Many of us have undoubtedly started to notice certain parts of our homes that we wish to renovate as we’ve been regaining our lives after the devastating conclusion of COVID-19. One of the first items on everyone’s to-do list is flooring. The house floor is the most visible and noticeable part of the home and experiences more traffic than any other area.
Many floor types can be renovated with new coatings or treatments. Still, concrete floors are one of the most commonly seen and well-loved materials in many homes. They resist fire, stains, water, bacteria, and odors. It can also withstand wear and contributes to good air quality.
Though concrete floors are an excellent choice for many rooms in your house, they can start to look a little dull after some time. Here are five easy and affordable ways that you can renovate your concrete flooring:
Add a new coat of paint
Adding a new coat of paint is one way to add some life back to your concrete flooring. Make sure that the paint you use is specifically designed for concrete floors, as other types of paint can damage the surface.
Another way to paint your concrete floor is by using an epoxy treatment. This type of paint includes a liquid hardener and a liquid catalyst. The result is that the epoxy hardens due to a chemical reaction between the ingredients.
Epoxy treatments are available in various colors so that you can create fantastic color designs and hues on the floor. If you can use epoxy treatments on a concrete floor, you can achieve most of the effects you can get with regular paint.
Acid staining
This is a process where you apply an acidic solution to the floor, which reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete to create a new color. A concrete acid stain comes in various hues, including subtle earthy tones such as brown, soft blue-green, tan, and terracotta. Color effects are typically more apparent on fresh concrete than on older or weathered concrete.
The advantage of acid staining is that it does not erode or wear out, and the surface is flammable and UV-resistant. It’s simple to keep clean and a fantastic option for people who care about their health since it doesn’t pollute the air with VOCs. Acid staining is a great way to give your concrete flooring a new lease on life.
Install new flooring material
If you want to change the look of your concrete flooring completely, you can install new flooring over the existing concrete. This is a great option if you’re looking to add some warmth to a room or if you want to reduce the amount of noise.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you install new flooring over your concrete floor.
- First, make sure that the new flooring is compatible with the concrete.
- Second, you’ll need to ensure that the surface is level before you install the new flooring.
- Third, you may need to use a vapor barrier to protect the new flooring from moisture.
- Fourth, ensure that the new flooring is properly sealed and/or glued down so that it doesn’t come loose over time.
You can choose new flooring materials: carpet, tile, wood, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, and many more.
Sealing
Another great way to protect your concrete flooring and make it look its best is by sealing it. Sealing protects the surface from stains, dirt, and other types of damage. It also makes it easier to clean. There are two main types of sealers: penetrating sealers and surface sealers.
Penetrating sealers penetrate the concrete to form a barrier. In contrast, surface sealers sit on top of the concrete to create a protective layer. Sealing your concrete floor benefits include increased protection, easier cleanup, and enhanced appearance. And before you do it, make sure to patch any cracks or holes in the surface of your concrete floor so that the sealer can do its job properly.
Resin flooring
Resin flooring is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a long-lasting, durable option. Resin flooring is manufactured from epoxy, polyurethane, or MMA. Epoxy is the most popular type of resin flooring since it comes in a wide range of colors. The disadvantage of resin flooring is that it needs to be installed by professional contractors.
MMA resin flooring is the most durable type of resin flooring. It’s also the most expensive and difficult to install. But if you’re looking for a floor that will last for many years, MMA resin flooring is a great option.
Polyurethane flooring is less durable than MMA resin flooring but is still very tough. It’s also easier to install and less expensive. This is undoubtedly a good choice if you’re looking for an option between epoxy and MMA resin flooring.
All in all
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to renovate your concrete flooring, then these five options are sure to give your home the makeover it needs. Talk to a professional about which option is best for you and your home. And indeed, with proper installation and care, your new flooring will last many years.
