Boardwalk Color: Why Surface Staining Isn’t a Long-Term Solution

When it comes to selecting a boardwalk system, durability and aesthetics often go hand in hand. A well-designed concrete boardwalk should not only perform structurally for decades, it should also look good doing it. That’s where the choice of integral color versus surface-applied staining becomes more than just cosmetic.

At PermaTrak, we use integral color in our precast concrete boardwalks. That means the pigment is mixed directly into the concrete before casting, delivering color that’s mixed throughout the concrete section, as opposed to simply being painted on the surface.

However, not every boardwalk provider takes this approach, and the differences are far more than surface deep.

What Surface Staining Really Means

Some manufacturers recommend that the contractor apply color after installation using surface stains or treatments. While this may seem to offer flexibility on the front end, it comes with trade-offs:

• Fading: Surface stains are susceptible to UV degradation, vehicle/foot traffic, and weathering. The color fades unevenly over time, especially in high-use areas.
  
  
• Wear & Tear: Since the pigment only affects the top layer, it can be scratched, chipped, or worn away, exposing the plain concrete underneath.
  
  
• Maintenance Costs: Keeping stained boardwalks looking good typically requires ongoing reapplication, adding cost and scheduling burdens to maintenance plans.
  
  
• Incomplete Application: Since the contractor is only able to apply stain to easy to reach exposed surfaces, the application can feel incomplete throughout the entire boardwalk.

• Inconsistent Application: This approach relies on proper application rate, the skill of the person doing the work, and weather conditions leading to varying levels of quality.

It’s well understood in the industry that surface-applied stains are prone to fading, wear, and added maintenance over time, increasing the life-cycle cost of the boardwalk.

Why PermaTrak uses Integral Color

We take a different approach, and we believe it’s the right one for long-term performance:

• Color Throughout the Concrete: Because our pigments are mixed into the concrete before casting, the color remains even if the surface experiences abrasion or chipping.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: There's no need to reapply color or worry about unsightly fading over time.
  
  
• Consistent Appearance: Our integrally colored boardwalks age naturally and consistently, blending into their environment without dramatic visual shifts.

Built-In Performance, Not Surface Solutions

Whether your boardwalk is installed along a coastal trail, in a forested greenway, or on a high-traffic pedestrian path, integral color ensures it looks good year after year—without repainting, re-staining, or recoating.

In short, color shouldn’t be a maintenance item. Instead, color should be designed into the system from the start. At PermaTrak, we engineer every detail of our precast concrete boardwalks for long-term success, including the finish and color.

If you’re comparing boardwalk systems, don’t stop at surface-level specs. Ask how the color is applied and how it holds up over time. The difference could mean years of avoided maintenance headaches.