Concrete Idea for new Construction

[JDishong]

After reviewing many of the flooring options here on GJ, I'd like to get some feedback specific to new construction garage flooring.

After researching GJ on flooring, I am not convinced epoxy or tile is my best solution and since I'm doing a fresh concrete pour I think there are some better options for us in similar position.... concrete stains and dye's.

My preference is dye since there is very little cost adders to the foundation. The concrete either comes "pre-colored" or powder dye is thrown on the surface during trowel. I will still need to seal the floor but I think I am leaning towards this unless you can help talk me off the ledge ...

Here is the finish I am thinking of (Dark Gray (Carbon w/ SandBlasted finish)

http://www.daviscolors.com/Gallery

Any experience or feedback would be appreciated!

 

[bobscogin]

The concrete either comes "pre-colored" or powder dye is thrown on the surface during trowel.

Integral color in the concrete is a lot more durable in the long run. Color treated surfaces don't go very deep, and when chipped or scratched you'll lose the color and the damaged area will show the natural concrete color. It's a consideration if your floor will see heavy duty use.

Bob

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Anyway you go, they all require a sealer or polishing to look good.

 

[ConCretin]

The dry 'shake on' products can be tricky to use so you'll want to find an experienced finisher to make sure it's done right. Most are hardeners that increase the durability of the surface as well. They are good products but as Legacy said, you'll still need to seal the surface.

 

[hofiveo]

http://www.concretepolishingassocia...crete Recommendations with Polished Concrete [Version%201].doc
If going polished or other floor treatment make sure you find a concrete guy that knows decorative concrete pouring, curing and finishing techniques for the specific look you want.

 

[JDishong]

Thank you for your input. I plan to go by the concrete plant this week. I understand they can pre-mix which provide better color control ... I'll give some feedback.

I doubt this will add any significant cost to the foundation so it seems like one way to "test the waters" to see how it turns out. If I don't like the results, there is always more options.

Thanks for the link "hofiveo"

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

The color will add cost. They will hit you for a clean-out fee.

 

[ConCretin]

You might be surprised how expensive integral color will be. Depending on the color you choose it can more than double the cost of the concrete. I'm afraid you'll get sticker shock from the cost of polishing as well. Then you've got your sealer. Sorry but there isn't anything cheap here. I love concrete but decorative floors don't always make sense.

 

[JDishong]

The color will add cost. They will hit you for a clean-out fee.

.. I did say significant, right - I'll get back with you on the cost.

 

[JDishong]

You might be surprised how expensive integral color will be. Depending on the color you choose it can more than double the cost of the concrete. I'm afraid you'll get sticker shock from the cost of polishing as well. Then you've got your sealer. Sorry but there isn't anything cheap here. I love concrete but decorative floors don't always make sense.

Thanks for the heads-up ... at $7k - $9k foundation cost, cheap is relative. I'll get back when I get some cost figures ... thanks though.

 

[Fastback]

"Polishing", or grinding a new slab after its hard is not really a necessary evil in this case,you can simply power trowel the floor until it overheats a bit and get a cool look that costs very little.

I keep this coated in a sacrificial layer of sealer and then a floor polish so I can redo it if I paint a car and destroy the look (Again).

Here is the floor when I finally moved in a few years ago.

Here it is covered in serious epoxy primers, base coats and clears!

Here it is after stripping and recoating it much like a janitor does a highschool hallway.

Moved back in.

All-n-all it was a pretty cheap floor for looking so fancy, the only added costs were the red integral color in the mix and a wash out fee for the truck. If your concrete guy does not have or use a power trowel or is not comfortable with one then find a different guy.

 

[JDishong]

This is something I would consider. - thanks for sharing.

"Polishing", or grinding a new slab after its hard is not really a necessary evil in this case,you can simply power trowel the floor until it overheats a bit and get a cool look that costs very little.

I keep this coated in a sacrificial layer of sealer and then a floor polish so I can redo it if I paint a car and destroy the look (Again).

Here is the floor when I finally moved in a few years ago.

Here it is covered in serious epoxy primers, base coats and clears!

Here it is after stripping and recoating it much like a janitor does a highschool hallway.

Moved back in.

All-n-all it was a pretty cheap floor for looking so fancy, the only added costs were the red integral color in the mix and a wash out fee for the truck. If your concrete guy does not have or use a power trowel or is not comfortable with one then find a different guy.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Very similar to a Big-Box store finish. Looks great.

 

[bobscogin]

Yes, integral color is expensive. Depending on the color, it can be almost expensive per cubic yard as the concrete itself. To minimize the cost, we pour all the footings/beams in the foundation first with regular concrete, and then finish the pour with integral color in the "slab" concrete which is usually 4"-6" thick.

Bob

 

[Fastback]

When checking on costs, call the yard yourself and check the prices + washout fee, I'm not saying that it can get marked up...OK, yes I am.

 

[hofiveo]

http://www.murraydecorative.com/pdfs/GUIDE_SPECIFICATION_for_colored_concrete.pdf
One spec for colored concrete.

 

[JDishong]

Concrete plant uses liquid dispense coloring system. Depending on color choice, I was told $15 - $50 per cu yd. cost adder (includes washout fee). Gray color in the $25 per yd range.

My foundation is calculated to take 26 - 27 cu yds therefore would cost about $600 - $700.

This doesn't sound too bad to me considering the foundation cost. I realize there are additional costs for sealing, polishing, etc.

-- thought I would share this info. - John

 

[JDishong]

agreed - direct from the horses mouth.

When checking on costs, call the yard yourself and check the prices + washout fee, I'm not saying that it can get marked up...OK, yes I am.

 

[JDishong]

that makes alot of sense. I will propose that, thanks

Yes, integral color is expensive. Depending on the color, it can be almost expensive per cubic yard as the concrete itself. To minimize the cost, we pour all the footings/beams in the foundation first with regular concrete, and then finish the pour with integral color in the "slab" concrete which is usually 4"-6" thick.

Bob

 

[markwright247]

This is something I would consider.

I think it will be good decision, as this is the best floor for the garage.

 

[Durasmack]

Any updates and or pictures?
I'm thinking about coloring my new floor when we pour it.

 

[67rstbkt]

Any updates and or pictures?
I'm thinking about coloring my new floor when we pour it.

Looks like he went with charcoal for the color - here's the link - search is your friend:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158755&page=6

 

[Bricen18]

I am currently thinking colored concrete for my new build. Hoedid u make out


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[JDishong]

I am currently thinking colored concrete for my new build. Hoedid u make out

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It added about $700 ($25/ Cu Yd), very reasonable.

I still have to grind/polish the floor .. sorry I don't have a larger floor view..

 

[Bricen18]

Did u complete the floor in one pour? If not did you notice any color variations between each pour?




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[JDishong]

Did u complete the floor in one pour? If not did you notice any color variations between each pour?

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Yes, in one pour and it took several truck loads ... no noticeable color difference. The color mixing was done at the plant.