New construction: Kitchen and living areas

[modstang]

Hi everyone, first post after reading a ton on GJ.
We are breaking ground in June on a new build and will have concrete floors in the kitchen, living room, dining area, and garage that doubles as a party room. Along with the 3-car attached garage. Our goal is to have a strong floor coating that will last many years with kids, dogs, and everyday life.

Desired finish: Stained concrete with a semi-gloss clear coat. I will do the work myself vs hiring someone. Yes, this will take a considerable amount of time.

Concrete: Steel trowel, smooth.

Color: I found an acid etch from "Concrete Camouflage", their Artist Grade Concrete Stain, that was featured in one of All Garage Floor's articles. I would post a link but not allowed since I need to build the post count. The color description; "Riverstone can be Greys or Browns. Usually a mix of light to medium greys on smooth concrete, and a medium brown, or darker grey on broom finished.Color: light to dark"

Clear coat: I really would like the product to survive years of abuse with little to no maintenance (is it possible?). I've focused research on polyurea products since they appear to the strongest with the ability for DIY. Legacy's Nohr-S and Armpoxy SPGX seem to come up frequently. However both appear to be very glossy. We would like a product to be semigloss to matte. Opinions?

Questions:
Is the combination acid stain to etch the floor the right choice from Concrete Camo, or should I consider buying the acid and stain separate?
Is polyurea the best choice for a clear that will last? Any other suggestions?
Is anti-skid needed?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kngelv]

I can't imagine having straight concrete floors in living areas. What happens if you drop a can in the kitchen and chip the floor? Is this a new thing?

James

 

[earl84]

Not all that new, and I’ve seen some really cool concrete floors. It can be a great look if that’s what you’re after.
Sorry I can’t help with any of the technical questions.

 

[modstang]

I can't imagine having straight concrete floors in living areas. What happens if you drop a can in the kitchen and chip the floor? Is this a new thing?

James

What happens when you drop the can on;
Wood floors=dents
Tile (chips or cracks)
No floor system is bullet proof. We like concrete due it already being a slab build, let's use the existing floor and have a system at <$1.50/sf to make it look awesome.
We will have rugs (same thing as we do with our current wood floors) and radiant heat in the insulated slab.

 

[yeldogt]

... while it's still used in NYC -- the whole loft/ industrial look thing is sort of over .. as is the concrete counter trend. That said ... it was big and the property values could support the best trades doing the work.

When it's done well .. it's very nice. Unfortunately -- that's not often the case. I like the industrial look of well finished concrete. I have been in apartments with natural concrete floors that God must have supervised ... perfect. I'm not talking polished. Plain hand finished floors that were cleaned and sealed. I did a small tower like modern glass/ steel / concrete weekend house on the Delaware river years ago w/ concrete floors and it was a real hit. You do need rugs --- it's hard and loud w/o

Colored floors are another animal. I just did a white floor for the lowest level of my new build ... I used a Sika color cement product that is broadcast over the concrete just after the concrete is poured and leveled -- it's not a stain or pigment .. it's a colored cement product that become the top surface of the slab. It comes in typical bags ..... I got the white idea from the Corning museum in NY. they used it there. White requires lots of product.

I have also done colored concrete from the yard .. I wanted a buff color inside and out and they mixed it at the yard. Very cool look .. you have to pay extra to clean the truck when you finish.

All of the above are complete when the slab hardens. The results are all dependent on the concrete contractors skill.

It sounds like you want to stain after the floor has cured -- you have to make sure the floor is properly finished so the satin is uniform. That's why you often see them polished ... polishing is also done to fix a poor job or refurbish an old floor.

My best advise is to make sure you look at some of the floors ... less is more. IMO sticking with grays is best and keep it quiet. I have seen some really ugly stained concrete floors ... way too busy. especially the polished. Just because you can does not make it a good idea. I have seen some nice polished .. most are not stained they use the a sika type system.

I have always used a satin low sheen acrylic top coat sealer -- it still has some shine. They can be waxed as well -- I have never done this.

Good luck and get a good concrete guy -- that's the most important item.

 

[PNWguy]

I can't imagine having straight concrete floors in living areas. What happens if you drop a can in the kitchen and chip the floor? Is this a new thing?

James

Same thing than happens when you drop a can and chip the tile?
On the other hand, I've had concrete floors in every garage I've owned. I don't remember chipping them by dropping something small.