Concrete floors offer homeowners and designers a great deal of design flexibility. Concrete floors are stitched or colored to match any color. It can be finished to look like tile, slate or marble You can add custom graphics, medallions or decorative stenciled borders to enhance the design.
This flooring material offers you an unrivalled range of design options, and the opportunity to create unique looks that are not available in any other.
6 FINISH OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
You can apply many floor finishes to concrete, including staining, dyeing and polishing. This allows you to expose concrete floor slabs that have been covered with vinyl tile or carpet, or to add a finishing touch to concrete basement floors.
1. Staining
Concrete surfaces are given rich color by water- or acid-based stains. Semi-transparent stains enhance the surface, not hide it. Stains that are acid-based tend to be limited to earth-tones. Water-based stains can be applied in a wider range of colors.
2. Dyes and other topical colors
Dyes can produce more vivid colors like yellow, purple or blue. They can also be mixed and matched for custom color combinations. There are both solvent- and water-based dyes available.
3. Stenciling
Stencils allow you to add color and texture to indoor concrete surfaces. There are hundreds of options for patterns and you can create your own stencils.
4. Polishing
Polished concrete is the ultimate floor without wax. It offers high value and is an easy-to-maintenance option. Concrete polishing gives concrete a high-luster, smooth finish that looks like polished stone but doesn’t require waxing.
5. Metallic coatings
A metallic coating can add shine and shimmer to concrete floors. Metallic coatings are available in multiple colors to give your interior floors a modern, elegant look. Metallic epoxies are made with real metallic powders and special reflective pigments. They give concrete floors the appearance of aged bronze, copper, or nickel. These epoxies are popular in places where an elegant, modern look is desired.
6. Garage Floor Coatings
The most cost-effective and appealing way to improve garage floors is with epoxy-based products. These products not only protect garage floors from oil stains and grease, but also add color and texture. These epoxy-based systems can be customized with color chips or decorative quartz.
HOW TO FINISH CONCRETE FLOORING
Most projects for existing surfaces will be three phases.
Cleaning and prep work: This will depend on the finish being applied. If you plan to use an acid-based stain or muriatic acid, you cannot clean the surface with it. Cracks and holes can be fixed for some finishes but can be left alone for others. Preparation is minimal for new concrete.
The process of staining, polishing or applying a coating will differ depending on the finish chosen. Some finishes require equipment such as polishing. Others are just products that are applied to the surface such as dyes, stains or coatings.
Sealing or any other protective treatment: This is similar to cleaning and prep. The finish applied will determine which sealer you use, if any, and if it is necessary. While polished floors don’t require any sealer, stained floors or floors with colored floors need to be protected.
FINISHED CONCRETE FLOORINGS COST
The prices for different concrete flooring options vary widely. Prices start at $2-$6 per square foot for basic staining, dyeing, and polishing. You can spend $15-30 per square foot for high-end finishes that include multiple colors, designs and stencils, as well as other enhancements. Prices vary depending on the materials.
Are concrete floors easy to maintain?
All cement floor finishes have a decorative value, and can be applied to properly prepared floors. They are resistant to staining and moisture, can withstand heavy foot traffic and won’t harbor any mold, mildew or allergens. Find out more about concrete floors cleaning.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CONCRETE FLOORING
Although some processes might seem simple, it is best to hire a professional. Here are some reasons:
- Concrete staining is permanent. This means that mistakes can be made forever. (Read more about DIY staining.
- You will need to do a lot of prep work before the stain can be absorbed into concrete.
- Polishing requires heavy equipment, which must be rented.
- Sealers must be matched to the finish being applied. Not all sealers work with all finishes.
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