Concrete flooring installation may be the easiest of all house-improvement projects if you have done any DIY projects in the past. However, it’s still not something to undertake lightly or take lightly. If you want to install concrete floors correctly, with minimal fuss and least expense, read on.
This article will educate you on the proper concrete flooring installation techniques for indoor and outdoor use. The first step in any concrete flooring installation project is preparation. Clean up spills and stains as they happen.
You don’t have to wipe everything up, but do try to remove as much moisture as possible, while also removing any residue that may still be on the surface. Once the spill has cleared up, take your time in the sanding and smoothing process.
It’s important that the floor surface is fairly even and smooth from one corner to the next, and that you go slow and steady in applying the finishing polish. Polishing your concrete flooring installation basically just means working it into the natural color and texture of the flooring materials.
For concrete flooring installations in your home, this means using fine-grit sandpaper along with a chemical stripper. Strips of this particular type of stripper will give the floor a nice matte finish that mimics natural materials such as stone and marble.
Finishes such as these are quite hard on floors, especially above the plywood underlayment, so it’s good to practice a few drops before applying the real deal. After you’ve gotten rid of all the excess dirt, dust, stains, and spillages, it’s time to set up your new flooring.
If you’ve done your homework and chosen quality products, this should be a simple task. Clean up spills and wipe down surfaces to make sure they’ll stay looking good for a while. When it comes to concrete designs, however, it’s really best to let them weather to natural color.
You’re ready to begin sealing and coating your new flooring options if you have the proper tools and supplies. There are many types of sealers that are available, and your job will depend on what they’re formulated to do. Some are designed for low maintenance, while others can withstand high traffic.
There are also a variety of brushes and roller systems that work to provide a thorough cleaning. If you want to do a painted or powder-coated concrete flooring installation, then you’ll need a saw with an angled sash. The sash is simply removed so you can use it to spread the coating.
This method of painting concrete floors is less messy than having it poured by hand. Another advantage to painting by yourself is that the paints will last longer, especially if you choose a high-quality product. For driveways, a concrete driveway is surprisingly durable according to various experts.
Before you begin buying anything, you’ll need to know how you want your floor covering to look once it’s installed. You can either buy unfinished boards or polished concrete floors. Unfinished boards can be painted and then stained just like wood.
If you choose polished concrete floors, then you can apply them with a putty knife. You may even be able to use a hot glue gun to apply them if you have a really good one. Once they’re stained and polished, then you can install them with no additional protection such as adhesives.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing concrete for installation, whether you’re doing it yourself or using a professional, is that these floors are actually made out of several layers of material. To get the best look, you’ll need to mix and match the pieces for maximum durability.
Also, remember that these floors will be exposed to quite a bit of traffic so you should choose durable floor materials. For added durability, you can opt for epoxy resins, which are becoming increasingly popular with DIYers.