Concrete Flooring
Among flooring options for residential and commercial buildings concrete flooring is one that you would always consider. The cost of concrete flooring is a fraction of the cost of floors of traditional materials, but experts can create spectacular floors of concrete in an amazing variety of colors, textures and imprints. A new concrete floor is possible both in new construction and over existing floors. Sub-grade preparation and forming are done and reinforcement and control and expansion joints provided in the usual way. The thickness of the floor is usually four-inch.
For textured floors a dry blend of chemical powders and color pigments is used to prevent sticking of the texturing tool to the concrete. Imprinting of the concrete floor can be either smooth or textured in wood, slate or some other finish. The texturing tool is placed on the concrete floor and pounded with a mallet.
Over an existing concrete slab the new concrete floor can be either in ¼” thickness or like the thickness of a credit card. Saw cut or sand blasted floor texture or chemical staining is also possible over the existing concrete floor.
Prices of concrete flooring varies with location and the square foot rate varies widely with the size of the floor. Prices also vary in terms of colors and pattern. However, even an imprinted concrete floor is likely to cost one fourth to one fifth of a natural slate flooring or granite floor.
Installing a concrete floor is an expert job. Be sure to verify the installer’s credentials, visit their earlier concrete floor jobs and, if possible, talk to the owners. Sealing by a high solids acrylic sealer is essential for concrete floor durability. Reseal at suitable intervals depending upon wear. Clean by a dry mop or a soft broom and use neutral pH cleaners for wet cleaning.
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