Archive for the ‘Flooring Ideas’ Category
Decorative Concrete Surfaces
There are a number of ways to improve the appearance of the existing concrete surfaces in your home including epoxy paint, acid stains, scoring techniques, and water based stains.
A handy do-it-yourselfer can give these dull grey concrete surfaces in your driveway, garage, and basement a great makeover using these methods. If you are thinking about having new concrete installed be aware that decorative concrete work is often more than double the cost of regular concrete. You can save tons of money and still get the look you want by using these inexpensive techniques to do the decorative work yourself after the concrete has cured.
One of the most popular trends in coloring concrete surfaces these days in acid based concrete stains. You get a marble appearance as they chemically react with the cementitious material. You often end up with a surface that is both beautiful and elegant. Acid stains available in a variety of different earth tones including green, red, and brown. You can expect to pay around $60-$70 to cover 300-400 square feet. You can really enhance the look of an acid stain by applying a coat of clear concrete sealer on the top.
A less toxic and friendlier way to color your concrete is with a water based concrete stain. These products work like a dye which is absorbed into the surface of the concrete. You will have a much broader selection of colors with a water based stain. The cost is very similar to what you would expect to pay for an acid stain.
The more adventurous do-it-yourselfer can create patterns and designs using scoring techniques on the concrete. Your creativity can really be your guide. One great tool for this is an angle grinder with a four inch grinding or cutting wheel. Once you cut into the concrete you can not go back and make changes so it is a good idea to draw your pattern on the concrete and make sure it is what you want prior to starting. Angle grinders can be rented any most tool rental outlets.
You can turn your new or existing concrete surfaces into beautiful works of art with the investment of a little money and time.
Easy Garage Floor Installation with RaceDeck – RaceDeck.com
Step-by-Step instructions on how you can change your garage floor in less than 2 hours with RaceDeck Garage Flooring tiles. see more at www.racedeck.com