My Wife and I have been working on an addition to our house for about 5 years now.
The lower level is in-floor heated concrete.
This is a combination entry way and mechanical and laundry room. About 10’x22’. The entry way is separated by a wall and door from the laundry.
Budget is tight. And we have been thinking about lino for the mech room, and perhaps pergo or tile for the entry way.
Or, just today, I thought “concrete stain”. I think we may really like it. And it would be pretty fast to have done. And less expensive.
It’s sealed afterwards. Is it relatively easy to clean? A broom and a vacuum? Hand wash? Does it seal pretty smooth?
Could traditional tile or linoleum be installed over it if we don’t like it. I’m worried about glue for traditional flooring not properly reacting with a sealed concrete floor).
I will be researching this more. But my experience with sub-contractors is that many of them just tell you what you what to know. Some are great, some not so much.
I have no real world opinion of it other than the fact that I really like the look. I’ve seen it on high traffic patios and it appears to hold up.
There is another product called Bomanite (not sure if they’re still around, but a bunch of my friends worked for them years ago). They actually put the color into the concrete so it never has to be re-finished. It was high end stuff but worth the money.
I haven’t done it in about 8 years or so, so take with a grain of salt as some things may have changed.
It looks awesome.
What we used was actually an acid etching stain. Required respirators (not just a dust mask, mind you), protective clothing, special storage and disposal requirements of the left overs.
The finish which went over it left it almost too smooth. We refinished with an add in texture substance (which meant we couldn’t spray that coat, had to roll it on).
It wasn’t exactly inexpensive. Materials cost for the 4,000 sq ft floor was in the $1500 range. Less than tiling, sure, but add in our labour and a small profit mark up and it still cost the restaurant a fair amount. Not a “cheap” alternative.
But, the end result was marvelous. The restaurant has since changed hands and they kept the acid etched stain finish floor as is because there’s really nothing else like it.
Have you looked at what is available currently?
Understood. Money is not the greatest concern. But we are trying to keep our eye on it. For where we live just getting a sub contractor to call you back is a chore.
I will lay tile, but not carpet or lino. This seems to be a good alternative that might actually be better than tile or lino. And, I don’t see as it would be difficult for me to do.
I’ve done a lot of remodeling from concrete work to redoing kitchens and bathrooms. I’ve got the tools. I will by a full respirator if I where to do this.
My biggest concern is if we can change over to tile or lino if we find we don’t like it in a few years.
Looks like a perfect solution to me. Stain it, couple of throw rugs to make the concrete easier on the feet. Bingo.
Thank you too Kalhoun. The entry way and the laundry will get a lot of abuse. The heated floor also makes this a desirable option.