Exposed concrete finish options

[strutaeng]

Hello guys, first time posting on the flooring sub-forum. I have to admit, I don't know anything about concrete flooring finishes, although pretty knowledgeable on construction and finishes in general, ie, coatings.

So, I'm doing this house addition with a large family room and the plan is to leave the slab exposed. I'm basically building a shell and subbing out foundation, framing, roofing, and masonry.

It is low-budget (but not low quality) and I told my wife to leave concrete exposed and maybe I can install some "typical" interior floor finish down the road....and she was okay with that.

I've got a guy that is going to do the slab in a few weeks and he was recommended by a friend and is supposed to do good quality work with a smooth and flat surface. He will use a power trowel.

So what are my options for finishing? I want smooth, not really mirror-finish, but something that can be mopped and cleaned up easily. No color. Also, I don't want to do any grinding and polishing. I know that can be expensive.

Are the main options polyurethane, epoxy and sealer? I'm somewhat familiar with these, but more in the wood and auto finishing applications. No harsh chemicals, just household stuff falling on the floor. I would like a somewhat glossy look to it.

Also, I will have saw-cut joints (early entry saw cut contraction joints) exposed. How do I treat those? Fill before finishing? With what?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Armorpoxy]

How about a single coat of our one-part SPGX polyurea? It gives the look of polished concrete and just rolls on. If you power trowel you should etch it.

 

[JoeMcGov]

1. Tell him to nothing”burn in” the trowel finish.
2. These days there are good options for staining the exposed concrete. Do some research. Be sure and note any manufacturers specific requirements regarding the concrete to be sure you get it right the first time. Sounds like time is short so this option would need your immediate attention.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Why don’t you put down some inexpensive carpet or CVT?

 

[BrendaAmil]

I know from personal experience how hard it is to build a house. There are a lot of details that you should take care of and also there are a lot of difficulties that you have to overcome. I started building my own house a while ago, and I have to say that it is not an easy job. I struggled a lot, but somehow, I solved all my problems and overcame the issues. One of the hardest parts was finding a reliable company that would do the home plans for me. I came by https://www.boutiquehomeplans.com/ and asked for their help. Their experts proved to be real professionals, and their advice was very useful to me.

 

[RPH]

Think stain. They have acid based and water base. Color and designs can be incorporated. Clear over it.
Vendors here can and will help you to the right choice.