Concrete Floors How To?

Is concrete flooring expensive?

Cost ranges from downright cheap ($2 per square foot) to relatively pricey ($30 per square foot, depending on finishes). Obviously, concrete is heavy. If you’re putting in new concrete floors on grade, the weight won’t be a concern.

Do I need underlay on concrete floor?

Concrete bases need an underlay with a moisture barrier, a damp proof membrane (DPM) or a separate barrier to protect the floor from damp. If the sub-floor is wooden the choice of underlay will depend on what is being laid on top.

How deep should a concrete floor be?

Standard concrete floor slab thickness in residential construction is 4 inches. Five to six inches is recommended if the concrete will receive occasional heavy loads, such as motor homes or garbage trucks. To prepare the base, cut the ground level to the proper depth to allow for the slab thickness.

Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab?

No, you do not need rebar for a 4–inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4–inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.

Are concrete floors cheaper than wood?

That is harder to answer than you might think since the prices for both vary widely. Prices can seem like they are all over the place, but one rule of thumb is that hardwood flooring materials cost two to three times as much as a concrete floor.

What is the best finish for concrete floors?

Top Concrete Finishing Options

• Acid Stain. An acid stain for concrete floor has a very bold look, recognizable by its mottled appearance and highly variegated finish.
• Water-Based Stain.
• Fast Stain.
• Acrylic Sealer.
• Standard Epoxy.
• Metallic Epoxy.
• Terrazzo or Granite Epoxy.
• Quartz Sand Epoxy.

Can I pour concrete over existing concrete?

If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.

Do concrete floors get cold?

Are concrete floors cold and damp? Concrete can be cold, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring.

How do I keep my concrete floor from sweating?

Turn down the air conditioning/turn up the heat to keep the concrete floor temperature and the air temperature at similiar levels. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and reduce the condensation. Use a penetrating sealer to seal the concrete and keep out moisture.

Why is my concrete floor damp?

Concrete is a naturally very porous material and water can rise up or travel through capillaries which can lead to damp floors and mould issues. The easiest problems to isolate and repair with damp–floors are issues with above-ground services, such as leaking pipes.

Can you lay vinyl tile directly on concrete?

Vinyl tile can be installed over concrete if the concrete is clean, smooth and dry. Repair any holes or cracks. You can sometimes lower high spots using a coarse-grit abrasive on a belt or disc sander.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

How many bags of concrete do I need for a 10×20 slab?

A 60-pound bag yields. 017 cubic yards, and an 80-pound bag yields. 022 cubic yards. For a 10 x 10 slab, you would need 77 60-pound bags or 60 80-pound bags.

Can water come up through a concrete floor?

YES, water around your foundation can come up through the concrete floor and can leave any material on its way soggy and damaged.