Plain gray concrete is durable and affordable, but it can look flat next to a brick or stone house or a landscaped yard. Color changes that. A warm tan patio, a charcoal walkway or a light, earthy pool deck can tie concrete into the rest of the property while keeping everything that makes concrete practical in Michigan.
Rock Solid Exteriors is a family-owned, locally owned and operated concrete and exterior contractor in Clinton Township, in business since 1997. We add color to patios, walkways, driveways and pool decks, in shades from browns to grays and everything between. Call (844) 757-6543 or book a free in-home concrete estimate.
Three Ways Concrete Gets Its Color
“Stained concrete” is often used loosely. There are really three different approaches, and knowing which is which helps when you compare quotes.
1. Integral color (mixed into the concrete)
Pigment is added to the concrete itself, so the color runs all the way through the slab. A chip or scrape shows the same color underneath, not gray. Integral color gives the most even, uniform look and is the most forgiving over years of wear, which makes it a strong choice for driveways and busy walkways.
2. Surface stains
Stain is applied to the surface of cured concrete. Reactive (acid-based) stains react with the concrete and create a mottled, variegated finish, a bit like leather or natural stone, and no two slabs look the same. Water-based stains sit in the surface and come in a wider range of colors with more predictable results. Both can be used on new concrete or to refresh sound existing concrete.
3. Color with texture
Color is often combined with a finish. Stamped concrete typically uses a base color plus a contrasting release color that settles into the texture, which gives it a stone look. Color can also be used on exposed aggregate, where it tints the paste around the stones.
At your estimate we will show you samples and explain which approach fits your project, the look you want and how much traffic the surface will take.
Where Colored Concrete Makes Sense
- Patios. The most common use. Color can match the house trim or brick. See concrete patios.
- Pool decks. Lighter colors are more comfortable on bare feet in July than darker ones. See concrete pool decks.
- Walkways and steps. A colored border or walk leads guests to the front door. See sidewalks and walkways.
- Driveways. Color hides tire marks and oil better than light gray, but pick a mid-tone. Very dark driveways show salt residue, and very light ones show everything. See driveway replacement.
- Borders and bands around a plain slab, for a custom look on a smaller budget.
What to Expect From Colored Concrete
Honest expectations prevent disappointment:
- Color varies. Concrete is a natural material. Batches, weather on pour day and finishing all cause some variation in tone, and surface stains are meant to be variegated. Samples show the range, not an exact match.
- Sun fades surface color over time. Integral color holds up best. Surface stains and sealers may need refreshing on south- and west-facing slabs.
- Sealer is part of the system. A sealer deepens the color and protects it from water, salt and stains. It wears, and it needs to be reapplied every few years.
- Sealed concrete can be slick when wet. Around pools and on steps, ask about a slip-resistant additive in the sealer.
- Color does not fix bad concrete. A colored slab still needs a solid base, proper slope and control joints. The concrete underneath does the work.
How a Colored Concrete Project Goes
- Estimate and color selection. We measure, talk through where the concrete goes and show color samples in daylight at your house.
- Permits and utilities. Our crews pull city permits where required, and utilities are marked through MISS DIG before any digging.
- Removal and base. Old concrete is broken out and hauled away, and the base is graded and compacted with slope away from the house.
- Pour and finish. For integral color, the colored concrete is placed and finished. For stains, the concrete is poured and finished first, then colored once it has cured.
- Seal. Sealer is applied to protect and deepen the color.
- Walkthrough and care. We go over the work with you and explain when the surface can take foot traffic and vehicles, and when to reseal.
What Affects the Cost
Published 2026 figures: applying a decorative stain runs about $5.31 to $6.28 per square foot nationally, and a new broom-finish concrete patio in Michigan runs about $12 to $18 per square foot before any decorative work. These are typical published ranges, not a Rock Solid quote. Your price depends on:
- Size and shape of the pour
- Color method: integral color, surface stain, or color plus stamping
- Number of colors and any borders or bands
- Removal of existing concrete and base preparation
- Access for the concrete truck and equipment
0% financing for 60 months is available on approved credit, and veterans receive a 10% discount. See financing.
Stained Concrete FAQ
Is stained concrete slippery?
The concrete itself is not especially slippery, but a glossy sealer can be when wet. A slip-resistant additive in the sealer helps on pool decks, walks and steps.
Can you stain exposed aggregate concrete?
Color can tint the cement paste between the stones, but the stones themselves keep their natural color, so the effect is subtle. If you want exposed aggregate with a specific tone, choosing the stone blend matters more than stain.
Can my existing concrete be stained?
Sometimes. Surface stains need sound, clean, unsealed concrete to absorb evenly. Heavily cracked, scaled or settled concrete should be replaced instead. We will tell you which applies at the estimate.
How often does stained concrete need resealing?
Every few years is typical outdoors, sooner on surfaces with full sun, heavy traffic or road salt. We will recommend a schedule for your surface.
Does road salt hurt colored concrete?
Salt is hard on all concrete. Keeping the sealer maintained is the best protection. On new concrete, avoid deicing salt through the first winter, and use sand for traction.
Colored Concrete in Macomb, Oakland and Lapeer County
We pour and color concrete throughout Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, Shelby Township, Warren, St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield, Roseville, Mount Clemens, Troy, Rochester Hills and Lapeer. Compare every finish we offer on our concrete types page, or see all our concrete services.
Get a Free Colored Concrete Estimate
Call (844) 757-6543 or request your free in-home estimate. Office hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM, closed Sunday. Michigan Residential Builder License 2102205396.
Rock Solid Exteriors, 42452 Hayes Rd #2a, Clinton Township, MI 48038.