The process of resurfacing a concrete floor with a decorative finish is relatively easy with proper analysis, information, products and tools. All the resources are readily available.
There are 3 components to concrete resurfacing
1. Surface preparation
2. Decorative Options
3. Floor Maintenance
The best place to start is to ask yourself why you want a decorative concrete floor, what are the options, how much does it cost, how do I maintain it.
1.Existing surface - Start by assessing the existing concrete floor. The most common issues are removal of tile adhesives, carpet glue, paint, crack repair and moisture.
2.Carpet Glue removal- This is a common issue. Fortunately there are highly effective solutions. There are a few products on the market that are non toxic and highly effective. The process is to spray on with typical garden style pump sprayer. Then scrape it off. Whatever doesn't come off is likely on for good. Once dry the floor can resurfaced with a skim coat usually 2 coats.
3.Paint Removal - Paint chips off concrete unless properly etched before application. Etching gives the surface "tooth" so paint has something to bite onto. Typically paint chips off because of salts in concrete, like painting sand. To remove the chipping paint use a high quality heavy duty paint remover. Unless grinding off the paint it's almost impossible to completely remove paint from concrete. What doesn't come off just leave.
4.Cleaning concrete - Acid etching concrete is highly effective for removing rust, dirt, grime and salts from the concrete surface. Always wear a mask, the fumes are strong. After about 15 minutes the acids can be washed off. Rinse, squeegee and wet vac off until water is clear. The easiest and most effective is a gelled acid. Gelled acid can be rolled on the floor and agitated with a stiff bristle broom. Then use a scraper to remove and wash with water. The acid releases dirt and grime, algae and the gel works as a carrier. A highl;y effectively cleaning and and etching process.
5.Cracks - There are a few advanced methods for fixing cracks. One of the best solutions is to grind out the crack with an angle grinder and vacuum out loose pieces and dust. A waterproof epoxy is a great crack filler and flexable. If you don't have a grinder, chip out and remove all the loose pieces.
6.Moisture - Concrete is porous. There is air in concrete, little holes and capillaries. Moisture pressure called "hydrostatic pressure" can push moisture through a concrete slab. There are a few basic remedies. A good roof gutter system is critical to keeping water from traveling along a foundation wall and under a slab. French drains around a foundation are highly effective. Coating a concrete floor and foundation wall with Epoxy waterproofers work extremely well. They prevent tons of moisture from coming through a slab.
7.Decorative concrete stains - Concrete acid stains and dyes are a great solution only if you have a clean concrete floor. The problem is its hard to find a concrete floor without blemishes. Especially right after construction. Like with hardwood stains bring out the beauty, but also the imperfections. The best results are from acid stains and various dyes. There are acetone based dyes that bite hard into concrete and waterbased dyes which are softer and tint the floor. Only use quality products. Pricing about 40 - 60 cents per square foot including sealers
8.Concrete Overlays(skim coats) - Concrete overlays are a highly effective function and design solution. There are a few on the market that are user friendly, strong as iron and stick to concrete without issue. They can be integrally colored, stained and dyed. You can create patterns of tile or stone. Flattooing, a stencil system can be used turning concrete into a canvas for artwork. The process of Flattooing, tattoing a floor turns a basic floor into a unique one of a kind floor. Overlays are thin, about 1/16th of an inch thick. They are thin and solve a height issue and doorways and steps. Overlays are the best flooring solution for basements. They're being applied everywhere, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, grocery stores, casinos. Pricing is approximately $1.25 - $2.00 per square foot including tools and sealers
9.Epoxy floor coatings - Epoxy floors have been typically used in industrial buildings for years. During the past 5 years they have become a staple in residential garages. Floors need to be etched before application.There are a few basic epoxies.
Epoxy paint - Basic high quality floor paint. Many colors available.
Epoxy Urethane system - First coat is an epoxy primer or paint with a Urethane Top Coat. Great system for residential garages and light industrial use.
100% solids High Build Epoxy - This is the heaviest duty epoxy system. System starts with an epoxy primer or paint, then a high build epoxy topped with a Urethane. Colored quartz and chips can be added. Basic applications are about 50 cents per square foot to $2.00 per square foot for a colored quartz system.
10.Modular Flooring - This has become a popular product for use over concrete thanks to the visibility on TV shows like Monster Garage, Russo and Steel Car Auctions, Dream Car Garage. The beauty of a modular system is ease of installation, durability and custom design options. Pricing is about $3.50 per square foot. Installation is a few hours
11.Floor Cleaning Strategy - Cleaning concrete floors is the most overlooked aspect of the entire process. The thought process seems to be put a cleaner in a bucket with water. When you start to see soap subs it's ready. Slop on a floor with a mop, maybe use a buffer. Many floors have been ruined or worn prematurely by use of improper cleaning products and methods. Fortunately there are a few high quality products that have been designed for specific cleaning use. Residential homes, hair salons, restaurants, retail stores, schools, hospitals all have different cleaning needs and different products. How to choose cleaning products is not always an easy process. Its just as important to know how much to use and the types of tools required as choosing the correct products.
Do your research. Find the right resources and follow the steps. Concrete resurfacing is a value added solution and simple with the correct products and information.
Family Room Project
Hello all!
I've just finished one of my projects and thought I give you some insight. My first project was a poured-in-place. This technique is by far the simplest way to create your decorative concrete project. The form work is pretty basic and relatively simple to make. You won't need to have a shop or move your pieces, which can often weigh more than 200 pounds. Also you don't need to worry much about the curing process if your poured-in-place project is done in a heated room. Just remember that if the room is not heated please don't let the temperature drop below freezing. If this happens, the water will turn to ice crystals, which will weaken the concrete. If possible try to maintain a temperature between 55-78 degrees.
The poured-in-place technique does have some drawbacks. The first is design, which is limited but not impossible. For instance, the use of inlays or semi-precious aggregate(stones/gems) to appear flat on the surface will be a daunting task for anyone, even a skilled craftsman. To create a smooth, flat surface one need's a certain amount of skill. The easiest way is to use a straight board to screed the top of the concrete, just move your board back and forth with a slight upward tilt. Another drawback would be to create a countertop with an undermounted sink, integral drainboard or cutting board knockout. Difficult yes, impossible no. Also, poured-in-place can be messy especially if you decide to grind and polish your project, otherwise it's not too bad. Just remember to use lots of plastic! I would recommend a poured-in-place project if your a first timer or even if you have some experience with concrete. The major drawback is a lack of design elements.
Here are a few photos of my poured-in-place project. One more thing that I thought you should know is that I used my own mix design for this project. For all you first timers, please remember that it is not as simple as going to the store and buying a few bags of concrete, mix and pour. If you do it this way it will look like [you guessed it] concrete. There are certain procedures we must do in order to achieve a piece which will not crack or become weak. It is some what of a science, but basically it has to do with water, admixture, reinforcement, and curing(properly hydrated). I would recommend buying a bag of concrete and experimenting with some color, just don't use more than 10% of color to volume of cement(ex: 10 pds. cement, no more than 1 pd. color). Try not to use more water than recommended. Maybe if I have some more time in the future I will write an article about my mix design. I should also say that this project took me about 4-5 hours to complete. It actually took me less time than that but I had to wait for the concrete to stiffen up a bit before I stripped the forms. I'll have my other project on here in the near future, with plenty of pics. It will be a cast-in-mold countertop for my kitchen with decorative inlays, integral drainboard and an undermount sink, plus more. I'm really excited about this project and can't wait to finish. Check back to see my next project, it's looking great.
Concrete Countertops - Setting A New Trend In Home Decor by Samantha Davis
Unless you have seen a concrete countertop, you might think it is an ugly slab of material that is porous and gray. But concrete countertops are as versatile and as colorful as their stone counterparts and more affordable and nothing like concrete blocks. In fact, concrete countertops can look so similar to their stone counterparts that some will not be able to tell the difference.
Concrete countertops are making a big splash in home decor because of the trend toward a more natural, stone appearance of countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford the more expensive granite or marble are moving toward concrete countertops.
You can find concrete countertops in almost as many colors as laminate countertops. Hues of blue, red and green along with the natural stone colors are available. Concrete countertops can be designed to match any kitchen or bathroom decor. Most concrete countertops are custom made, so you can put as much of your personality in it as you like regarding color, shape and design. Ask your contractor for samples of his work and don't be afraid to ask for something unique!
Many contractors will pre-cast concrete countertops at a shop. This allows them to use special tables and allows them to seal the concrete countertops in the shop. If a kitchen or bathroom has a peculiar shape or design, a contractor may chose to build the concrete countertops at the home to adapt to the edges and corners of the surface.
Concrete countertops must be sealed. This is so that the countertop will be stain-resistant. You will need to wax the concrete countertop every few months so the countertop can retain its shiny, new look. Be sure to read your owner's manual for instructions.
Concrete countertops are much stronger than any natural surface such as granite or marble. They are resistant to heat and scratches, meaning you don't have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on the countertop. But if you want to cut vegetables, you will need to use a cutting board since cutting a concrete countertop will leave a mark. Newly installed concrete countertops can become warped if the temperature changes suddenly. Ask you contractor how to prevent this if you live in an area where temperatures are sometimes extreme.
Like most countertops, you need to avoid abrasive products when cleaning your concrete countertops. Make sure you wipe away all spills immediately. A mild soap should keep the concrete countertops looking like new. And as mentioned earlier, waxing is required every few months. Concrete countertops need to be resealed every few years. Check you owner's manual for exact specifications.
Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to $125 per square foot, since most of them are custom-made. You can find a qualified contractor in the yellow pages that will make and install your concrete countertops. Ask him to see a sample of his work before agreeing to sign a contract to install your concrete countertops.
Kitchen Counter Weight
Kitchen Counter Weight: Respect the hardest working surface in your house by Karen Hoeve
It's a place to put your red hot pots and pans. It's where gallons of messy foods and discoloring liquids are spilled each year, where the sink overflows and where you cut the vegetables when you can't find a cutting board. The kitchen counter is where cans land when they fall out of the cupboard. It's where you stand to get things off the high shelf. It has to be tough.
The counter is the main surface in the most visited room in the home. It's where the guests always end up. It's a place to put your drink during the kitchen party. It's where the food gets laid out for the buffet. It's where your new friend stirs sugar into their coffee. It has to look good.
The kitchen counter is also the place where you sweat the most. It's where you're dealing with hunger, dishes and groceries all at the same time. Food's coming in and food's going out while the garbage piles up. You're home from work to feed the family and hoping you can spend some time together before you all drop off to sleep. It has to be easy.
Fortunately there are a number of countertops that are tough, good-looking and easy. None of them are perfect but some will suit you better than others, so before you agree to the first thing that catches your eye, shop around a little. Your kitchen counter is the hardest working surface in the house and it deserves respect.
Here's a quick run down of the main players in today's wide world of countertops. All of them have proven themselves to be durable but sadly, nothing lasts forever. Chips, cracks and stains will happen, so weigh your lifestyle needs against your budget and personal style to find the one that will fit your kitchen.
1. Granite - This is the new darling of the kitchen reno. Granite is a natural solid stone countertop that can be had in a selection of colors. Extremely durable and nice to look at, granite is also heat and waterproof. Cons: It resists stains and scratches but not entirely. Seams are visible. Granite can be high maintenance and has to be resealed every year. Imported and expensive.
2. Quartz - Beautiful quartz countertops offer many of the same benefits as granite, but come in a wider range of colors. These counters never need resealing or polishing. They resist scratches, heat and stains. Cons: Seams are visible and installation is expensive.
3. Polished concrete - Customizable counters can be had in any shape or size you want and will take on any color you care to tint them. These seamless counters are heat and scratch resistant and they look good. Cons: They also stain easily and are very expensive. Can be hard to find skilled tradespeople.
4. Solid surface - Usually acrylic, these counters are solid all the way through and give you a durable surface without seams. Waterproof. Small scratches can be sanded away. Wide range of colors and designs. Cons: Though these counters can look solid, they can be scratched easily and become damaged by heat and knives.
5. Recycled glass - Looks great. This alternative to natural stone combines colored recycled glass with concrete to make an attractive countertop that's good for the environment. Cons: Properties are similar to granite so while it resists heat and scratches, it stains easily and needs to be resealed regularly. Expensive.
6. Laminate - The old standby, laminate is cheap and versatile. Made of plastic layers bonded to paper or particle board, it comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Somewhat durable. Cons: Can be permanently damaged by heat and knives and shows scratches easily. Once ruined, it can't be fixed.
7. Tile - Why don't we tile our kitchen counters more often? Tiles make a durable, easy-to-clean counter that is inexpensive and can be done yourself. Ceramic is heat and scratch resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Cons: It also chips and cracks easily, and makes a poor cutting surface. Though tiles come clean, grout becomes stained.
8. Wood - Comes in a range of colors and finishes with maple and oak being the most popular. Makes a fairly easy-to-clean surface and gives a nice warm effect to the room. Can be damaged by heat and water but can also be sanded and resealed. Makes a good cutting surface. Cons: High maintenance countertop that needs regular oiling.
9. Stainless steel - Great looking modern countertop. Heat resistant and durable. Seamless. Easy-to-clean. Cons: Also expensive and noisy. These counters dent easily and dull knives.
Expect time to add character to the countertop you choose just like anything else in your home. No matter what material you decide on, make sure it's one you love and you can't go wrong.
About the Author
Karen Hoeve is a Raleigh Real estate agent. Her passion for helping people find the perfect home makes Karen the one to call when you're looking for a home in Raleigh North Carolina.
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