Now or later?

[gmyers]

I am in the process of building a 50x100 metal barn. The structure will be ready to complete around September. The crew will arrive with the building to erect it. I have to complete the concrete pad prior to them arriving. I am guessing that I will have the pad poured 1 month prior to the arrival of the building.

The building will be split into two parts. half garage and the other half wood shop and hobby shop for the wife. I would like to have a nice looking floor and would think that it would be easier to do it while there is no structure to fight with.

The question is will the finish be destroyed during the construction of the building? I would love a stain followed by a sealer on half and just a sealer on the garage half.

What say you?

 

[Shiftless]

I wouldn’t even consider finishing the floor before construction of the building.

 

[ConCretin]

Based on the wording of your post, I assume the building is supported by the building pad rather than a separate foundation so the slab must be done prior to erection of the building. This is not at all uncommon. There are a range of steps you can take tom protect the slab from damage or stains ranging from simply being careful to covering the slab with Ramboard and plywood.

After a month the concrete should be able to resist all but the most severe mechanical damage. If you are concerned about stains, the experts on here should be able to recommend a good penetrating sealer. I usually find common sense and exercising some care is all you need.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Absolutely we recommend don’t finish the floor until the building is complete as the tradesman will damage the floor. Dragged metal or heavy dropped items can damage any coated floor.

We always say to epoxy as one of the last steps when you can properly prep it and clean it for coating. Unless you can make it pristine and then cover with Masonite or Ramboard paper wait it out.

 

[Shiftless]

With a layer of Ramboard and then half inch plywood or OSB you “might” be able to adequately and completely protect a finished floor. Current prices run about $60-75 per sheet. So if you ignore the small cost of the Ramboard, it would cost over $10,000 in material to cover the whole floor.

 

[gmyers]

Thanks for the advise.

 

[65ranchero]

If the floor is not poured yet, talk to the concrete contractor and ask if the plant can dye the mix at least it will have a color of your choosing

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Floor last if possible.

 

[HPRifleman]

What about looking at it another way? What if the floor finish is delayed until after the building is finished, and then some? Is there risk that the work in the building and normal usage did something to the floor that would make the finish more difficult to apply or not be as durable?

 

[LXCam]

What about looking at it another way? What if the floor finish is delayed until after the building is finished, and then some? Is there risk that the work in the building and normal usage did something to the floor that would make the finish more difficult to apply or not be as durable?

There certainly is some risk. Normally its just leaky (oil) equipment which can be mitigated via requiring diapers for all machinery. Also welding and scorch marking from heavy sustained cutting and welding in one area. I'd have to assume the OP being in Cali, this will be a red iron - bolt together building and really the only (abrasive) cutting would be for the sheeting so this can be done off slab. Then there's always just the simple tire markings which can be a PITA to remove sometimes.

OP like everyone has suggested I'd wait. But I'd also let them know anything on the slab needs to have non-marking tires and be diapered.