Concrete Surfaces: Floors

This house made the most of its slab on grade concrete floors. Instead of covering the floors with carpet or wood that would diminish the benefits of the radiant heat, we used concrete micro toppings with stains, dyes, and sealers for most of the house's floors.

While you can stain a concrete slab directly, we used micro toppings to create a certain look that the clients and their designer were looking for. Micro toppings are a very thin layer of concrete (1/16" - 1/8") that can be used to create special looks or to give a fresh, clean canvas to work on if the concrete slab is stained, damaged, or just plain ugly.

Most of this home's main level received this stained concrete micro topping. It gives the look of a heavier texture and provides some dramatic movement with the color while remaining relatively smooth.

Staining the concrete slab, or using a concrete micro topping for a certain effect, is the best way to maximize the benefits of radiant heat. Cork, carpet, or wood will insulate the heat away from your living space.

Concrete micro toppings allow you to control the color, texture, and patterns of your flooring. Special effects can be achieved. Most are suitable for interior and exterior which can allow your interior finish to flow to the outside.

Front entry courtyard for private residence.

Front entry courtyard for private residence.

Natural objects can create custom shapes.

Concrete microtopping over slab and then stained at Water Concepts, kitchen and bath - Tacoma WA.

Concrete microtopping, then dyed.

Another view of the concrete microtopping and dye job.

Another view of the concrete microtopping and dye job.

To change the look from the existing exposed aggregate patio to a more smooth, refined look, a layer of concrete microtopping was applied to the surface of the top patio.

In progress.

Stained concrete microtopping and poured concrete pavers.

After.

Stained concrete pavers make up the bottom patio.

Close-up of the poured concrete pavers; a little Scottish Moss decided to make its home here.

Close-up of the stain on the top patio.

Concrete microtopping applied to over slab to give it a sandy beach look.

Concrete microtopping with a stain. Custom initial in wine cellar.

Concrete microtoppings can be applied in a stencil to make a custom pattern on your floor. Here is a close-up of an initial in a wine cellar.

Concrete microtopping with a stain.

Concrete microtopping with a stain inside interior design and furnishing store Calla Lily – Tacoma WA.

Microtoppings and staining can be applied in a variety of different methods to achieve a wide assortment of different looks. Notice the mottling effect achieved by one particular application method of the stain.