Can My Concrete Floors Be Redone?

Replacing Concrete Floors

• If your concrete floor is irreparably damaged, you may need to rip it out entirely and start afresh. Large cracks and shifting slabs are signs that your concrete floor may need to be replaced. To replace your concrete floor you will need to use a jack hammer or sledgehammer to break up the concrete into pieces, and then haul the pieces away. Sweep out any dust before pouring the new concrete floor, and work the concrete with a 2-by-4 inch board while it is still wet to ensure a smooth, even surface.

Repairing and Resurfacing Concrete Floors

• Minor surface damage like small cracks and spalls can be repaired quickly and easily by resurfacing the floor rather than replacing it entirely. You may choose to either pour a thin layer of new concrete over the existing layer, or purchase a concrete resurfacing mixture, which is best for use on sound concrete floors that are only in need of surface repair. Both of these methods can be stamped or brushed to create a decorative or slip-resistant finish.

How to Resurface a Concrete Floor

• Before you resurface your concrete floor, clean it with a pressure washer, which will ensure a strong bond between the concrete and the resurfacing mixture. Filling any cracks and spalls with fresh concrete is also a good idea because doing so will create a smooth surface to work with. After preparing your concrete resurfacing mixture, you can pour it directly onto the concrete and then spread it using a squeegee in long, even strokes. Once the resurfacing mixture dries completely, you can admire the way your old concrete floor looks brand new.

Stamping and Brushing a Redone Concrete Floor

• If you intend to stamp or brush your newly poured or refinished concrete floor, you need to do so before the concrete sets -- ideally within five minutes of pouring it. To create a slip-resistant finish, drag a push broom across the surface of the concrete in one continuous stroke within five minutes of pouring. To stamp concrete, sprinkle a concrete release agent powder over the surface of the concrete, and lay your texture mats on top of the concrete, aligning the edges for a continuous pattern. Gently tamp the stamp into the concrete with a concrete tamper, and move the mats as necessary to stamp the entire surface.