How to Decorate Concrete Floors

Concrete floors present an amazing range of decorating options. The surface can be saw-cut to look like brick or stone floors for the country look or a Mediterranean feel. A contemporary room design can be enhanced using acid stain to decorate concrete floors. Painted concrete floors set the tone for less-formal room design. Decorators find that a concrete floor surface offers wonderful flexibility to bring texture and color into room design.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter's pencil
• Circular saw
• Masonry blade
• Safety glasses
• Face mask
• Broom
• Mop
• Concrete stain
• Finishing sealer
• Epoxy paint
• Urethane sealer

Instructions

Saw-Cut Concrete Floors

1. Select a geometric or free-form pattern to cut into the floor. Trace the pattern onto the concrete surface using a carpenter pencil. Keep the pattern lines at least 1 foot away from the walls, allowing space to maneuver the concrete cutting saw.

2. Attach a masonry blade to a hand-held circular saw. Set the blade depth to ¼ inch. Put on protective safety glasses and face mask. Follow the pattern outline as you cut a groove into the concrete.

3. 

   Sweep up and remove dust and debris. Run a damp mop over the entire surface several times until all fine particles are removed.

Acid-Stain Concrete Floor Decoration

1. Choose a faux granite, marble or color-wash finish pattern to complement the overall room design. Draw patterns on the floor with a pencil or follow existing saw-cut lines.

2. Clean floor with soapy water and rinse repeatedly until all residue is removed. Allow to dry completely.

3. Apply acid-based stain to each section of the floor design with a swab using brushing and tapping motions. Wear a face mask and protective glasses throughout the process. Make sure the room is well ventilated.

4. 

   Apply a sealer coat when the floor is completely dry. Allow to set for at least one day before moving in furniture.

Decorate a Concrete Floor With Paint

1. Determine if the finished floor will be all one color or if you will use a pattern. Draw any selected pattern on a clean concrete floor.

2. Select an epoxy-based paint formulated for concrete surfaces. Spread paint thoroughly on the concrete using a paint roller and brushes for edges. Wear safety glasses and a face mask at all times. Allow the paint to dry for at least one full day. Add a second coat of paint and allow it to dry for another day.

3. 

   Apply a coat of urethane over the entire floor surface. Leave the urethane coating to harden for two days.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use a permanent marker or wax pencil to outline patterns on the floor to ensure that the marks do not show through the finished surface.

Resources

• Concrete Network: Interior Floors
• Toolbase Services--Concrete Floor Finishes