If you have a newborn and are considering getting polished concrete floors, you may be asking yourself if they will be safe for your child. The thought of having your child crawling on the hard concrete may seem like it would be bad for their wrists and knees, but today we will look at exactly what makes concrete flooring safe for children.
There’s no better smell than a pie baking. So, when the Smith & Company Flooring team was asked to restore Blue Raeven Farms Bakery’s concrete floor, we were excited to take on the project. In a week, we were to grind the floor, fill any existing cracks and apply new concrete floor coatings for a local commercial bakery.
When we started, we noticed the substrate was in rough condition with a lot of pre-existing cracks. The floor was made with an extremely soft concrete slab, which made it slightly rougher than is typical. While neither of these issues created major problems, it was definitely something the team had to be more conscious of while working.
The concrete floor had four sections, two of which were to be coated with solid colored epoxy. Our team applied a 20mill coat of a 100% solids two-component self-leveling epoxy from General Polymers. Specifically, we used General Polymers GP3745 and the color was “Steel Gray.”
The other two sections of the commercial bakery floor needed a decorative flake finish. After grinding and prepping the concrete floor, the team applied a 6mill base coat of polyaspartic. We followed this by broadcasting the “Smoke” colored 1⁄4” flakes. Once that was dry, we cleaned up excess flakes and applied two more 6mill coats of clear polyaspartic.
It was a fun project to turn this older commercial building into a nice bakery. Their floors are going to look great and last for many years to come! See the before and after photos below to be amazed by the improvement.
Before
After
Whether you’re planning to build a vivarium or you’re looking to learn more about epoxy flooring, we’d like to help! A vivarium is an enclosed space that is usually used for raising animals or plants in a controlled environment. Sometimes these areas are designated to create a mini ecosystem or environment that differs from the natural environment in that area. It’s important to install a durable floor in this space, which is why we recommend building your vivarium with an epoxy floor.
Because a vivarium needs to meet specific requirements to create the proper environment, it demands specialized construction methods; this includes the flooring. A proper floor for a space like this must be able to contain the environment while avoiding the introduction of external elements. It must also have a high level of resistance, be durable and easily cleanable. An epoxy floor is a great solution for these requirements.
We understand that depending on the animals you’re keeping, flooring needs will differ. While some animals may need flooring with texture, others may need an especially durable surface. Canines, hooved animals, rodents, non-human primates, and aquatic animals will require different flooring specifics. But all will need to be easily cleaned. Most of our decorative quartz, decorative flake and solid colored surfaces will satisfy the differing needs of any of these animals.
In addition to the space for the animals, many other areas in a vivarium facility can benefit from an epoxy floor as well. Having durable and easy to clean surfaces for hallways, cage washing areas, showers and locker rooms, surgical suites, warehouses (especially those with chemicals) and mechanical equipment rooms is a smart decision. Check out the chart below to see the specific types of epoxy floors that will work best in these varying areas.
Epoxy floors are a great surface for a variety of uses. A vivarium is just one of them. For more information, contact Smith & Company or visit our website.
There are so many benefits to installing a polished concrete floor in your garage or industrial space, but have you ever considered bringing it inside your home? The versatility of the concrete provides a great alternative to hardwood floors or carpeting that can be expensive to install and a pain to maintain. This out-of-the-box flooring choice will impress your guests and help you feel at home.
Clean up on aisle two
First things first, you want a floor that looks nice and gives you peace of mind. How many times have you panicked over a wine spill or a Sharpie in the hands of your toddler? Those stains may never come out of your carpeting. Luckily, polished concrete floors are extremely easy to clean and care for. A spill doesn’t have to turn into a stain.
It ain’t gonna rain no more
A common complaint about hardwood floors is that they warp over time due to moisture. The appeal of a beautiful wood floor is drastically diminished when each plank is disfigured. Concrete, on the other hand, is water-resistant and, when installed properly, stands up to evil moisture that may be in the air or on your floors.
Vanity project
If you still want that hardwood look without all of the fuss, a polished concrete floor is definitely your solution. The large variety of paints and sealants available make any concrete floor customizable to your tastes. Do you want a modern look? A trained professional can install a floor that looks like marble or limestone. If you want a more rugged homey vibe in your house, request a wood-like finish. Concrete floors also make for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces of your home. The options are endless!
Keep it green
Since no natural resources go into installing a concrete floor, it’s a more sustainable flooring option. The floors also naturally retain temperature, both hot and cold, better than carpet and hardwood so you’ll see your energy bills go down.
Save your money
On average, polished concrete floors are less expensive to install and maintain than other flooring options. Of course, this depends on the desired outcome and the cost differs slightly from project to project. However, even the most luxurious concrete floor will save you money in the long run.
Love it forever
When properly installed and cared for, your home’s interior floor can last centuries. It can outlive everything else in your house. There is actually no flooring option more durable than a concrete one. Minor wear and tear is to be expected, but maintenance is often minimal and therefore inexpensive.
Keep in mind a polished concrete floor is only a great option when installed by a professional. Most of the floor’s benefits stem from proper sealing so it’s crucial the concrete is installed right the first time. Get in touch with our professional team and we’ll help you get started!
You’ve just moved into a new place with a basement that has a concrete floor. You’re thinking to yourself, “What am I supposed to do with this room?” Well, a concrete floor provides a versatile surface to create a bonus room that fits your lifestyle. If it’s not already polished, contact a professional concrete floor specialist to install an epoxy coating or other finish to match the style you’re wanting.
An Over-21 Room
Treat yourself and your friends to a room for just adults. Polish your interior concrete floor with a darker brown or marbled grey color. Install a bar and stock it with your favorite drinks. Bring in an area rug that matches your style and enjoy the atmosphere of a bar in your own home. In case you have a friends who gets a little clumsy after a few drinks, you’ve got the perfect floor to wipe up the mess.
Craft Room
Are you or your kids artistic and in need of a place to let your creative juices flow? A polished concrete floor provides a wonderful surface to get messy. Whether you love painting, scrapbooking, or glitter projects, your floor can handle it. It proves to be an easy-to-clean surface that can be enjoyed by all.
Man Cave
A basement with a concrete floor is a great space to utilize for a man cave. Let’s be honest, a man cave isn’t a place where you want to be clean and tidy and the furniture you like often leaves scuffs on the floor. You don’t want to stress ruining the flooring but you know that spills and scuffs are inevitable. So solve your messy man cave problem with a polished concrete floor. Many types of epoxy coatings won’t scuff and they all can handle the spills you and your buddies are bound to bring about.
Home Gym
Create a mini gym with the space that your concrete floor provides. Because concrete stays cool, it’s the perfect surface for a workout room. Plus, a decorative chip broadcast floor doesn’t scuff, so don’t worry about marking your floor with rubber weights or equipment. Polish your floor with a color or design that is lively and energetic. Bring in whatever equipment you enjoy using and add some mirrors on the walls. This will create an atmosphere where you’ll look forward to your exercise time and get the most out of your workout.
Game Room
A room designated specifically for games and a lot of activity, whether it’s for you or your kids, is a great idea. This provides a space where you have the freedom to have fun without worrying about making a mess. You don’t have to worry about the mess when food (and spills) join your game time. If your family loves basketball or racket sports, paint a mini court to play on your concrete floor.
There’s no need to worry about your concrete basement anymore. There are many options to utilize this unique space according to your needs. Be creative and have fun with the flexibility that a polished concrete floor can provide. If you’re looking for a professional to finish your floor, contact Smith and Company for an estimate.
