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5 Indoor Concrete Floor Finishes


by DoItYourself Staff

There are a number of concrete floor finishes that you could choose for the interior of your home. Concrete is one of the most durable types of flooring, and it can be highly customized to fit your design needs. Read on to learn about a few of the different indoor concrete floor finishing options.

1. Chemical Stain

To apply a chemical stain, you pour a specific type of stain on the concrete floor. This will react with the surface of the concrete and create a color on the floor. With this method, you can create almost any color that you want. You can also make designs by pouring the stain over solid materials on the floor. You can create many different looks by mopping the chemicals or by spraying them onto the floor. This method is somewhat unpredictable because you do not know exactly how the chemical will react with every type of concrete. 

2. Concrete Stamping

Another option that you have is to use concrete stamping. This process will have to be completed when the slab is being poured, so it might be difficult to integrate with an indoor space. With this process, you use a stamp that presses down into the concrete when it is curing. This allows you to create many different designs and mimic any type of floor imaginable.

3. Scoring

Scoring is a process that you can complete on existing concrete slabs. This is ideal for making a concrete floor look like a tile floor. With this process, you will use a saw to etch the concrete. You can create lines or you can create a random unique pattern on the floor with the saw. 

4. Colored Hardeners

Colored hardeners typically come in powder form, and you can sprinkle them on top of the concrete while it is still wet. The water that is inside the concrete will come up into the colored hardeners. The moisture will bond with the hardeners and create a unique look in the concrete. Many people use this type of finish in conjunction with chemical staining to create darker colors that stand out on the floor.

5. Sealers

If you have any type of concrete, you could finish it with a concrete sealer. All sealers will provide you with the added benefits of preventing moisture from getting into the slab. Some concrete sealers will also provide you with a glossy surface on the top layer of the concrete. This can increase the shine and give you a completely different look than if you had a dull concrete surface. Some people prefer this look and it can also improve the performance. 

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