Designs ensure concrete flooring won’t be boring

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/09/2003 (8042 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Debbie — Our townhouse has an unfinished basement that we are now ready to fix up as a playroom.

We’ve put up drywall, but can’t decide what to do with the floor (it’s concrete). We’ve lived here for two years and the basement is dry. Any cool ideas for something that’s fun and will last? My husband and I both watch your Facelift show and can’t wait to see who you are going to surprise next.

—Yolanda and Barry M.

Dear Yolanda and Barry — I have a brilliant idea for you and anyone else out there who is scratching their head over what to do with concrete floors. As you are no doubt aware, there is a huge trend toward leaving concrete floors as is, and just painting over them. You can make any design you want with paint, from faux stone and marble tiles to colour blocking and geometric shapes.

But I was thrilled to learn that there is a new, decorative finish for concrete from Australia that has reached the shores of North America. It was originally designed for creating the colours, patterns and shapes of tiles, bricks or stones on concrete driveways and patios. The beauty and durability of this tinted concrete has made it a natural for interior spaces as an alternative to ceramic tile or wood floors in hallways, kitchens and basements. I experimented with the product from Down Under in an upcoming Facelift episode with spectacular results.

It’s a decorative concrete stencil system that is applied right over an existing concrete floor. There are 30 colours and 28 patterns, circles and logos to choose from that include cobblestone, flagstone, basket weave, herringbone, serpentine, and fans, or you can design your own. The pebbly finish can be rough or smooth, depending on the slip-resistance you desire.

In the floor shown here, the concrete base coat was pre-tinted French grey, which acts as the grout colour. The stencils come in a huge roll, which make the job very fast. We chose the flagstone design, and the giant stencil was rolled into place. Then the decorative concrete top coat, tinted mango, was sprayed on. To add colour dimension, a light spray coat of sandy beige was misted over the floor. The concrete dries very quickly, within an hour and a half. The stencil is removed, and a layer of epoxy seals the finish to produce a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

This decorative concrete surface has been used for driveways, garage pads, pool decks, patios and exterior walls, so there is no doubt that it will withstand indoor tricycles, hockey sticks and heavy furniture. It is truly a remarkable solution for playrooms. I would also recommend it for an entranceway and mud room, where you need a floor material that can take heavy traffic and constant cleanups. Mud, sand, water and snow will not damage this finish.

Visit the website, www.stencilsystems.net for more information, and to find an applicator near you. Due to the necessary surface preparation, and the skills and equipment required for laying this floor, it’s not yet a do-it-yourself project.

The Painted House column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to askdebbie@painted-house.com Check out Debbie’s website, www.painted-house.com and watch Debbie Travis’ Painted House on W, and Debbie Travis’ Facelift on HGTV. For more ideas, look for Debbie’s newest books, Kids’ Rooms and Bedrooms.