*
Brian3006:
I haven’t seen this done exactly as you state. Although we’ve all seen control joints cut into concrete slabs. In those situations they don’t adjust the mix.
I’m not sure how your floor would look like tile after the process you describe. Seems to me that it would look unfinished, like joints sawn into concrete.
May I suggest an alternative, Ultra-Tex,it gets used around pools and is rated by the manufacturer (Dryvit) to work on Driveways, Interior & Exterior Walk Surfaces. Officially, it is called a “horizontal surface finish system.” It is used w/ a template system to achieve any number of stone, brick, slate, or TILE colors and configurations. In many instances it can be done by the homeowner although I’d be sure to speak w/ a rep before working on the project especially w/ regards to surface prep and color. Make a mistake w/ the color and the stuff will look like Mickey Mouse did it at Disneyland.
Still again, if you want the look of tile go w/ tile.
If you want the look of concrete go w/ concrete. A admix to the concrete can be the most economic way to achieve a colored floor w/ great solar gain properties and durability.
I just suggested the Ultra-tex because of its texturing possibilities. The stuffs best suited for retrofitting existing horror zones.
good luck
Replies
*
Brian3006:
I haven't seen this done exactly as you state. Although we've all seen control joints cut into concrete slabs. In those situations they don't adjust the mix.
I'm not sure how your floor would look like tile after the process you describe. Seems to me that it would look unfinished, like joints sawn into concrete.
May I suggest an alternative, Ultra-Tex,it gets used around pools and is rated by the manufacturer (Dryvit) to work on Driveways, Interior & Exterior Walk Surfaces. Officially, it is called a "horizontal surface finish system." It is used w/ a template system to achieve any number of stone, brick, slate, or TILE colors and configurations. In many instances it can be done by the homeowner although I'd be sure to speak w/ a rep before working on the project especially w/ regards to surface prep and color. Make a mistake w/ the color and the stuff will look like Mickey Mouse did it at Disneyland.
Still again, if you want the look of tile go w/ tile.
If you want the look of concrete go w/ concrete. A admix to the concrete can be the most economic way to achieve a colored floor w/ great solar gain properties and durability.
I just suggested the Ultra-tex because of its texturing possibilities. The stuffs best suited for retrofitting existing horror zones.
good luck
*
RP
The homeowner is not actually after the look of tile. They are after the look of grooved concrete. They have looked at a couple of houses where this was done and like the look. Talked with the homeowner today though and he said in one of the houses they "backfilled" the saw cuts with grout to make it look like a tile joint. He said he is not sure if he wants this look or not. What happened to carpet and linoleum.???
*
Hey Brian,
I admit I have had no experience with this saw groove thing
and would be shaking my head a lot. I sure like PRP's
thoughts on finished concrete methods better than all that
sawing and dust, and one or two bad cuts-then what?
Good Luck,
MD
*
Brian 3006; We do not perform this kind of work ourselves. We have several persons in area area that do this. They have special equipment to insure the cut lines are installed where they are supposed to be. If your customer wants this done find a speciality contr. in your area to do this for you. Work out the timing with your sub to do the actual cutting and staining.
Ron.
*
You can stand the walls and groove a border around the outside of the wall and cut your grid to it. Like Ron said talk to a professional before you pour the slab He will tell you what type of pour and protection to take, they can make a Beautiful floor.
*
Have a client that we are to start on his house in a month or so. He has seen a couple of houses where the finished flooring is the concrete slab which has been grooved by scoring with a skil saw. The slab is then sealed with concrete sealer and has the appearance of tile. I have seen this on a commercial job but not on residential. Has anyone ever done this and if so what precautions do we need to take. I am assuming the scoring is done prior to installing walls so the skill saw can cut up to the wall point. Also heard that you shouldnt add calcium to the concrete if you are going to do this...
*
This ole boy from longview is supposed to be an expert at this. the homeowner is supposed to get him over to do it after we pour.i dont want any part of doin it. I think he charges 80 or 90 cents a square foot which is way cheaper than cermaic tile.