Colored concrete contractors can give a new driveway, patio, or pool deck a warm sandstone, buff, or charcoal tone that plain gray concrete never will, but the color method matters as much as the shade. This San Antonio hiring guide covers what to look for, integral color vs. color hardener vs. stain, typical costs, the process, timeline, permits, and red flags.
- What do colored concrete contractors do?
- What should I look for in colored concrete contractors?
- Should my contractor use integral color, color hardener, or stain?
- How much do colored concrete contractors charge in San Antonio?
- Which concrete colors hold up best in San Antonio sun?
- What is the process for a colored concrete job?
- How long does a colored concrete project take?
- Do I need a permit for colored concrete in San Antonio?
- What are the red flags when hiring colored concrete contractors?
- Where do we work?
- What else are homeowners asking?
Good colored concrete contractors name the color method, mix, and sealer in a written quote. In San Antonio, integral color typically adds about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot over plain gray concrete. Strong sun fades surface-only color faster here, so call a pro to match the method to your driveway, patio, or pool deck.
What do colored concrete contractors do?
Colored concrete contractors pour or finish concrete in a chosen color instead of standard gray. They add pigment to the mix, work color into the fresh surface, or stain a cured slab, then seal it so the color lasts.
Most colored concrete work in San Antonio is on driveways, patios, entries, and pool decks, often paired with a broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped finish. The crew that pours the slab usually handles the color too, which is why the same contractor should explain the base, steel, joints, and color plan in one written bid. Our stamped concrete crew prices color and pattern together after a free visit.
What should I look for in colored concrete contractors?
Look for an insured local crew that shows you finished colored work, names the color method and products in writing, and explains how the color will be sealed and maintained. Color is permanent once the concrete sets, so the plan has to be right before the truck arrives.
- Real samples: Photos or addresses of colored slabs that have been in the sun for a few years, not just a color chart.
- The method on paper: Integral color, color hardener, release agent, or stain, and where each is used.
- Color name and dosage: The exact color and how it is added, so the result is repeatable.
- The slab itself: Thickness, base, reinforcement, and joints, because color does not fix a weak pour.
- Insurance: A current certificate of insurance. Our guides suggest asking for at least $1M in general liability; we carry $2,000,000.
- Sealer and upkeep: Which sealer goes on and when to reseal.
Should my contractor use integral color, color hardener, or stain?
Use integral color for new driveways and slabs that take wear, because the pigment runs through the full depth of the concrete. Color hardener and release agents are surface treatments used mostly on stamped work, and stain is the way to add color to concrete that is already poured.
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Integral color | Pigment blended into the mix before the pour, so color goes all the way through | New driveways, patios, and entries; chips do not show gray |
| Color hardener | Dry color worked into the fresh surface | Stamped patios and accents; surface-only, so not our pick for driveways |
| Release agent | Contrasting color left in the low spots of a stamped pattern | Depth and realism on stamped concrete |
| Acid or water-based stain | Color soaked into a cured slab, then sealed | Existing patios, driveways, and floors |
Our driveway finishes guide recommends integral color over surface-only color hardeners on driveways. Already have a slab? Our stained concrete contractors guide covers staining existing concrete.
How much do colored concrete contractors charge in San Antonio?
Integral color typically adds about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot over plain gray concrete in San Antonio. An integrally colored broom-finish slab runs about $9 to $13 per square foot, and integral color with a stamped pattern about $14 to $20.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain gray broom-finish driveway (comparison) | About $7 – $12 / sq. ft. | No color |
| Integral color premium | About $1.50 – $3.00 / sq. ft. | Added over plain gray |
| Integral color + broom finish | About $9 – $13 / sq. ft. | The most cost-effective colored upgrade |
| Integral color + exposed aggregate | About $10 – $15 / sq. ft. | Full-depth color with stone texture |
| Integral color + stamped pattern | About $14 – $20 / sq. ft. | Pattern, release, and sealer |
| Stain on an existing driveway or patio | About $3 – $7 / sq. ft. | Including sealer, slab in good shape |
| 500 sq. ft. integral color broom driveway | About $4,500 – $6,500 | Simple arithmetic from the $9 – $13 range |
| Colored pool deck | Written after a free visit | Finish, size, and pool access vary |
Typical estimate ranges as of October 2026, in line with our driveway trends, stamped driveway services, and stained concrete guides. They are not a quote.
What a solid colored concrete bid looks like
Which concrete colors hold up best in San Antonio sun?
Warm earth tones such as sandstone, buff, terra cotta, and warm gray are the most requested colors here, and they suit the limestone, stucco, and clay-tile homes common across Bexar County. Integral color holds up best in strong sun because the pigment is spread through the slab, not concentrated on top.
- Driveways: A warm buff or sandstone integral base with a broom or light exposed aggregate finish is the most common pairing here.
- Stamped work: A warm base with a charcoal or dark brown release adds depth. See how to choose stamped concrete colors.
- Pool decks: Lighter colors stay more comfortable underfoot. Our stained and colored pool deck page covers the options.
- Modern homes: Charcoal or graphite integral color with clean joint lines is a popular pairing.
- You need new concrete to sit next to an existing slab and look intentional
- Your HOA or a historic district controls exterior colors
- The slab will carry vehicles and you are considering surface-only color
- An old colored or stained surface is fading unevenly
Color choices are easier to judge on site in real light. Call (713) 504-2341 for a free visit and a written estimate.
What is the process for a colored concrete job?
A colored concrete job follows the same build as a plain slab, with the color plan locked in before the pour. Integral color goes into the mix at the plant or truck, while hardener, release, or stain is applied on site.
- Free site visit: Measure, check drainage and base, and look at color samples in your light.
- Written quote: Scope, color method, color name, finish, sealer, and price in writing.
- Tear-out and base: Old concrete or grass removed; base graded and compacted to the planned slope.
- Forms and steel: Forms set to grade and reinforcement placed on chairs.
- Pour and finish: Colored concrete placed and finished with broom, aggregate, or stamp; hardener and release applied if specified.
- Joints, cure, and seal: Control joints cut, the slab cured, cleaned, and sealed.
- Final walkthrough: You check color, finish, and drainage with the crew.
How long does a colored concrete project take?
On-site work for a typical residential colored driveway or patio usually takes a few days, plus curing time before heavy use. Most crews allow cars on a new driveway after about 7 days and heavy loads after about 28 days.
- Prep: Tear-out, base, and forms, often one to two days depending on size and access.
- Pour and finish: Usually one day, scheduled around heat and weather.
- Staining an existing slab: Usually 2 to 4 days on site; acid stain goes on concrete that has cured at least 28 days.
- Sealer: Applied once the slab or stain is ready, per the product on your quote.
Do I need a permit for colored concrete in San Antonio?
A colored driveway or sidewalk inside your property line usually does not need a city permit, because those are on the City’s No Permit Required List. Work in the street right-of-way, such as a driveway apron or public sidewalk, needs a Sidewalk-Curb Permit, so confirm with Development Services at 210-207-1111.
- Driveways and sidewalks on your lot: Listed as typically no permit required.
- Apron, curb, or public sidewalk: Work in the right-of-way uses the City’s Sidewalk-Curb Permit.
- Historic, conservation, and corridor districts: The City notes there may be restrictions on design and materials, which can include color.
- HOAs: Many approve exterior colors, so get sign-off before you choose.
What are the red flags when hiring colored concrete contractors?
The biggest red flag is a quote that says “colored concrete” without naming the method, the color, or the sealer. Without those details you cannot hold the contractor to the result.
- A price over the phone with no site visit or color samples
- Surface-only color offered for a driveway with no explanation
- No color name, method, or sealer on the estimate
- No slab thickness, base, or reinforcement listed
- No certificate of insurance or written warranty
- A large cash deposit before any work starts
Want a bid that spells out every detail? See our stamped concrete page, our concrete staining page, our driveway installation page, our decorative concrete patio page, or request a free quote.
Looking for colored concrete contractors in San Antonio?
Free site visit, color samples in your own light, and the color method, sealer, and price in writing before anyone forms or pours. Licensed and insured crew.
Where do we work?
Affordable Concrete San Antonio works across San Antonio and nearby areas from our shop at 1247 W Thompson Pl, San Antonio, TX 78226.
We pour and finish colored concrete in San Antonio and these nearby areas: Helotes, Leon Valley, Shavano Park, Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, Converse, Universal City, Schertz, Boerne, Cibolo, Fair Oaks Ranch, Bulverde, Spring Branch, New Braunfels, Pleasanton, Floresville, Castroville, Lytle, and Von Ormy. Not sure about your address? Call (713) 504-2341.
What else are homeowners asking?
These are the short answers people want before they book a quote.
How much does colored concrete cost in San Antonio?
Integral color typically adds about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot over plain gray concrete. An integrally colored broom-finish slab runs about $9 to $13 per square foot, and integral color with a stamped pattern about $14 to $20.
Is integral color better than staining?
For new concrete that takes wear, yes, because integral color runs through the full depth of the slab and chips do not show gray. Stain is the better choice for adding color to concrete that is already poured.
Can you add color to existing concrete?
Yes. Acid or water-based stain adds color to a cured slab that is in good shape. In San Antonio, staining an existing driveway or patio typically runs about $3 to $7 per square foot, including sealer.
Does colored concrete fade in the Texas sun?
Surface color can fade over time in strong sun. Integral color holds up best because the pigment is spread through the slab, and resealing every 2 to 3 years helps any colored surface keep its tone.
Do I need a permit for a colored concrete driveway in San Antonio?
Usually not for a driveway inside your property line, which is on the City’s No Permit Required List. Work on the apron, curb, or public sidewalk needs a Sidewalk-Curb Permit.
How do I choose colored concrete contractors near me?
Pick an insured local crew that shows you colored work that has aged in the sun and puts the color method, color name, slab spec, and sealer in a written quote.
Sources used in this article:
- City of San Antonio, No Permit Required List (sidewalks and driveways inside the property line; historic, conservation, and corridor district note), checked October 19, 2026, sa.gov
- City of San Antonio, Sidewalk-Curb Permit Application, docsonline.sanantonio.gov
- Affordable Concrete San Antonio, stamped concrete service page, affordableconcretesanantonio.com/stamped-concrete/
- Affordable Concrete San Antonio, top concrete driveway trends in San Antonio, affordableconcretesanantonio.com/concrete-blogs/top-concrete-driveway-trends-in-san-antonio/
- Affordable Concrete San Antonio, stamped concrete driveway services, affordableconcretesanantonio.com/concrete-blogs/stamped-concrete-driveway-services-san-antonio/
- Affordable Concrete San Antonio, how to hire stained concrete contractors, affordableconcretesanantonio.com/concrete-blogs/stained-concrete-contractors-near-me/
This article is general information for San Antonio homeowners. Prices are typical estimates as of October 2026 and can change. City rules can change too, and the City of San Antonio is the final authority on permits. It is not a quote and does not replace a site visit.
What should I read next?
Start with our stamped concrete page, or keep reading if you are still choosing a color method.