Decorative concrete is only as good as the crew that installs it. The same slab can become a floor that lasts decades or one that peels and stains within a year, and the difference is the contractor. Because Texas does not license decorative concrete contractors, the responsibility to vet falls on you. At Decorative Concrete of Austin – Polished & Stained Concrete, we think an informed client makes the best client, so here is how to choose well.
Verify insurance, not licensing
Texas does not issue a specific license for decorative concrete work, so a contractor advertising that they are “licensed” for it is misleading. What actually protects you is insurance. Ask for proof of general liability coverage and confirm it is current. A fully insured contractor can show documentation without hesitation. We are fully insured and provide proof of coverage on request, and you should expect the same from anyone you hire.
Look for relevant, local experience
Decorative concrete is a craft, and Central Texas adds its own demands: heat, UV, humidity, and expansive clay soils. Ask how long the contractor has worked in the Austin area and to see examples of the specific finish you want, whether that is stained concrete, polished concrete, or epoxy coatings. A portfolio of local projects matters more than a generic gallery, since a crew that knows the climate specs the right sealers and systems.
Ask about preparation
Surface preparation is the single biggest predictor of whether decorative concrete lasts. Coatings that skip grinding peel, and stains over poor prep fail. Ask exactly how they will prepare your slab, what equipment they use, and how they handle cracks and moisture. A serious contractor will talk about prep before they talk about color. Our guide on preparing for a decorative concrete installation shows what good prep looks like.
Get a written, detailed estimate
A vague verbal number is a warning sign. Insist on a written estimate that describes the scope, the system, the prep, the finish, and the timeline. Decorative concrete pricing depends on square footage, slab condition, and the finish chosen, so an honest contractor gives a quote after seeing the space, not over the phone. We provide free on-site estimates for exactly this reason, and you can compare options across our concrete flooring services first.
Questions worth asking
Before you sign, ask: How will you prepare the slab? What system and sealer are you using and why? Can I see local projects with this finish? Are you fully insured, and can I see proof? What is the timeline and what happens if the slab has hidden issues? How do I maintain the finish afterward? The quality of the answers tells you a great deal.
Red flags to avoid
Be cautious with a contractor who quotes a firm price without seeing the slab, pressures you to decide immediately, cannot show local examples of your finish, glosses over preparation, or hesitates to provide insurance documentation. Unusually low bids often skip the prep that makes a finish last, which is why the cheapest quote is frequently the most expensive over time.
Work with a local team that explains the work
We have served Austin and the surrounding area since 2012, with more than 1,000 completed decorative concrete projects. We are happy to walk your space, explain the prep and the system, and put it all in writing. Call (512) 909-5812 for a free on-site estimate.