Fantastic Scored Concrete Floors & Finishes

Concrete floors are becoming all the rage for home designers looking for function and beauty. A concrete floor in a kitchen might be exactly what you need to ensure that your little ones don’t stain a wood floor, or cause damage to linoleum. They are also beautiful when stained to match your décor.

You can also opt to score your concrete to add texture and aesthetic appeal to the room. In fact, concrete can be dressed up to emulate a lot of other materials without the cost or upkeep they may bring. Keep reading to learn more about scored concrete floors and custom finishes:

Concrete floors are scored after they have been stained. The concrete team uses a skill saw with a diamond blade. Typically, scoring is only 1/8 to 1/16-inch-deep and can follow a pattern lain out with a chalk line. The lines cut are used to add a design element to the field. If, for instance, you have stained your floor a single color, scoring it in a grid-like pattern can make the floor look like it was created from individual stones or bricks. Irregularly sized rectangles can add more visual appeal to the floor, which you can also consider.

Scoring can also be done by hand, with a chisel and rubber mallet. This method can leave a unique, textural line, but is time-intensive. You can also choose to score the concrete before or after the stain is applied. When you score after the stain, you are left with nice white lines. When you score before staining, the lines may pool extra stain and remain darker once the stain is dry.

The difference between scored and stamped concrete is simply that concrete can be scored at any time in the life of a floor. Stamps can be applied to newly-poured concrete only. There is the possibility of using an overlay to add a stamp to an existing floor or patio. However, overlays are not as durable and will not work if your concrete has been cracked.

If you would like to add an architectural design to your existing concrete, first consider staining and scoring the floor you already have before trying the capping/overlay method. Check our article on preparing for a stamped concrete installation.

While concrete is generally a very attractive and low-maintenance option, it still must be cared for on a regular basis. Sealing your concrete floor will protect it for years to come and you should have concrete resealed approximately every 3-5 years. If the concrete is in the elements, as in a driveway or patio, inspect it regularly and anticipate having it resealed more frequently.

When shopping for a sealant, look for virgin or a pure resin. These varieties will last longer, up to 3 years, and are especially recommended for surfaces that have heavy use. You should also seek out a sealant that is breathable, so that your stained and scored concrete retains the beauty you intend for it. If the product does not breathe, a haze can occur between the concrete and the coating. Not sure if you need a concrete repair? Check out our article on when it might be time to consider a concrete repair.

GWC Decorative Concrete is a top concrete contractor in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about our history and read what customers are saying about our work. For a free consultation, contact us today!