How to Install Concrete Floor
September 23rd, 2010
Question: I am planning to renovate my patio, and I was thinking of using concrete floors. However, I want to make this a project of mine, so I do not like anyone to be working on this. Would you help me on how to deal with my concrete floor? How do start and end the installation process? How do I make sure that the concrete floors will last for a very long time?
Answer: Just like what I have been telling other letter senders, I would still recommend having an installation professional. He does not have to do everything. You can work alongside him. But just in case that you do really like to do on your own, then so be it.
Concrete floor installation can be very flexible. Usually, you would need some sand, water, and cement base. This will serve as your ?glue? to make sure that the tiles will really be attached to the subfloor or to the floor. You can also add some polymers and quick dryers if you want to speed up the process. However, you seem to miss out one important detail, and that is what kind of concrete floor you are planning to use. There are some minor variations on how they are actually installed. So most definitely, the tips I will provide you today are general ones.
You should know where you are going to attach the concrete floor? Is it in wood? Or is it in cement? You will have a much easier time if it is going to be the latter. If you are going to be working with wood, you will have to add a backer board that appears or works like cement. Nevertheless, regardless of the subfloor that you have chosen, you should make sure that it is very flat, even, and clean. Remove everything that may cause unleveling or difficulty during the installation. This may mean that you have to get rid of the weeds that may be growing in your patio. Remove the dust and dirt to avoid causing bumps.
Then you need to ask the manufacturer how the floor should be installed. Most of them have different guidelines or methods, as well as products that should be used, when you?re installing. So that you don?t end up getting in a mess later on, you better inquire beforehand. This is also one of the reasons why I always suggest having a professional around. You can always get answers immediately.
As for maintenance of your concrete floors, you don?t have to worry a lot. They are very durable, and they can last for a long time without too much maintenance. If you have shinier outdoor floors, you may have to clean them with a broom once in a while to get rid of dust and dirt that may cause scratches into your floors. There can be some cleaning products that you can use, but again, you need to ask the manufacturer if they have any recommendation.
