Decorative concrete is one of the most cost-effective ways to finish a surface — indoors or out. From acid-stained basement floors to exposed-aggregate driveways, DSM Concrete Pros delivers the full range of decorative techniques across Des Moines.
Decorative Techniques
- Stamped — patterned to mimic stone, brick, or wood (see stamped concrete)
- Stained — acid or water-based stains penetrate to create natural color variation
- Polished — multi-step grind + densifier produces a glossy, durable finish
- Exposed aggregate — pebbles or decorative stone exposed at surface
- Broom or trowel textures — directional broom finishes, swirl trowel, salt finish
- Overlays + micro-toppings — resurface old slabs with new decorative finish
- Engraving — score lines, logos, or patterns into cured concrete
Applications
Outdoor: Patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways, courtyards. Indoor: Basement floors, garage floors, retail, restaurant, residential living areas.
Pricing
| Finish | Range (per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Acid or water-based stain | $4 – $8 |
| Polished concrete (3-step) | $5 – $9 |
| Polished concrete (high-gloss, 7-step) | $9 – $14 |
| Exposed aggregate | $9 – $13 |
| Micro-topping overlay | $7 – $11 |
| Engraving | $3 – $6 add-on |
Sealing & Maintenance
Every decorative finish is sealed for UV, abrasion, and freeze protection. Outdoor sealers reapplied every 2–3 years; indoor every 5–7. Use pH-neutral cleaner — no acidic or alkaline products.
Process
- Free design consult — bring photos, samples, or Pinterest boards
- Material + color selection
- Surface prep (grind, clean, repair cracks if existing)
- Application — coloring, finishing, sealing
- Cure 7 days before light use, 28 days before heavy
Indoor vs Outdoor Decorative Concrete
Indoor (basements, garages, retail, residential living areas) — work happens year-round, no weather constraints, dust control matters. Polished concrete is the most popular indoor scope; we run a 3-step or 7-step process depending on shine level required.
Outdoor (patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways) — pour window April through October, sealer reapplied every 2–3 years, UV-stable products required, slip-resistant additive on pool decks and entries.
Different chemistry, different cure protocols, different sealers. The same crew handles both — but the spec sheet for each is built around its environment.
Coating Systems We Apply
| System | Best for | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Acid stain | Indoor floors, accent areas | 15–25 yrs sealed |
| Water-based dye | Indoor + outdoor, broad color range | 10–20 yrs sealed |
| Polished concrete (3-step) | Showroom-level indoor floors | 25+ yrs |
| Polished concrete (7-step high-gloss) | High-end retail, residential | 25+ yrs |
| Polyaspartic / polyurea | Garage floors, commercial wear surfaces | 15–20 yrs |
| Epoxy coating | Garage floors, light industrial | 7–15 yrs |
| Cementitious overlay | Resurface tired exterior slabs | 15–25 yrs |
| Stampable overlay | Decorative refresh on sound slabs | 15–20 yrs |
Polyaspartic is overtaking epoxy for garage floors in Iowa because of better cold-temperature cure and stronger UV resistance — important for garages that see direct sun through windows.
Decorative Project Examples
We have run decorative scopes on Beaverdale bungalow basements (acid-stained slate effect), Drake neighborhood retail floors (polished concrete + integral color), West Des Moines garage floors (polyaspartic + chip flake), and Sherman Hill walk-in basement living spaces (polished + sealed). Each scope starts with a substrate inspection: cracks, moisture transmission, slab condition. We will not coat a slab that does not pass moisture testing because the coating peels.
Service Area
Decorative concrete projects across the Des Moines metro — interior and exterior, residential and commercial, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, Altoona, Johnston, Grimes, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk.