refinishing concrete floors

[Pat Butler]

Appraising a property that has concrete flooring that would appear to have had some sort of clear finish on it at one time. The homeowner had large rugs down that they finally removed and there is an obvious wear pattern on the surface coat of the concrete. It looks like part of the clear coat wore away and the concrete is darker in those areas from embedded dirt.

Does anyone have any experience with refinishing companies who can strip the top surface and get a more consistent look to this type of flooring? A number of the comparables have laminate flooring over the concrete and I'm guessing that they may have opted for that solution rather than trying to chemically strip the concrete flooring.

 

[residentialguy]

I know some strippers in the Chicago area.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I know some strippers in the Chicago area

I hope they aren't guys....

Industrial - residential flooring over concrete is not uncommon here. - [url]http://www.tufcoflooring.com/products/floors/[/URL]

Etched and stained concrete is common
[url]http://www.lowes.com/pd_224195-4-002.0051060.007_0__?productId=3108519[/URL]

 

[TxArmadillo]

I know some strippers in the Chicago area.

at ResGuy.

Seriously though, Pat, to answer your question, there are companies that now specialize in interior concrete floor installation and maintenance. These companies can install, strip (chemical treatment), stain, level, you name it. It's become very popular in some parts of the country do to its relatively low maintenance and long durability.

You'll likely find them online or through Ye Old Yeller Pages (phone book).

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Pat Butler]

I'll have to call a few of them for pricing information. It must be a big hassle to strip a floor once all the trim and cabinetry is in place.

 

[Dale Smalley]

I went to a place called super stone in Opa Locka that sold an acid wash. Refinnishing is a real pain as you have to remove the top layer of whatever by using large steel wool type of sanding disks. It is much easier on new concrete but comes out really cool. then you have to put several coats of clear polyxxxxx on top to seal it. I only did 2 coats that wore off in the heavy traffic areas. They have a video that really helps stir the imagination. It lasted a couple of years before I installed the wood over it.

 

[Rick Neighbors]

Flooring

Most folks in our area that build homes with scored and stained concrete floors are doing it because it is cheaper.

It can still always be covered with tile, carpet or hardwood......even if you don't want to refinish the concrete.

I personally have added a bar to my home, enclosed the back porch, and I scored and stained the concrete. Lots of work! I heartily recommend a professional with all the right equipment. Looks good now, but had I known!
However, that being said, it is understood that every few years I will have to refinish the sealer, which is clear.

The ones that are real ugly is where they rip up the carpet, tack strips and try to stain that and make it look good. Ain't gonna happen!

Rick

 

[TxArmadillo]

I personally have added a bar to my home, enclosed the back porch,...

Get the beer cold, Rick. AF is on the way to your house! :new_multi:

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Res guy has a bar in his house too...

 

[Restrain]

What we have seen is the installation of laminate flooring rather than going to the cost to refinish. Far more expensive the second time around, so alternative coverings is the usual answer.