Basement in Ohio

[JenNeil]

Background: I live in Ohio --weather is in the 20's snow/rain

I have a basement (below grade)- We wanted to do a stain on our concrete so we diamond grind our basement floor about 600 sq ft. The concrete is now porous... water does not bead like it did!

I cant seem to know how to etch the concrete since its in the basement and i cant get the hose down there..i don't know if i can use something that doesn't need to be "etched". Our concrete is still smooth and i have applied 3 different etching applications (behr, krud kutter, valspar) in different areas of the floor.

I went to Home Depot and asked the paint department about what we should use and he of course said Behr 1 step paint epoxy...I asked him about using the semi transparent stain and he said that he has only heard of that on FRESH cured concrete. Then i asked about etching and he said no need on the 1 step epoxy..just use the bond/prime it and im good to go. i looked at the back of the can and it said etching.. SO CONFUSED

We have a dehumidifier in our basement but its mainly used in the cold room and the borders of the living space is all drylok. I have prepped the floors as best that i can and will keep working on them til the job is done! I will perform a moisture test tomorrow evening with the duct tape and plastic bags.

Our basement is our main living area, having this done correctly is KEY! Upstairs with 3 dogs and my wife ..we are a little cramped!

Tile- 3-4k hired out
Stain- all paid for
epoxy from HD- 150ish
Hired epoxy- $$$$

We have all the major home improvement stores in my area! I can get the products or order them if the price is right.

I have a budget too errr
I know that epoxy has to be at the right temps to adhere but im wondering if i have to wait til spring to get the 60-80 degree temps.

Thanks in advance! I will respond as soon as i can!

-Neil ROCK ON

 

[dcs Inc]

I have applicators in Ohio if you are interested in getting a quote. Depending on what your final expectations are, prices will vary. If you are wanting a Reflector Enhancer Epoxy floor or a simple dye stain, and clear coat of an 100% solids epoxy, I'd suggest a top coat of AUS-V urethane with aluminum oxide for scratch resistance.

Our installers don't deal with box store products so that may be a problem if you have purchased that already.

 

[JenNeil]

Thank-you Elite crete, i would like a quote! That might give us a direction on what we like! I will send you an message!

 

[dcs Inc]

We have an installer very close to you. Replied to your private message.

 

[red]

Ever consider tiling the floor? Not hard to do yourself, especially if you take your time. Tiled my basement floor and it was a $1 per sq ft. The garage was a President's Day special (last yrs) and that was 58 cents per sq ft. Garage was just over $800 for tile, thinset and Redguard. Garage is 800 sq ft. I ran both with borders and tiles diagonally.

 

[dcs Inc]

Ever consider tiling the floor? Not hard to do yourself, especially if you take your time. Tiled my basement floor and it was a $1 per sq ft. The garage was a President's Day special (last yrs) and that was 58 cents per sq ft. Garage was just over $800 for tile, thinset and Redguard. Garage is 800 sq ft. I ran both with borders and tiles diagonally.

Tile is a great way to cover your surface and a good option. Finding a quality priced tile that is pleasing to the eye is another story. I buy the cool tiles that they are coming out with these days and mimic them in class. Completely seamless, no motar joints to deal with.

I've also removed a lot of tile in basements after a flood. The best grout install is an epoxy grout and that's expensive.

 

[JenNeil]

Ever consider tiling the floor?

We have thought about the tile!

We believe that the basement is too uneven or more prep work than what its worth.

 

[Baada]

I used a grinder in my basement to prep for epoxy. More expensive than acid etch but no need to use a hose either. Worked very well. I rented it from HD along with vacuum.

 

[pauloman]

I would suggest sealing the floor with solvent thinned epoxy then stick on vinyl tiles which will bond nicely to the epoxy. If might also consider an internal concrete sealer like Bio Vee Seal (tm) before you do anything more. this will help to control potential moisture issues which could be a problem with any epoxy, tile, etc. Of course over the stick down tiles, you can place area carpets!

paul oman/president
progressive epoxy products inc (since 1994)

 

[dandan111]

Great looking floor gene.
I would not do a stain or paint but that's just my opinion. I would do epoxy. If cost is a factor you already have a good starting point. 3-4k for tile would be crossed off my list for a basement right away. Guess it depends on what your wanting to use the basement for also? Living space,rec room,storage?

 

[dcs Inc]

Thanks Dan. Paul, You really don't want to seal concrete before applying epoxy. Kinda defeats the purpose of grinding and opening it up. How many pounds of pressure or percentage of vapor will your product hold back? Looks as if it is a hydrophobic type of sealer. A lot of companies will dilute their epoxy and apply as a primer as their products are not self priming.

If after testing for vapor emissions and have a higher than normal reading then apply a vapor barrier epoxy as a primer. With our VB-5 vapor barrier epoxy you have a 12 hour window to apply the 100% solids clear epoxy. After the time limit you must roughen the surface. I tend to do that anyway to take care of any dust or particles that hid in the night. Makes for a cleaner finish.

 

[red]

We have thought about the tile!

We believe that the basement is too uneven or more prep work than what its worth.

Epoxy requires more prep than tile, just ask the pros. And as to cost, epoxy (self-installed) was more costly than ceramic tile (self-installed). Get pricing on both, and then decide.

 

[JenNeil]

Great looking floor gene.
I would not do a stain or paint but that's just my opinion. I would do epoxy. If cost is a factor you already have a good starting point. 3-4k for tile would be crossed off my list for a basement right away. Guess it depends on what your wanting to use the basement for also? Living space,rec room,storage?

We use our basement for living space and our family room! small bar down there so its an entertaining area! Thanks for your thoughts!

I used a grinder in my basement to prep for epoxy. More expensive than acid etch but no need to use a hose either. Worked very well. I rented it from HD along with vacuum.

Baada: I read your post and actually bookmarked your post on here....the WHOLE process, showed the wife the pictures and she likes your floors and steps!

DSC INC : Gene, i have your contractor coming out Monday around 1pm! Im excited to see what he has to offer!

I just want my basement back!

I just want to RELAX and

 

[dcs Inc]

Good deal. I told him to offer a few different options, even giving you a hand on the grinding. He owns his own equipment.

 

[dandan111]

If you go with a hard floor I suspect you will want area rugs to warm it up. If its living space I would spend some money so you are still happy in 10 or more years. Lots of options.

I finished my basement and did a solid stain to clean it up. It looked great but was not what anybody wanted to hang out on. The basement seamed cold and loud. It's full carpet now.