocolate EasyTint
Before — stamped concrete.
Restored 11-year-old stamped concrete patio finished with Chocolate EasyTint tinted sealer
After — Chocolate EasyTint™.

Two-Tone Restoration: Aztec Brown and Khaki on 3,000 sq. ft. of Stamped Concrete

A weathered two-tone stamped patio brought back with Khaki Antiquing™ across the main field and Aztec Brown on the borders and steps. Using a second color to define edges is what keeps a patio this size from reading as one flat expanse.

Size
3000 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Aztec Brown & Khaki Antiquing™
Sealer
Gloss EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Faded two-tone stamped concrete patio before applying Aztec Brown and Khaki Antiquing Stain
Before — stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete patio restored with Khaki Antiquing Stain and contrasting Aztec Brown borders and steps
After — Aztec Brown & Khaki Antiquing™.

Red, Crimson & Warm Earth Tones

Reds, crimsons, and warm spice tones bring out the character in stamped and textured concrete, and read especially well against brick and stone. These are among the most forgiving colors on faded or unevenly weathered slabs — the warmth blends inconsistency rather than exposing it.

Crimson Revival: Red Stain on 1,236 sq. ft. of Stamped Concrete

The homeowner was unhappy with the original color and went over it with Crimson Antiquing™, then finished in high gloss for a wet-look sheen that makes the stamp pattern pop. Scale like this is where DIY staining saves the most money against contractor pricing.

Size
1236 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Crimson Antiquing™
Sealer
Gloss EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Beginner
Previously integrally colored stamped concrete patio faded to pale pink and masked before applying Crimson Antiquing Stain
Before — stamped concrete.
Faded integrally colored stamped concrete patio restored to a vibrant red with Crimson Antiquing Stain
After — Crimson Antiquing™.

Cafe Royale: Clearing Efflorescence From a Faded Stamped Patio

This patio had two problems — faded color and efflorescence, the chalky white mineral bloom that surfaces on weathered concrete. Cleaning came first; staining second. Cafe Royale Antiquing™ then restored a deep, warm brown across the whole surface.

Size
400 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Cafe Royale Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Beginner
Faded stamped concrete patio with discoloration and efflorescence before restoration
Before — stamped concrete.
Restored backyard stamped concrete patio finished with Café Royale Antiquing Stain
After — Cafe Royale Antiquing™.

Cumin: A Warm Spice Tone on Stamped Concrete

Cumin sits between terracotta and gold, and it's the color to reach for when a patio needs warmth without going red. On stamped concrete the tone settles into the pattern's low points and highlights the raised texture.

Size
375 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Cumin Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
3 days
Level
Beginner
Close-up of a severely faded stamped concrete patio before applying Cumin Antiquing Stain
Before — stamped concrete.
Multilevel covered stamped concrete patio and steps restored with Cumin Antiquing Stain
After — Cumin Antiquing™.

Old Meets New: Unifying 1,500 sq. ft. of Mismatched Scored Concrete

A ten-year-old patio extended with a fresh pour — two slabs a decade apart, in obviously different shades. Aztec Brown and Cafe Royale Antiquing™ across both brought them into one continuous surface. This is the answer for anyone whose addition doesn't match the original concrete.

Size
1,500 sq. ft.
Surface
Scored concrete, mixed age
Color
Cafe Royale & Aztec Brown Antiquing™
Sealer
Gloss EasySeal™
Time
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Large backyard patio combining 10-year-old and new scored concrete before applying Antiquing Stain
Before — scored concrete, mixed age.
1,500-square-foot scored concrete patio unified with Aztec Brown and Cafe Royale Antiquing Stain
After — Cafe Royale & Aztec Brown Antiquing™.

Mediterranean Courtyard: Tweed on Faded Stamped Concrete

Tweed is the subtlest color in this gallery — a soft, warm neutral that adds variation without announcing itself. On this Mediterranean-style courtyard it replaces washed-out gray with something that reads as aged stone rather than fresh stain.

Size
400 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete
Color
Tweed Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
3 days
Level
Beginner
Faded stamped concrete courtyard before applying Tweed Antiquing Stain
Before — stamped concrete.
Mediterranean-style stamped concrete courtyard restored with warm, variegated Tweed Antiquing Stain
After — Tweed Antiquing™.

Gray, White & Multi-Color Designs

Cool tones and multi-color layouts, for patios where the concrete is meant to complement the house rather than dominate the yard.

Farmhouse Chic: Silver Gray Antiquing on a Covered Smooth Finish Patio

Silver Gray Antiquing™ applied with a pump sprayer and sealed with two coats of satin EasySeal™. The satin finish is a deliberate choice — high gloss would have fought the farmhouse look, where satin keeps it understated. Worth noting for anyone assuming gloss is always the goal.

Size
433 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth concrete
Color
Silver Gray Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
3 days
Level
Beginner
Unstained smooth-finish concrete on a covered new-construction farmhouse patio
Unstained smooth-finish concrete on a covered new-construction farmhouse patio.
Silver Gray Antiquing Stain being applied to a broom-finish covered concrete patio
Silver Gray Antiquing Stain being applied to a broom-finish covered concrete patio.

Cobblestone Character: Three Colors on a Small Stamped Patio

At 160 sq. ft. this is the smallest project here, and the most approachable. Three Antiquing™ colors — Cafe Royale, Olive, and Charcoal — worked across a cobblestone stamp pattern, varied stone to stone so no two match. Proof that multi-color technique doesn't require a large patio or a large budget.

Size
160 sq. ft.
Surface
Stamped concrete, cobblestone pattern
Color
Cafe Royale, Charcoal & Olive Antiquing™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Intermediate
Unstained cobblestone-pattern concrete patio before applying Cafe Royale, Olive, and Charcoal Antiquing Stain
Before — stamped concrete, cobblestone pattern.
Cobblestone-pattern concrete patio colored with Cafe Royale, Olive, and Charcoal Antiquing Stain
After — Cafe Royale, Charcoal & Olive Antiquing™.

Acid-Stained Patios

Acid stain works differently from every other product on this page: it reacts chemically with the concrete and becomes a permanent part of the slab, producing the mottled, variegated, natural-stone character that nothing else can match. These are the most artistic projects in the gallery — turquoise, copper patina, faux flagstone — and proof of the range EverStain™ can reach on a patio.

Copper Patina: Azure Blue Acid Stain on Smooth and Stamped Concrete

Chasing a layered copper-patina look to match their home's style, this Oklahoma couple faced a common challenge: a newly extended patio combining a smooth original slab with a stamped concrete extension, dull and mismatched. Four layered EverStain™ acid stain colors — Azure Blue, Desert Amber , Cola, and Coffee Brown — unified both finishes under one continuous blue-and-rust patina, unlike anything else in this gallery. It's pure acid stain: the color reacts into the slab rather than sitting on top, so the result is permanent, and a MiracleGro assist pulled the blue back out where the darker colors overpowered it.

Size
540 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth concrete (original) & stamped concrete (extension)
Color
Azure Blue, Desert Amber, Cola & Coffee Brown EverStain™
Sealer
EasySeal™ Satin
Time
10 days
Level
Advanced
Before: a dull, newly extended patio — smooth original slab plus a stamped extension — awaiting its transformation
Before — smooth concrete (original) & stamped concrete (extension).
After: four EverStain™ acid stain colors layered into a copper-patina finish, sealed with two coats of EasySeal™ Satin
After — Azure Blue, Desert Amber, Cola & Coffee Brown EverStain™.

Bin There Bar: Turquoise and Rust Acid Stain on a New Concrete Patio

Built around a repurposed grain-bin bar for "cocktail hour where the shade hits just right," this 900 sq. ft. patio started as a blank, freshly poured slab. The homeowner hand-blended Azure Blue , Coffee Brown, and Shifting Sand EverStain™ acid stains — thinning with water for lighter tones — into a turquoise-and-rust finish sealed with EasySeal™ Satin. Because acid stain reacts into the slab, the mottled, watery movement across the surface is permanent, not painted on.

Size
900 sq. ft.
Surface
New poured concrete
Color
Azure Blue, Coffee Brown & Shifting Sand EverStain™
Sealer
EasySeal™ Satin
Time
5 days
Level
Intermediate
Freshly poured blank concrete patio slab beside a ranch house before turquoise acid staining, with a grain-bin bar under construction
Before — a blank, freshly poured slab.
Concrete patio acid stained in turquoise and rust with Azure Blue and Coffee Brown EverStain, beside a repurposed grain-bin bar on a ranch
After — hand-blended turquoise-and-rust EverStain™.
Compacting the graded dirt pad before pouring a new concrete patio
Site prep before the pour.
Azure Blue acid stain being applied to a new concrete patio with a sprayer for a turquoise finish
Hand-blending the acid stain across the slab.
Homeowner spraying acid stain onto a round concrete grain-bin bar top
Spraying color with an adjustable nozzle.
Finished turquoise acid-stained concrete grain-bin bar on a stained patio
The finished grain-bin bar.
“A patio off the side of the house where the shade hits just right for cocktail hour with the ‘Bin There Bar.’ Turquoise and rust — my favorite!” Tanna’s technique: “Mix the colors however you want — more water for a lighter color, less for darker. Keep a hose handy and add water in some areas to really make it blend. I used a weed sprayer with an adjustable nozzle, switching between a stream and a mist.”
— Tanna M., DIY Contest Entry

Direct Colors tip: for lasting outdoor vibrance, build color by layering acid stains rather than adding food coloring — food coloring isn’t UV-stable and will fade outdoors. Tanna’s turquoise comes mostly from blending Azure Blue with Shifting Sand, which is what makes it permanent.

Faux Flagstone: Coffee Brown and English Red Acid Stain on Smooth Concrete

A homeowner who'd "never been the artistic type" turned a plain hand-troweled slab into a faux-flagstone floor using nothing but masking tape and acid stain . The stones are Malayan Buff with mixed tones, the walkway Coffee Brown, and the borders English Red — all EverStain™ acid stain, sealed with EasySeal™. Because acid stain reacts into the concrete rather than sitting on top, even a heavy-handed border bleed was recoverable: a Scotch-Brite scrub pulled the color back, and a light restain restored the contrast.

Size
300 sq. ft.
Surface
Smooth hand-troweled concrete
Color
Coffee Brown, English Red & Malayan Buff EverStain™
Sealer
EasySeal™ + non-slip additive
Technique
Faux flagstone tape stencil
Time
20 days (weather)
Level
Advanced
Masking tape laid out in a faux flagstone pattern on a smooth hand-troweled concrete patio before acid staining
Before — masking-tape flagstone layout on a smooth slab.
Smooth concrete patio acid stained to look like faux flagstone in Coffee Brown, English Red, and Malayan Buff EverStain, sealed with EasySeal
After — Coffee Brown, English Red and Malayan Buff EverStain™.
“Never the artistic type ever, I had to try this — Coffee Brown walkway, English Red border, Malayan Buff and mixtures in the stones. To say I’m well pleased with the outcome would be a major understatement.” Dennis’s tip: “The English Red bled over everywhere even though I thought I was going light. I cleaned up the bleed with a Scotch-Brite pad and ammonia, then touched up with stain again — just enough mineral content was left to return the contrast I wanted. Patience with a project of this nature pays off, and spike shoes are mandatory!”
— Dennis B., DIY Contest Entry

Outdoor Kitchen Upgrade: Cola Acid Stain on 400 sq. ft. of Broom Finish

A California-room outdoor kitchen finished with Cola EverStain™. Acid stain works differently from the Antiquing™ projects above — it reacts chemically with the concrete, becoming part of the slab — and the scoring here breaks the 400 sq. ft. floor into a tile pattern.

Size
400 sq. ft.
Surface
Broom finish concrete
Color
Cola EverStain™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
2 days
Level
Beginner
Unstained 400-square-foot broom-finish concrete patio before applying Cola EverStain Acid Stain
Before — broom finish concrete.
Broom-finish concrete patio and gazebo floor transformed with Cola EverStain Acid Stain
After — Cola EverStain™.

Painted, Stripped, and Stained: Earthy Acid Stain on a Covered Patio

This broom-finish covered patio was painted before its makeover — and the old paint had to be fully stripped before any stain went down, since acid stain can't penetrate through a coating. Once the concrete was bare, Coffee Brown, Malayan Buff , Shifting Sand, and Desert Amber EverStain™ were layered into a deep, mottled earth-tone patina and sealed with EasySeal™ Gloss for a wet-look finish. Proof that a painted patio isn't stuck that way — strip it back to bare concrete and acid stain gives you something far better.

Size
450 sq. ft.
Surface
Broom-finish concrete, previously painted
Color
Coffee Brown, Malayan Buff, Shifting Sand & Desert Amber EverStain™
Sealer
EasySeal™ Gloss
Time
30 days
Level
Advanced
Broom-finish covered concrete patio stripped back to bare concrete, with traces of old paint still visible on the house wall, before acid staining
Before — stripped back to bare concrete (the old paint had to come off).
Finished covered concrete patio acid stained in mottled Coffee Brown and earth tones, sealed with EasySeal Gloss for a wet-look shine, lit with string lights
After — layered earth-tone EverStain™, sealed in gloss.
First spray of Coffee Brown and earth-tone EverStain acid stain reacting on a bare broom-finish concrete patio
First spray of acid stain.
Covered concrete patio after Coffee Brown, Malayan Buff, and Desert Amber acid after stain application, during sealing
Sealing in progress.
“Test your colors first — my Avocado didn’t show up at all on this slab. And watch out for drips coming off your sprayer!”
— Robin M., DIY Contest Entry

Concrete Paver Patios

Concrete pavers need a stain built for their surface and texture — Portico™ and PaveWave™ are formulated for exactly that. These projects show both ends of what's possible on pavers: reviving faded color, and completely changing it with a clean whitewash.

From Pink to Whitewashed: PaveWave White on a Circular Paver Patio

This homeowner loved everything about the backyard except a dated pink paver brick patio — and after paint, big-box products, and even real lime wash all failed, PaveWave™ White finally delivered the clean, whitewashed look they were after. Three coats built the white to full opacity over the light pink pavers, with a touch of Granite to make it pop, sealed with EasySeal™ Satin. Unlike the lime wash that washed away, this penetrating paver stain is built to last.

Size
300 sq. ft.
Surface
Concrete pavers (circular cobblestone)
Color
PaveWave™ White + Granite accent
Sealer
EasySeal™ Satin, 2 coats
Time
4 days
Level
Intermediate
Dated pink concrete paver patio in a circular cobblestone pattern before whitewashing with PaveWave White
Before — concrete pavers (circular cobblestone).
Whitewashed circular paver patio styled with a fire pit and wooden Adirondack chairs, finished in PaveWave White
After — PaveWave™ White + Granite accent.

15-Year-Old Paver Patio Restored with Portico Stain

Fifteen years of weather had left this concrete paver patio faded and tired, its original color washed out. Rather than replace the pavers, the homeowner restored them with Portico™ — Crimson across the field with an Eagle Gray border to frame it — sealed with EasySeal™ Satin. Staining brought back richer color than the pavers had when they were new, at a fraction of the cost of tearing them out.

Size
315 sq. ft.
Surface
Concrete pavers
Color
Crimson & Eagle Gray Portico™
Sealer
Satin EasySeal™
Time
5 days
Level
Beginner
Faded 15-year-old concrete paver patio before applying Crimson and Eagle Gray Portico Stain
Before — concrete pavers.
Fifteen-year-old concrete paver patio restored with Crimson Portico Stain and an Eagle Gray border
After — Crimson & Eagle Gray Portico™.

How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Concrete Patio?

Hiring a contractor to stain a concrete patio generally runs $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on surface prep, how many colors are involved, and whether the design includes borders, scoring, or custom graphics. On a typical 300 sq. ft. patio, that’s roughly $900 to $4,500. Doing it yourself changes the math substantially, because you’re paying for materials instead of labor.

Approach 200 sq. ft. patio 400 sq. ft. patio
Hire a contractor ($3–$15 / sq. ft.) $600 – $3,000 $1,200 – $6,000
DIY complete stain & seal system From $129.95 From $259.90
  • Hire a contractor ($3–$15/sq. ft.): 200 sq. ft. = $600–$3,000 · 400 sq. ft. = $1,200–$6,000
  • DIY complete stain & seal system: 200 sq. ft. from $129.95 · 400 sq. ft. from $259.90

A complete Antiquing™ 2-Step Stain System includes both the stain and the EasySeal™ topcoat — the two things that actually determine how your patio looks and how long it lasts. For acid-stained looks, the EverStain™ 3-Step System runs $144.95. Beyond the stain itself, budget for surface prep (a degreaser and, on hard-troweled slabs, an etcher), a pump-up sprayer, and spiked shoes. Most homeowners already own a pressure washer or can rent one for the day. Not sure about a color? Trial kits start at $29.95 with free shipping and let you test the exact color on your own slab before committing to a full system — worth doing, because concrete’s existing color and porosity affect the final result more than most people expect.


Can You Stain an Existing Concrete Patio?

Yes — and most of the projects in the gallery above are exactly that. Faded stamped concrete, sun-bleached slabs, patios the builder sealed incorrectly, and 20-year-old broom finishes all take stain well. What to understand going in: concrete stain is semi-transparent. It enhances the surface rather than covering it. It will not hide cracks, patches, or heavy discoloration, and the slab’s existing color influences the final result — which is why staining over an orange-toned patio reads differently than staining over gray.

An existing patio is a good candidate if it’s structurally sound and the surface is clean and absorbent. Test absorbency by pouring a cup of water on the slab in a few places: if it soaks in within five minutes, you’re ready to stain. If it beads, there’s likely a sealer or coating to remove first. If your slab has significant cracking or spalling, patch it first — and tint your patching compound with concrete pigment before you apply it, so the repair disappears instead of reading straight through the stain (the Mountain Majesty project above shows this on a freeze-damaged Colorado patio).


Which Concrete Patio Stain Should You Use?

The right product depends on your surface, the look you’re after, and how much of a project you want it to be.

Feature Antiquing™ (best for most patios) EverStain™ Acid Stain Portico™ / PaveWave™ EasyTint™ / AcquaTint™
Best for Stamped, broom, brushed, swirled, poured Smooth & lightly textured slabs Concrete pavers, rough exteriors Blotchy or uneven slabs needing consistent color
Look Rich color that highlights texture Variegated, marbled, translucent patina Even color on porous units Uniform and consistent, still semi-transparent
How it works Pigment sits on the surface; sealer bonds it Reacts chemically — becomes part of the slab Pigment sits on the surface; sealer bonds it Color and sealer in one
Application Stain, then seal (sealing required) Stain, neutralize, then seal Stain, then seal (sealing required) One step — no separate sealer
Surface prep Minimal Etching often required Moderate Minimal
Trial kit $39.95 $39.95 $39.95 $29.95
  • Antiquing™ — best for most patios. Stamped, broom, brushed or poured; rich color that highlights texture; stain then seal. Trial kit $39.95.
  • EverStain™ Acid Stain — smooth & lightly textured slabs; variegated, marbled patina that reacts into the slab; etching often needed. Trial kit $39.95.
  • Portico™ / PaveWave™ — concrete pavers and rough exteriors; even color; stain then seal. Trial kit $39.95.
  • EasyTint™ / AcquaTint™ — blotchy or uneven slabs; uniform color and sealer in one step. Trial kit $29.95.

Antiquing™ is the default recommendation for patios. It handles textured surfaces well, requires less prep, and because it doesn’t react chemically it blends over patched areas — which matters on any patio that’s been repaired. Choose EverStain™ when you want the mottled, natural-stone character only an acid stain produces. Choose a tinted sealer — EasyTint™ (solvent-based, exterior only) or AcquaTint™ (water-based, indoor/outdoor — the pick for a covered patio or three-season room) — when evenness matters more than character, since they carry the pigment in the sealer and color in a single application.

Not sure which color?

Trial kits start at $29.95 with free shipping — test the exact color on your own slab first.Shop Trial Kits

Why the Sealer Isn’t Optional

This is the single most important thing to understand before you start, and it’s where most DIY patio projects go wrong. With Antiquing™, Portico™, ColorWave®, and PaveWave™, the pigment sits on the surface of the concrete. Until you seal it, that color is not bonded to anything — it will wash away in the first rain, wear off under foot traffic, and track through the house on shoes and pet paws. The sealer is what creates the permanent bond between pigment and concrete. It isn’t a finishing touch; it’s the step that makes the color stay. This is why every Direct Colors patio product is sold as a system rather than as stain alone.

The exception is EverStain™ acid stain, which reacts chemically and becomes part of the slab. It still needs sealing for protection and color depth, but the color itself won’t rinse away before you get there. And a note on stain vs. paint: paint forms a thick opaque film that, on an exterior slab with foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles, typically starts peeling within a year or two. Concrete stain colors the surface and is locked in by a thin, breathable, UV-stable sealer — no thick film to delaminate. Maintained on a normal resealing cycle, a stained patio holds up for the life of the slab.

👉 Choosing a sealer: The Best Concrete Sealer for Your Project · 👉 Applying it: How to Apply Concrete Sealer


How to Stain a Concrete Patio in 4 Steps

  1. Prep the surface. New concrete needs to cure 30 days first. Remove any existing paint or sealer, then clean the slab of oil, dirt, and organic matter with a degreaser and a scrub brush. Test absorbency with the water test above; if the slab repels water, etch it, neutralize, and rinse. Let it dry completely, then mask off walls, landscaping, and anything within over-spray range.
  2. Apply the stain. Only stain when the surface temperature is between 40°F and 95°F. Remove the filters from your pump-up sprayer, shake the stain thoroughly, and spray in overlapping circular motions. Wear spiked shoes so you don’t leave prints, start from the corner farthest from your exit, and shake the tank frequently to keep color consistent.
  3. Don’t panic when it looks faint. Antiquing™ stain dries noticeably lighter than the final result — the sealer is what brings the color to full depth. This trips up nearly every first-timer: the dry, unsealed stage looks like something went wrong, and then sealing brings it to life.
  4. Seal it — this step is not optional. Until the sealer goes down, the pigment is only sitting on the surface, and rain or foot traffic will take it right off. Use a fresh sprayer, apply thin coats to avoid puddling, and wait 8 hours between coats. Check cure with a thumbnail before recoating. Allow foot traffic after 16 hours.
Three stages of staining a stamped concrete patio: surface preparation, dry Cafe Royale Antiquing Stain before sealing, and the final color after sealer.

Left to right: prepped surface, dry unsealed Cafe Royale Antiquing™ Stain, and the finished color after sealing. The middle stage is where most first-timers think something has gone wrong.

👉 Full step-by-step walkthrough: How to Stain a Concrete Patio  ·  👉 Acid staining specifically: How to Acid Stain a Patio


How Long Does a Stained Concrete Patio Last?

Properly sealed, a stained concrete patio holds its color for the life of the slab. There’s no thick film to delaminate the way paint does, so it won’t peel, flake, or chip. The key word is sealed. With Antiquing™, Portico™, ColorWave®, and PaveWave™, the sealer is what bonds the pigment to the concrete — so keeping the sealer intact isn’t just about gloss and protection, it’s what keeps your color where you put it. On an exterior patio exposed to UV and weather, plan to reseal every 2–3 years; high-traffic and full-sun areas may need it sooner, covered patios go longer. Don’t wait for the finish to look obviously worn — resealing on schedule is far easier than recovering color that’s already wearing through.

The same 2–3 year cycle applies to tinted sealers like EasyTint™ and AcquaTint™, where color and protection refresh together in a single step. And with EverStain™ acid stain, the color has reacted chemically into the slab and won’t go anywhere regardless — but the sealer still carries the color depth and gloss, so the same maintenance schedule applies.

When you reseal, match your sealer type to what’s already down. Putting the wrong chemistry over an existing sealer can soften, cloud, or lift the finish.

What’s already on your patio Reseal with
Solvent-based acrylic (e.g. EasySeal™) Solvent-based acrylic, or HydroCryl™
Water-based acrylic (e.g. AcquaSeal™) Water-based acrylic, or HydroCryl™

HydroCryl™ is the one product that crosses over — it can go over either solvent- or water-based acrylic. Polyurethane and epoxy coatings are a different category and haven’t been tested for compatibility; if that’s what’s on your slab, or you’re not sure, test a small patch first. And one condition before any resealing: the existing sealer has to be sound. Resealing refreshes a dull or thinning coat — it won’t save one that’s delaminating, flaking, or clouded by trapped moisture. In that case, strip it back to bare concrete and start clean.


Stained Concrete Patio FAQs

How much does it cost to stain a concrete patio?

Contractors typically charge $3–$15 per square foot. A DIY stain-and-seal system for a 200 sq. ft. patio starts at $129.95 in materials.

Do I have to seal a stained concrete patio?

Yes — with Antiquing™, Portico™, ColorWave®, and PaveWave™, sealing is required, not optional. The pigment sits on the surface until the sealer bonds it to the concrete. An unsealed patio will lose its color to the first rain, to foot traffic, and to shoes and pet paws. Plan your project so the sealer goes down before any weather arrives.

Can you stain a concrete patio yourself?

Yes. Staining is one of the more approachable concrete projects — most of the work is surface prep, and application is done with a pump-up sprayer. Many of the projects in this gallery were completed by first-time DIYers in 2–4 days.

Will stain hide cracks in my patio?

No. Stain is semi-transparent and enhances the surface rather than concealing it. Patch cracks first, and tint your patching compound with concrete pigment so the repair blends rather than showing through.

How long does it take to stain a patio?

Most patios take 2–4 days including prep, staining, and two coats of sealer with cure time between them. A 200 sq. ft. porch can be done in three days; a 1,200 sq. ft. patio takes closer to four.

How long does a stained concrete patio last?

Properly sealed, it holds its color for the life of the slab — there’s no thick film to peel or flake the way paint does. Because the sealer bonds the pigment to the concrete, reseal every 2–3 years on an exterior patio to keep both the color and the protection intact.

Is stained concrete slippery when wet?

Sealed concrete can be slick when wet. Add OxiGrip™ anti-slip additive to your sealer for patios near pools or in rainy climates. One exception: OxiGrip™ can’t be mixed directly into EasyTint™ or AcquaTint™ — with a tinted sealer, apply it as your color layer first, then add OxiGrip™ to a clear topcoat over it.

Can you stain concrete pavers?

Yes — pavers need a stain formulated for their surface and texture. Portico™ and PaveWave™ are built for pavers and rough exterior surfaces.

What’s the best color for a concrete patio?

Natural earth tones are the most popular and the most forgiving — browns, charcoals, and terra cottas complement most homes and landscaping. If your patio is stamped to mimic stone or wood, a natural tone makes the pattern read more convincingly. Order a trial kit (from $29.95) to test on your actual slab first; concrete’s existing color shifts the result.

Can you stain over previously stained concrete?

Yes. Antiquing™ stain doesn’t react chemically, so it applies over existing color. Darker shades cover more completely — see How to Change the Color of Already Colored Concrete.

Not sure which color?

Trial kits start at $29.95 with free shipping — test the exact color on your own slab first.Shop Trial Kits

What’s Next

  1. Step-by-step how-to → How to Stain a Concrete Patio
  2. Acid staining a patio → How to Acid Stain a Patio
  3. Restore an old, faded slab → Make an Old Concrete Patio Look Beautiful Again
  4. Budget backyard makeovers → Affordable DIY Backyard Ideas
  5. Front porch ideas → Front Porch Concrete Ideas
  6. Shop → Patio & Walkway Stains

Direct Colors. Shawnee, OK. Manufacturing the full decorative concrete system since 1997.

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Before You Checkout

EasyTint™ and OxiGrip™ are not compatible when used together directly. For slip resistance, use EasyTint™ as the color layer and apply OxiGrip™ only with a clear solvent based sealer as the topcoat.

Before You Checkout

AcquaTint™ and OxiGrip™ are not compatible when used together directly. If you need added slip resistance, apply AcquaTint™ as your color layer first, then use OxiGrip™ in a clear topcoat with AcquaSeal™ or HydroCryl™.