Concrete is durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for driveways, patios, pool decks, and indoor floors. However, plain gray concrete lacks visual interest and warmth. Staining concrete is an affordable way to transform dull concrete into beautiful faux wood or natural stone. With the right concrete stain, you can give your concrete the rustic look of weathered barn wood, the warmth of redwood, or the elegance of exotic hardwood.

Stained concrete has many benefits over natural wood. It is more durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean. Concrete stain soaks into the pores of the concrete so it will not peel or flake. Re-applying stain can quickly update the look. Stained concrete is ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. With proper preparation and application, even beginners can achieve stunning results.

Supplies Needed to Stain Concrete to Look Like Wood

Staining concrete requires few supplies. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Concrete stain – Specialized penetrating stain is formulated for use on concrete. Popular options mimic weathered wood, natural stone, and exotic hardwoods.
• Paint roller and handle – Choose a roller with a smooth nap such as 1/4 or 3/8 inch. The roller handle should have at least an 18-inch pole.
• Paintbrush – Opt for 2-4 inch angled brushes for cutting in edges. Disposable brushes can be tossed after one use.
• Paint tray – Use a plastic tray that is at least 9 inches wide and 1 inch deep.
• Drop cloths – Canvas drop cloths protect surfaces from drips and spills.
• ** painters tape** – Mask off areas you don’t want stained. Use tape rated for up to 60 days outdoor use.
• Safety gear – Wear gloves and eye protection when handling stain.
• Foam roller – A foam roller will help apply sealer evenly. Choose one for smooth surfaces.
• Concrete sealer – Use water-based acrylic sealer formulated for concrete.

Optional items:

• Sprayer – Pump sprayer for staining large areas. Minimum 1-gallon capacity with an adjustable nozzle.
• Broom – Use for back-rolling stain into the concrete.
• Paint grid – Interlocking plastic grids provide a safer surface for walking on wet stain.

Tip: Buy all supplies before starting to ensure you have everything on hand. Read all manufacturers instructions before starting.

How to Prepare Concrete for Staining

Proper preparation is crucial for concrete stain to adhere and appear even. Here are the steps:

Clean the Surface

Concrete must be free of dirt, oils, and sealers for stain to properly bond. Sweep away loose debris. Use a concrete degreaser to remove oil and grease spots. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly.

For previously sealed or painted concrete, you’ll need to strip the old finish. Purchase a concrete stripper, apply per product instructions, then scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Repair Cracks and Holes

Cracks and holes will detract from the finished look, so take time to patch them properly. Vacuum out cracks to remove loose debris. Use patching compound to fill cracks and holes, smoothing it level with the surrounding surface.

For large cracks or damaged areas, chisel out loose concrete until you reach solid material. Apply concrete bonding agent to the edges of the old concrete. Fill in the void with patching cement. Smooth it to match the existing surface. Allow patches to cure fully before staining.

Acid Etch the Concrete

Etching opens up the pores in the concrete so the stain can penetrate evenly. Wear protective gear when handling acid. Use a pump sprayer to apply concrete etching solution. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Scrub with a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly. Neutralize any remaining acid with an alkaline rinse. Allow the concrete to dry completely before staining.

Apply Color Samples

Test different stain colors on an inconspicuous area of the concrete. Apply small sections of stain following the product instructions. Once dry, you’ll see how the color interacts with your particular concrete. Choose your favorite tone to use for the final project.

Mask Surrounding Areas

Use painters tape to mask off any areas you don’t want stained. Cover vegetation with plastic sheeting. Use drop cloths to protect nearby surfaces. Seal gaps with painters caulk for a straight stained edge.

Work in Sections

Plan to stain in smaller sections for the best results. Divide the surface into workable sizes about 5 feet by 5 feet. Apply stain in each section before moving on to the adjacent areas. This prevents overlapping and keeps edges looking sharp.

Now the concrete is prepped and ready for staining. Time to choose your faux wood look.

How to Stain Concrete to Look Like Weathered Wood

Achieving a timeworn barn wood look has rustic appeal. Here are tips for selecting stain colors and application techniques:

Weathered Gray Wood Stain

Light gray creates a weathered wood effect. For varied tones, use two gray shades applied randomly. Or add white spackling over stained concrete, then sand it lightly to mimic wood grain.

Whitewash over Stain

Whitewashing is brushing or rolling on a thin white paint glaze over stained concrete. This mutes the stain color for a timeworn whitewashed appearance.

Wax Over Stain

Applying a sheer coat of clear concrete wax over stained concrete creates an antiqued look. The wax provides a smooth sheen and extra protection.

Rustic Paint Techniques

Use a natural stiff-bristle brush to dab white or gray paint over stained concrete. While still wet, wipe some areas with a cloth for a weathered effect. Sponging white paint adds varied texture.

Varied Colors

Using different gray and brownish stain colors side by side creates depth and realism. Apply shades randomly, feathering the edges together.

Add Faux Fissures

Score lines into freshly stained concrete with a nail or awl. Wipe white paint into the fissures for an aged appearance.

Following the application tips for weathered wood stain will give your concrete the look of salvaged barn siding or reclaimed flooring.

How to Stain Concrete to Look Like Redwood

Redwood is treasured for its distinctive color and grain patterns. Here is how to achieve the rich look of redwood on concrete:

Select a Redwood Stain

Use a concrete stain in a true redwood tone. Test samples first to ensure the color matches what you want. Some products can appear more brown or orange.

Stain in Sections

Divide the concrete into small sections. Cut in the edges with an angled brush, then use a roller to fill in the main area. Work in 5×5 foot sections.

Roll in Different Directions

While the first stain application is still wet, roll over it in varying directions. This enhances the look of wood grain.

Add Highlights and Depth

Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of stain. To recreate knots, use a small foam roller to dab on a darker brown stain randomly. Alternate rolling directions again.

Consider Adding Grain

Some choose to enhance the faux wood look by sculpting grain patterns into wet concrete when it is first poured and finished. This adds depth.

Protect the Finish

Seal the stained concrete with two coats of water-based acrylic sealer. This locks in the stain and protects the finish. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

The beauty of redwood can be duplicated on concrete with careful stain application. The rich auburn tones and realistic grain patterns will bring warmth to patios, pool decks, and driveways.

How to Stain Concrete to Look Like Exotic Hardwood

Concrete staining using darker hues can mimic the look of expensive exotic hardwoods. Here are application tips:

Choose a Deep Base Color

Opt for a deep espresso, ebony, walnut or mahogany-toned concrete stain to recreate exotic wood looks. Having the base color closely match the hue you want will make application easier.

Cut In Carefully

Use a small brush to cut in around edges and borders. This will prevent drips. Change brushes often as the dark stain is harder to wash out.

Blot Stain to Prevent Puddling

Apply the stain with a saturated roller. Then immediately blot the surface with cardboard strips to remove excess. This prevents the dark stain from puddling.

Apply Multiple Coats

Most exotic wood looks require at least two coats of stain. Apply subsequent coats once the previous stain is fully dry. Alternate the direction you roll each coat.

Optional – Add Wood Tone Variation

For added realism, use small foam rollers to apply accents of lighter brown stains randomly. This mimics the varied wood tones seen in exotic species.

Enhance Grain Patterns

If the concrete has sculpted grain, you can highlight this by gently wiping the surface with a cloth to remove stain from the peaks. Or brush lighter stain perpendicular to the grain direction.

Protect the Finish

Multiple coats of acrylic sealer are important to protect the integrity of the exotic wood stain. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

With the right preparation and application techniques, concrete can take on the bold look of exotic rosewood, ebony or teak. This unique look elevates ordinary concrete into a work of art.

Tips for Achieving an Even Wood Stain Finish

Applying concrete stain seamlessly across a large surface takes skill. Here are tips to help the stain appear uniform:

• Always do test samples first on spare concrete to see how the stain reacts.
• Divide large areas into smaller sections of about 5×5 feet.
• Immediately backroll open areas with a roller after brushing in edges. This blends and smoothes the stain.
• Maintain a wet edge by working on small amounts of square footage at once.
• Stain sections in their entirety before moving to adjacent areas.
• Apply in a different direction with each coat. Up and down, then left to right.
• Blot up drips or excess puddles immediately with an absorbent cloth.
• Feather out stain on the edges of each section to blend with the next area.
• Work quickly to ensure the entire section is coated before drying begins.
• Maintain even pressure as you roll to prevent blotchiness.
• Pour stain into roller trays frequently so the roller stays saturated.
• Use stain from the same batch, don’t mix old and new.

Taking these simple precautions will help you achieve the coveted uniform wood stain look for concrete. With a little practice, you’ll get the hand of it.

Common Problems When Staining Concrete

Staining concrete is not too difficult, but it is a multi-step process. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:

Stain appears uneven or splotchy – This usually indicates the concrete had contaminants like oil, wasn’t properly etched, wasn’t allowed to fully dry before staining, or was stained in direct sunlight causing it to dry too quickly.

Stain peels or flakes off – Peeling often happens because the concrete wasn’t properly cleaned and etched beforehand. Old sealers or paints prevent proper adhesion.

Dark stains appear too blotchy – Blotchiness with darker wood tones happens when stain is applied too heavily. Pour off excess before rolling and immediately blot with rags to prevent puddling.

Stain comes up into sealer – Acrylic sealers should only be applied over fully cured stain per manufacturer instructions, usually at least 24-48 hours. Sealing too soon can draw stain up through the sealer.

Edges of sections don’t blend evenly – Avoid overlap marks by carefully planning sections and working systematically to maintain wet edges. Softly feather out the end of each section.

White residues appear on sealer – This is caused by moisture interacting with the stain underneath. Make absolutely certain stained concrete is fully cured before applying any sealer.

Paying attention to preparation, application, and drying times will prevent most staining problems with concrete. Test samples are highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staining Concrete to Look Like Wood

Staining concrete can seem intimidating for first-timers. Here are answers to some common questions:

Does Concrete Need to Cure Before Staining?

For newly poured concrete, allow it to cure for at least 4 weeks before staining. This allows moisture to fully evaporate so stain bonds correctly.

What is the Best Concrete for Staining?

Smooth, highly refined concrete without loose aggregate works best. Concrete should be at least 2500 PSI and porous enough to absorb stain.

Can Concrete Stain be Applied Over Paint or Sealer?

No, existing coatings prevent the stain from properly bonding and penetrating the concrete. You must chemically strip off old paint or sealer first.

How Long Does Concrete Stain Last?

With proper prep and sealing, stained concrete can last 3-5 years or longer outside and much longer on indoor concrete floors. Reapply sealer periodically.

Can You Stain Stamped or Colored Concrete?

Yes, stained concrete works well over stamped or integrally colored concrete to add richer, variegated hues. The concrete color will affect the end result.

How Soon Can I Seal Concrete After Staining?

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on full cure times. Typically, you should wait 24-48 hours after staining to apply protective sealers.

How do I Clean and Maintain Stained Concrete?

Use pH neutral cleaners only. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners than can strip the stain. Reseal exterior concrete every 1-2 years as needed.

Staining concrete is a very approachable DIY project with proper planning and preparation. Exploring different application techniques like ragging, sponging, and rolling allows for truly artistic concrete finishes. With a quality penetrating stain and sealer, it is easy to turn drab concrete into a stunning faux wood surface. The seek is endless – from weathered driftwood gray to exotic tigerwood orange, the concrete wood stain possibilities let you match any decor.

Conclusion

Creating the look of real wood on concrete is affordable and attractive. With proper preparation, high quality coloring products, and careful application techniques, stunning stained concrete can mimic reclaimed barn siding, warm redwood, or exotic Brazilian walnut. Divide big projects into smaller sections. Test samples first. Allow adequate drying time between steps. And don’t rush the sealing process. Patience and an artistic eye will allow for beautifully stained concrete that looks so realistic, people may just think it’s wood.