Stained Concrete Patios Enhance San Antonio Outdoor Spaces

Posted on January 26, 2026 in Blog

Functionality is essential for a concrete patio, but many homeowners also want a space that looks just as good as it performs. After all, patios are an extension of your home—where you relax, entertain, and spend time with family and friends. Why settle for plain gray concrete when stained concrete can create a space that feels inviting and intentional? Adding color is an easy way to enhance the look of a concrete patio, transforming it into an attractive, personalized outdoor living area.

For this residential patio in La Vernia, TX, SUNDEK of San Antonio added texture and color, creating the appearance of natural stone.

Can you stain a concrete patio?

Yes, you can stain any concrete slab, including patios. Concrete stain is a great way to enhance the appearance of a patio, whether you’re working with existing concrete or planning a brand-new slab.

Is staining a concrete patio a good idea?

Staining is an excellent option for homeowners who want to add color and character to their concrete patio. With the wide range of stain types and color options available, it’s easy to create a look that complements your home and outdoor living space—whether your style is subtle and natural or bold and modern.

In New Braunfels, TX, SUNDEK used multiple colors on this concrete patio to create a fun pattern for this home’s outdoor patio space.

How long does concrete stain last on a patio?

When a stained concrete patio is properly applied, sealed, and maintained, the stain will last as long as the concrete itself. Unlike surface coatings, concrete stain won’t fade, chip, or peel when applied correctly, making it a long-lasting solution for outdoor spaces.

Is it better to stain or paint a concrete patio?

When it comes to concrete patios, staining is almost always the better choice over painting. Paint sits on top of the concrete surface, which means it can eventually peel or chip—especially in outdoor environments exposed to weather and foot traffic. Stain, on the other hand, penetrates the pores of the concrete, creating a durable, long-lasting color that won’t peel. Learn more about painting versus staining.

SUNDEK of San Antonio stained this residential concrete patio in Boerne, TX, giving it a warm and earthy aesthetic.

Can I stain my concrete patio myself?

Like many home improvement projects, staining a concrete patio can be done as a DIY project. However, we recommend working with a local contractor such as SUNDEK of San Antonio to ensure your patio is colored correctly and comes out the way you envision.

Contact us for a free quote for staining your concrete patio.

If you do decide to do it yourself, it’s important to do your research before getting started. You’ll need the proper tools, a high-quality stain, and a professional-grade sealer to achieve good results.We recommend mapping out the entire process ahead of time, pricing out tools and materials, and realistically considering how long the project will take. There are also common pitfalls when working with concrete—such as uneven color or improper sealing—that can be costly to fix. For many homeowners, hiring a professional ends up being the easier and more cost-effective option in the long run.

How to stain a concrete patio

The process for staining a concrete patio is the same as staining any concrete surface. The overview below is meant to help you understand what’s involved—not to serve as step-by-step instructions.

• Clean. Before applying stain, the patio surface must be thoroughly cleaned. All dirt, oils, and contaminants need to be removed to avoid uneven coloration. In some cases, surface grinding may be required to remove old paint or sealer.
• Allow for proper drying time. After cleaning—often involving hosing or pressure washing—the concrete must dry completely. Any lingering moisture can prevent the stain from penetrating evenly, resulting in discoloration.
• Work in the right conditions. Temperature matters. The patio surface should remain at a moderate, consistent temperature during application and drying. Extreme heat or cold can affect how the stain cures.
• Prepare the product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly prepare the stain, including dilution if required.
• Apply the stain. Application methods vary depending on the product used. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so you know what tools are required. Stain is typically applied using a high-quality roller or pump sprayer. Using professional-grade tools helps ensure a smoother application and more uniform appearance.
• Seal. Sealing is one of the most important steps in protecting your newly stained concrete patio. A quality sealer helps protect against moisture, stains, and wear.

Because each step plays a critical role in the final appearance, we recommend hiring a professional to stain your patio. An experienced contractor can help ensure consistent color, proper sealing, and long-lasting results.

For this outdoor living space, SUNDEK gave the concrete patio an earth-toned finish with a depth that brings warmth to the space.

Types of stains for concrete patios

There are several stain and dye options available, and the best choice depends on the look you want to achieve:

• Acid stains create a translucent, mottled appearance. SUNDEK’s acid-based stain is SunAcid.
• Water-based stains can be layered and blended for custom color effects. SUNDEK’s water-based stain is SunH2O.
• Dyes dry quickly and offer an economical way to color concrete. They can be mixed with water for varied color or with acetone for a darker, more uniform look. SUNDEK’s dye is SunDye.

While these products are commonly used on patios, they can also be applied to other concrete surfaces throughout your property.

Related reading: Acid Stain Turns Concrete Patios in San Antonio into Personal Masterpieces

Best concrete patio stain colors

There are countless color options available for staining concrete patios, allowing you to coordinate with your home’s exterior, landscaping, and outdoor furnishings. Available colors vary depending on the type of stain selected. For inspiration, explore SUNDEK’s color brochures.

• Acid stain color chart
• Water-based stain color chart
• Dye color chart

Local Contractors Who Stain Concrete Patios Near Me

At SUNDEK of San Antonio, we are proud to repair, refinish and stain concrete in San Antonio and all the major cities in the area including Boerne, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Castle Hills, Cibolo, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hollywood Park, New Braunfels, Schertz, Shavano Park, Spring Branch, and Terrell Hills.

Call us: (210) 491-0280

Email us: [email protected]

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