Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Nov 17, 2021 10:03 am Hi everyone, I am in the middle of a polished concrete floor renovation that is not going to plan and I’m hoping for some of your expertise in order to make a decision about what to do next. As background, my partner and I decided to change our floors from carpet in three bedrooms and terracotta tiles in the dining/kitchen area (pictures 1 and 2). After exploring alternative floor options (carpet, vinyl/hybrid planks, tiles, and concrete), we decided to go with polished concrete. This is nice and cold for the Darwin climate and we like the look. We sought a few quotes and went with a reputable contractor that we liked. The quoted cost was $14,100. We went away while the work got underway. Once the tiles were pulled up and some preliminary grinding was underway the contractor discovered that there were two sections in the slab which had previously been infilled. This was a surprise to everyone – it doesn’t make obvious sense in terms of the house’s original plans or renovations. One of these sections is at the back of the master bedroom, but the other section is at the front door to the house. There are also some significant cracks in the slab in two of the bedrooms (pictures 3 and 4). After some discussion with our contractor about whether we should proceed, we decided to have those sections jackhammered out and new concrete poured to match as best as possible, knowing that this could never be a perfect match (picture 5 bedroom and picture 6 front of house). An additional $3,200. Yesterday the contractor returned and grinded down a section of the new concrete at the front of the house to see how well it sits alongside the original slab. It is ‘OK’. They have done a decent job matching the aggregate but the difference between the sand/cement colour is distinct (picture 7) Aside from the distinction, there is also obvious discontinuity in the flooring between the rectangular section of the new pour at the front door and the remainder of the room (pictures 8 and 9). At this stage we feel like every option is on the table and would love some feedback from people with experience with polished concrete floors. As far as we see them, the options are as follows: 1. Proceed with plan A and polish the concrete throughout the house. The contractor has advised that the cracks will be filled to appear more like hairline cracks (which is fine with us). Our concern is with how the old and new concrete with look side by side, especially at the front door looking into the house. Total cost $17,300 2. Shift from polished concrete to grind and seal. This would mean not polishing so far down, so likely to create less obvious distinction between the new and old concrete. The contractor suggested he would use a water sealant which is also likely to dull the difference. Total cost ‘about the original quote’. 3. Vinyl planks (hardwood floors are not really an option in Darwin outside of elevated homes). We looked into vinyl/hybrid planks at length and decided it’s not our preferred look. We have them in another room in the house and don’t really want to go this way, though the contractor seems keen because his business does polished concrete and vinyl floors. Total cost ‘about the original quote’. 4. Tiles throughout. This was not our original plan but it is possible, though likely very expensive. We would need to work out what we owe to the contractor (who would still need to come and even the new concrete), and start from scratch with a tiler. Total cost unknown. 5. Some combination. We could possibly polish the concrete in the dining and kitchen area, cutting this at the corner visible in picture 9 to shift to some sort of concrete tile throughout the entry area and bedrooms. This is probably also expensive and would lose the continuity in the main room but possibly look good. Total cost who knows. Any thoughts based on your own work or experience with polished concrete f would be much appreciated! Thanks very much everyone, LDG 1. tiles to carpetLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 2. tiled floorLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 3. cracked floorLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 4. crack in bedroom 1Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 5. crack in bedroom 2Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 6. new concrete front of houseLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 7. close up opposing floor sectionsLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 8. new concrete looking into bedroomLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ 9. new concrete looking into houseLike ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Polished concrete renovation going (gone?) wrong 4Nov 17, 2021 4:25 pm I'm no expert, I've just seen it before. As I understand it you put pigment into the epoxy and use that to mimic certain effects like stone, concrete, marble etc. You shouldn't be able to see the floor under the epoxy coating. there is only 20% difference in concrete strength between 20 mpa and 25 mpa, so check with your engineer first if it fits his calculation tolerances. There are ways to… 6 18294 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. All their existing trades and businesses don't work with… 14 105492 Hi I am wanting some opinions about the build of a steel shed I am going to get one about 4.5 x 2.5 m steel shed and the height will be about 2.3-2.4m high The one I am… 0 14435 |