From the Floors Up

Why Homeowners Are Choosing Concrete Floors

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Concrete flooring can be an excellent option for homeowners looking for a trendy twist on their home’s style. Although concrete floors have been around for a while, we see a lot of homeowners veer more toward classic styles like hardwood or carpet. While hardwood and carpet can be excellent choices, we are here to share with you five reasons why you should choose concrete floors. Let’s take a look!

A Real Tough Guy

As you would assume, concrete flooring is extremely durable. Its resilience is quite impressive, making it a perfect solution for heavy appliances. Typically, you see homeowners use concrete flooring inside of their garages, because of its durability. But in fact, its durability can withstand daily damages throughout your home. Concrete can withstand high heels, heavy appliances and furniture, and pets. This type of flooring will help to put your mind at ease.

Easy Peasy

Considering that this type of flooring is mostly found inside of garages, it is extremely easy to maintain. Experts recommend to seal or wax it every three to nine months depending on its wear, but otherwise, it is recommended to clean it periodically.

Ability to Change

If you are unhappy with your concrete floors, its smooth texture makes it easy to install any flooring surface over it. This feature gives you the ability to change your mind at a later date without the fear of a huge project. 

Long-Lasting

Under proper maintenance and care, concrete floors can last a lifetime. With concrete, you are investing in your future, and you can rest assured in flooring that you can trust. 

Very Versatile

With concrete, people’s minds may go straight to the universal gray color that is unappealing; however, concrete comes in an array of colors and textures to match your style preference. You can now have the concrete floors of your dreams without compromising on the look.

Many companies carry a line of concrete flooring. It is a beautiful collection of modernized concrete floors that would be the perfect finishing touch to your home. Check with your flooring retailer to view their selection.

How to Fix Your Outdated Countertops with Concrete

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If you purchased an older home, you might have settled on a few of the home’s design aspects for a lower price. But the time has come, and you have had enough of your current countertops. We are all trying to be cost-conscious in this day and age; therefore, you are looking for a simple DIY project that will not break your bank. Look no further, because we have the perfect project to turn your old countertops from blah to ta-dah!

Supply List

  • Concrete Underlayment
  • Concrete Seal
  • A Mixing Bowl (Disposable) 
  • Metal Dry Wall Knife 
  • A Sponge
  • 150-grit and 220-grit Sandpaper
  • A Pair of Latex Gloves
  • Orbital Sander
  • Masking Tape
  • Dish Cloth (Disposable) 

Step One

You will want to prepare your countertop for the concrete by taking your tape and masking off the areas surrounding the countertop. You want to make sure that the concrete will not get on your cabinets or walls. Next, you want to remove your sink’s faucet, knobs, and drain. 

Step Two

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin to sand down the countertop. For the larger areas, you can use your orbital sander. Make sure you sand down every aspect of the countertop because it is a crucial step.

Step Three

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue. 

Step Four

Follow the mixing instructions on your concrete underlayment package. Make sure to mix in small portions, so the mix will not harden while you are working. 

Step Five

Take your concrete mix and drywall knife and begin to scrape a very thin layer on top of your countertop – this layer will serve as the base for the rest of the coatings. 

Step Six

For the sink’s basin, put on your latex gloves and apply a very thin layer with your hands. 

Step Seven

 You can use your fingers to get into the countertop’s corners with the concrete mix.

Step Eight 

Let your countertop dry before moving on to the next step. 

Step Nine

Mix together another small portion of concrete for your second coat.

Step Ten

Take your drywall knife and begin to lay down the second layer. You can apply it in straight or cross-hatch lines for texture. 

  • Note: This layer will be thicker than the previous base coat, but make sure that the layer is even and smooth before proceeding. 

Step Eleven

Let your second layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Twelve

Take your 150-grit sandpaper and begin sanding the dry surface. You want to take away any undesired, excess pieces of concrete. 

Step Thirteen

Grab your dishcloth and get it a little damp then wipe off the countertop removing any remaining dust or particles. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you continue.

Step Fourteen 

Apply your third layer of concrete mix to the countertop with the same thickness as your second layer. 

Step Fifteen

Let your third layer dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Step Sixteen

Once your third layer has dried, begin sanding with your 150-grit sandpaper then use your 220-grit sandpaper to obtain a sleeker look. 

  • Note: The thickness of your concrete should be approximately 1/4” in thickness. 

Step Seventeen

Take the concrete sealer and apply three coats to your countertop with a clean sponge. Let each coat dry before moving onto the next coating.

Step Eighteen

Place your faucet, knobs and drain back on your sink and voila, you are finished!!

We hope you enjoyed this fun project to transform your old countertops into beautiful concrete counters. Let us know your thoughts and results below in the comment section.

Which Driveway Is for You?

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Your curb appeal is made up of a complex formula containing many intricate details. Your siding, windows, plants, lawn, and driveway all can influence your home’s exterior. Functionality and aesthetics can both play a significant role in what driveway you choose. Your driveway is the first interaction most people will come in contact with when visiting your home, and not all driveways are created equal. Selecting from some of the many options available may seem like a daunting task at first because most homeowners do not replace their driveways very often. However, when the time comes, you may need to refinish or replace your driveway. Discover the pros and cons of different driveway options so you can best choose a selection that is best suited for you.

Asphalt 

PROS 

Asphalt is a more durable compound than stamped concrete or gravel. Many homeowners use asphalt in colder regions. This is because it is highly salt resistant, easy to remove snow, and slip-resistant. 

CONS 

Asphalt is a very common driveway material, and because of its frequency, it has a low curb appeal feel. It is not resistant to oil stains, yet its dark nature can hide some stains. While being durable, when it breaks down, it is no easy task to repair. 

Stamped Concrete 

PROS 

Stamped concrete is very attractive and will help enhance the exterior look of your home. It is very durable as well. By switching from poured concrete to stamped concrete, your driveway will also be oil-resistant. While not as convenient as asphalt, you will still be able to remove snow fairly easily from your driveway. 

CONS 

If your stamped concrete driveway does crack; however, it is not an easy repair. It is one of the least slip-resistant driveway options as well. Also, to be noted, if you live in an area that treats driveways with salt, it can damage your driveway in the long run. 

Gravel 

PROS 

Gravel will be your most cost-effective route to creating your driveway. It is extremely easy to repair, and you will not have to be concerned with slipping. Also, if you salt your driveway, you should have no concern.  

CONS 

While salting your driveway is easy, plowing and shoveling will not be. The driveway is one of the least durable options and lowest on curb appeal. 

When selecting a driveway material, weigh out the pros and cons. If you are looking to get your driveway done at the most affordable price, gravel is your best option; however, if you are looking to get more durability and longevity from a driveway, consider stamped concrete or asphalt as an alternative method. For more insight on home improvements, make sure to subscribe.  

How to Remove Stains from a Concrete Driveway

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Concrete driveways can really increase your home’s curb appeal. They are durable, functional, and very visually appealing. However, this porous surface is susceptible to staining. Whether you spill something or a car leaked in your driveway, that stain can become an eyesore. Trying to remove it can even seem impossible at times. Well, to help, there are a couple of tricks you can apply to your driveway to make the stain disappear. Let’s take a look!

Oil and Grease 

First, you will need to identify the stain on your driveway or sidewalk. Oil or grease stain can penetrate deep and are best treated sooner than later. Get a degreaser and spray it onto your stain. You can use a bristled brush to really scrub your degreaser into the pavement. Allow the degreaser to sit for a little bit of time, and spray your driveway down with an even coat of water using a hose. Next, hook up your pressure washer and attach your concrete cleaning detergent. Use your pressure washer to evenly wash the driveway. Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the leftover detergent. 

Paint 

If you notice you have stained your driveway with paint, apply a paint thinner, and allow it to sit and break down the paint. You can use a damp cloth to scrub and remove excess paint. First, spray your driveway down with water. Hook up your pressure washer with your concrete cleaning detergent. Be careful not to use too strong of a tip because this can etch and damage your concrete. Next, spray the area back and forth until the stain is completely gone.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove any remaining detergent. 

Rust, Leaf Stains, and Common Muck 

These common stains are much easier and will not need as much prep work. Simply apply your concrete detergent to the stained areas, and wet down the driveway using your hose. After, hook up the pressure washer and spray back and forth with the spray wand.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the detergent. 

You may need to work in smaller sections so the detergent never dries since this could lead to streaking. If the stains remain, add detergent again directly to each stain and scrub with a brush. To prevent future stains, consider adding a sealer to your concrete driveway. For more household tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe. 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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