New concrete - here’s my list

[jfoster]

I’m pouring new concrete for my garage soon. Here’s what I would love out of my concrete:

Smooth, hard, stain resistant (as much as possible!). I don’t have a preference for patterns or under finish but I do like an industrial look.

What process and products should I use to accomplish this? What should I ask of my concrete contractor?

THanks!
Jeff

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

The most important thing is a properly compacted base......


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[ConCretin]

I'm not clear if you are planning to leave your concrete exposed or apply additional products. Give my Guide to Floor Slabs a read for some thoughts on the concrete part. There are many on here who can provide information on products that will harden, seal or coat your floor.

 

[jfoster]

I originally only considered coating the floor but that was before I decided to re-pour the whole thing. I like an industrial concrete look but smooth/shiny - does the fact that the concrete will be new afford me any cool options?

 

[Retroman]

Make sure you request control joints that are sawcut vs tooled. Sawcut are only a 1/8" wide and should be 25% of the slab thickness or just a bit more especially where they begin and end.

 

[chaosracing]

You can do a color stain to give it different looks. Some you apply as a powder when the concrete is wet, some you apply in liquid and I believe it can be done the next day. If you want shiny, your gonna need to clear coat it. But then I would also add anti skid to it (you can get some that "disappears" in the clear coat. Clear coat epoxies require at least a 30 day cure time.

As for asking your concrete guy, I would ask him what he is comfortable doing. Ask for pictures of previous similar jobs and references.

 

[jfoster]

There are just so many options. I've been reading for...I think it's been a couple of years I've been dreaming about this project

In my simple mind, he would power trowel it smooth, apply densifier and seal it. Not that easy, I guess.

 

[c39er]

I like "Zip Strips'" to hide the control joints... a very clean look when installed straight and proper.
A very nice hard smooth finish sealed.
This slab is 20 years old now...no open cracks. 30' X 48'.

 

[bedn0009]

I just did my 2nd garage floor (both of my garages) with the AWF Polyurea from Justin at Garage Flooring LLC. I did my shop 2 years ago (1000 sqft) and now my attached 2 car garage (600 sqft). Very happy with the result, performance and product application