Concrete floors are practical, durable, and rather boring to look at. However, for many years they were seen as the only option available in commercial, and even some residential settings.
Of course, they are a viable option. But, as the floors get older they tend to crack and you may even discover dips and other issues. At this stage, you’ll have to decide what to do with the floor. It’s normally not a viable option to replace all the concrete.
Fortunately, you don’t need to, there are several refinishing options that are worth considering.
Epoxy Flooring
This is one of the best options because it is easy to apply over your existing concrete flooring. Epoxy flooring is a mixture of a hardener and resin. It can be brushed on although it is better to get the professionals to handle it for you.
There are a huge array of epoxy floor coatings for you to choose from, allowing you to decide the color and the pattern that suits you.
Best of all, the floor is incredibly durable, won’t be affected by things being dropped onto it, is waterproof, and has a natural non-slip finish. That’s just a few of the benefits you can expect from an epoxy flooring.
That makes it the perfect option for a wide variety of applications, commercial and residential.
Polishing
Another option to refinish your concrete floor is polishing. To do this properly you’ll want to identify all the cracks and dips in the existing floor. You’ll then need to clean all the dust, oil, and grime away before filling all these areas.
Once this has been done you’ll be able to polish the concrete, creating a shiny finish. You can polish concrete when it is wet or dry and you’ll increase the density of the top layer. This makes it more durable and it is not slippery. This is a good choice for high traffic areas which are out of the public eye.
Urethane
Urethane is a clear coating that can be added on top of concrete, polished concrete, and even epoxy. If you’re using urethane it’s a good idea to repair the floor first with filler, as previously mentioned. You’ll then be able to use urethane as a protective top coat. It will strengthen the floor, make it water-resistant, and even add grip.
Alongside that, it’s abrasion-resistant.
Varnish
A fourth option is to simply varnish the existing concrete. Again, it is best if the floor is repaired first to give it the best possible finish. The beauty of varnishing is that you can choose your own color and the floor will be sealed, reducing the risk of issues in the future.
If you’re not sure which option you should be choosing then take the time to look at some places near you and assess the different floor choices. It will help you to make the right decision for your own old concrete floor and restore it without spending a fortune.
