Which is cheaper - stained/etched concrete, or tile over concrete slab?

Question

Because my house is built on a concrete slab, and I have been thinking about removing a section of the carpet and replacing it with tile (~1,000 sqft), I have seen some amazing concrete staining/etching examples online as an alternative. Which is cheaper, in general?

Answer 1

Concrete staining is considerably less expensive than ceramic, however, the problem is concrete is pourous.  The future spills and dirt can penetrate the concrete, and you end up with an unattractive floor.   Ceramic can be installed from $5-9 sq. ft, and usually will last a lifetime.

Answer 2

I have also seen some nice looking concrete etching.  I am, however, always a fan of floor tile.  Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both non-porous and will not absorb stains as said above, and grout can be sealed to be stain resistant as well.  A good tile installer can be hired for $2.50 to $3.00/sq. ft.  (or higher).  End-run or discontinued tile can be purchased from wholesale flooring distributors for as low as $.69/sq ft.  Maintaining your tile floors if your grout is properly sealed is a very simple task, and the floor should last you until you are through with it.