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2girlsluvme
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 47,897
September 2002
Posts: 6,423
Layouts: 18
Loc: Chandler, AZ
 |  Posted: 2/8/2013 12:46:18 PM
We are in the middle of a huge insurance claim at our home and are remodeling our kitchen about a year ahead of plan. Our home is a 1950 ranch - pretty traditional and mid century in styling. Half of our home (living, dining, den, hallways and three secondary bedrooms) is original maple 2 inch placed and finished wood - beautiful! The other half is original old Mexico Saltillo tile that is having to be ripped up to access our slab. Every contractor who comes in and looks at it is sick at having to rip it out. Even if it's not your style, it's amazing, hearty stuff and it stinks to have to junk it.
Anyhow....we are going pretty timeless and traditional with the kitchen finishes. White shaker cabinets with a simple crown and oil rubbed hardware, carrara marble and butcher block countertops, new stainless appliances. Do you think we're crazy to do a stained concrete (medium to dark grey) floor? I've seen them in a lot of commercial applications, but never in a residence.
Here is a photo. We will probably go more matte and maybe add a bit of exposed aggregate. What do you think?
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Nyxish
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 265,518
June 2006
Posts: 2,796
Layouts: 1
Loc: mid New York state
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 12:54:48 PM
i have always really liked stained concrete - they can do a lot of things with it, and a lot of finishes to go with most any style.
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When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming!", I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed!" - G. Stoddart
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KittenOnTheKeys
PeaFixture
PeaNut 498,237
February 2011
Posts: 3,129
Layouts: 0
Loc: SW
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 12:58:35 PM
I LOVE the look of stained concrete! |
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busypea
boring + nerdy
PeaNut 52,817
October 2002
Posts: 25,465
Layouts: 145
Loc: Oregon
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:00:24 PM
I like stained concrete. It's not very popular around here because it tends to be cold - but in your hot climate, I think it would be great.
I think it would add interest and a modern edge to the room. Are you giong to carry it through other parts of the house? If it was in all/most of the living areas, I think it would be cool. If it's only in the kitchen, I'd have some reservations. | |
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crimsoncat05
PeaFixture
PeaNut 273,602
August 2006
Posts: 3,338
Layouts: 99
Loc: Phoenix, AZ area
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Jili
SLPea
PeaNut 25,268
November 2001
Posts: 8,699
Layouts: 9
Loc: Chicagoland
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 1:05:51 PM
I like stained concrete. It's not very popular around here because it tends to be cold - but in your hot climate, I think it would be great.
I think it would add interest and a modern edge to the room. Are you giong to carry it through other parts of the house? If it was in all/most of the living areas, I think it would be cool. If it's only in the kitchen, I'd have some reservations.
This.
I really like this look, because I like a more modern decor. Couldn't do it here, though, as it's too cold already during the winter. I could also never consider it in my house personally because my house is a bi-level or raised ranch, and our kitchen isn't on the ground level. The floor would be too heavy.
I also wonder how it would 'feel' on the feet when working in the kitchen. I have hardwood in my kitchen and I love the feel of it beneath my feet. It's easier on my back, too.
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MikeWozowski
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 174,400
October 2004
Posts: 7,490
Layouts: 20
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 1:08:06 PM
YES! and i agree that it would be better if it covered more area than just the kitchen. | |
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eebud
Doxie Pea Mom
PeaNut 52,841
October 2002
Posts: 31,225
Layouts: 25
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kmk1112
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 11,642
February 2001
Posts: 7,959
Layouts: 66
Loc: Ohio
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 1:14:46 PM
My next kitchen flooring will be something with some cushion/spring to it, when I spend the day in the kitchen (tile floors), I get an achy knee. So, for that reason, I wouldn't, although I like the look of it. | |
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Oh No!
BucketHead
PeaNut 82,790
April 2003
Posts: 795
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:17:50 PM
I just think that anything you drop on it will be broken, including little people's teeth. | |
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Elenort
BucketHead
PeaNut 521,295
September 2011
Posts: 926
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 1:17:59 PM
No, personally, I wouldn't. I think it would kill my knees to stand or walk on concrete for long periods of time. Anytime I walk on concrete (like at Costco or Sam's Club ), it bothers me. | |
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Kelli/Mom
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 21,316
September 2001
Posts: 2,649
Layouts: 29
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:26:34 PM
I don't know if I would do it. So many of the floors I have seen too many in public spaces that wear out so quickly! I like the looks of it, but I am not convinced that the technology is where it needs to be for long-term use. | |
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**buglvr12**
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 220,209
August 2005
Posts: 2,328
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 1:28:42 PM
I LOVE stained concrete! The house we just sold we did stained concrete in the kitchen, breakfast area, livingroom and dining room. Our house was built in 1978 and we did a complete remodel of the kitchen. We sold our house in 4 weeks and everybody loved the floors. We had so many good reviews about our floors and color choices.
I would definitely do them again in a heartbeat! Good luck and I say go for it! |
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strbrygrmp
PeaNut
PeaNut 36,285
April 2002
Posts: 73
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:30:50 PM
We have had stained concrete floors in our house fo nearly 10 years. Some of the pros kids can roller skate and ride their bikes on them. Really does not show dirt at all, very easy maintance.
Some of the Cons cold in the winter, if they are not sealed 100% properly you can continue to stain them wit food that drops on the floor. (Think tub of butter, sauces etc) Anything that falls on them and is breakable is going to break! Also as someone else stated it is hard on your feet, legs and knees.
With that being sad it was the right decision for our lifestyle and location. When the kids are much older we will upgrade to something else. | |
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Kerri W
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 7,171
October 2000
Posts: 7,984
Layouts: 0
Loc: Kentucky
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:36:30 PM
I don't care for stained concrete indoors. Personally I always think "DIY project" or couldn't afford to finish when I see it. It definitely doesn't say timeless and traditional to me. | |
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2girlsluvme
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 47,897
September 2002
Posts: 6,423
Layouts: 18
Loc: Chandler, AZ
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:48:19 PM
Thank you for your replies!
Our existing kitchen is 10x18 and we have another 10x18 room right off the kitchen. This was the original patio, but it was enclosed in the late '50s. It opens with french doors out to our patio/courtyard. We are removing the wall separating the two spaces and installing a huge beam to carry the ceiling. So the space will now be the kitchen and a large casual dining area where we are building in a custom birch plywood booth (mid century industrial vibe). So the floor will involve all of this space, plus the adjoining laundry and utility room.
I plan on adding one of those commercial gel floor pads at the sink area for standing - I know concrete can be hard on the legs and feet. |
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busypea
boring + nerdy
PeaNut 52,817
October 2002
Posts: 25,465
Layouts: 145
Loc: Oregon
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:51:15 PM
we are building in a custom birch plywood booth (mid century industrial vibe).
Stained concrete would look awesome with that IMO
ETA: I would be a bit cautious about matte and grey. It might look a little too much like unfinished concrete, which could be offputting for resale and the overall look may lack polish (no pun intended). It if you want to go grey, I think it's keep a fair bit of gloss. | |
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Darcy_Collins
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 514,615
July 2011
Posts: 2,136
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:58:49 PM
I don't think stained concrete floors would go with the rest of your planned kitchen remodel. A good friend of mine has them in a very modern home, and they look great. In the right application, I think they work - but with traditional and timeless - not so much. | |
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scrapbookjulie
PeaAddict
PeaNut 172,435
October 2004
Posts: 1,530
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 2:04:19 PM
I love our stained concrete outside by the pool. I wouldn't be a fan of it inside. One warning if you do decide to go with it, though...when it's wet, it is as slippery as an ice rink. Be very careful if you mop it! | |
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readsomething
Got Samoas?
PeaNut 70,391
February 2003
Posts: 7,690
Layouts: 1
Loc: Norfolk VA
| Posted: 2/8/2013 2:08:42 PM
I loooooove that look, and with the rest of the decor (white Shaker, etc.), I think a matte gray would look FREAKING FAB.
It is hard on the feet, though -- I couldn't do it in my house because of that. (I have pain after I go to Target or Costco -- just that much walking on that kind of surface is killer for me.)
But I think it's GORGEOUS. I love the look especially with big, wide windows, lots of light. Kind of a "soft loft" type of vibe. |
Heather
Finally Four of Us
Regional vice president of the National Sarcasm Society (Like We Need Your Support)
Senior Executive Vice President, Dunder-Mifflin Paper Co., Scranton PA
"Every time I use a coupon, Satan gets another one of his toenails pulled out."
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back to *pea*ality
PeaFixture
PeaNut 471,633
June 2010
Posts: 3,794
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 2:09:02 PM
I would use stained concrete outdoors for a patio but not inside my home. I would assume you could only do this type of floor if you have a slab foundation. | |
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schizo319
...And now it's time for a breakdown
PeaNut 96,097
July 2003
Posts: 9,995
Layouts: 78
Loc: North Alabama
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 2:11:37 PM
I would not consider concrete flooring in the kitchen. It's uncomfortable to stand/walk on. Kitchen mat is fine in front of the sink, but I'd have to have it in front of the countertop work area, stove, etc - at that point, you're pretty much covering up the floor, so it doesn't matter anymore what material it is. |
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Alissa103
prepPEA
PeaNut 39,261
May 2002
Posts: 8,249
Layouts: 98
Loc: Nashville. Yay!!!
| Posted: 2/8/2013 2:19:15 PM
Let me add another 2cents... A lot of people in our neighborhood have them as it was just becoming popular when these homes were built. BUT just like the concrete on your driveway, they can crack in time. And the cracks really look awful. There's nothing wrong with the floor, but just normal settling and temperature changes can do that. For that reason alone, I wouldn't do them. I've noticed cracks in most of the homes here that have it. Otherwise I think they're cool.
I'd probably choose some sort of big tiles instead. | |
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firepaws
PeaAddict
PeaNut 301,913
March 2007
Posts: 1,060
Layouts: 3
Loc: Missing my mountains and the smell of fresh cedar and pine
| Posted: 2/8/2013 2:23:13 PM
We ripped out my dd carpet and she wants to go with stained concrete for her room. With a big fluffy rug. It will work as her style is more modern. I think it can really look beautiful. I too am in AZ | |
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2peafaithful
People not perfection
PeaNut 35,457
April 2002
Posts: 28,026
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right where I should be
| Posted: 2/8/2013 2:57:35 PM
I love the look. I have seen it done in a few homes and the concrete was not as flawless as the one pictured. I think I would love it in a sun room or small room but probably not a large area. What does it mean to do exposed aggregate?
PS. I went with my general contractor today who is also a decorator to narrow down choices!!!! It was fun and helpful!!! We are looking at a warm chocolate hardwood in 3 rooms (family room, eating area and kitchen), tile in foyer, all bathrooms and laundry/pantry and I brought 2 samples home, I picked out a backsplash that I love!!! It is really rustic and rich in color. We have a lot of warm tones in our home and will stay within that palate. The cabinets will likely be a creamy color. Not sure on hardware as we didn't get that far. | |
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stampfox
PeaAddict
PeaNut 344,996
October 2007
Posts: 1,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Deep East Texas
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 3:17:08 PM
I have concrete floors in my home. They are stained a dark brown and scored in 18" squares. The whole house is done this way except for the bathrooms. They look great, especially in the kitchen because I have the dark chocolate cabinets.
Yes, they do crack but the so far they are only fine cracks. Plus they are sealed so that items dropped on them do not stain them. Most things dropped on them will break if they are made of breakable items.
I have allergies and did not want carpet. I also have a pet. If at some time some one wants to put in carpet or wood floors they can.
I live in Texas so the winters are not extremely cold. The floors are cool in the summer and help keep the electric bill down. The bill is averaged and is currently at $59 a month year round. In the winter I wear house shoes.
Twyla | |
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gloverbr
BucketHead
PeaNut 277,850
September 2006
Posts: 631
Layouts: 42
Loc: BrOkeN ArRoW, OK
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:17:47 PM
I wouldn't because it is uncomfortable to stand on for any length of time. We have them at work and there are some days where I'm on my feet quite a bit and I can tell the concrete makes my feet ache. (we used to work from my boss's home so I know it is the concrete!) Plus, my grandma had concrete floors and recently switched to wood due to it being uncomfortable and also very loud. It was easy to clean though! |
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Scrappy Bug
PeaAddict
PeaNut 20,968
September 2001
Posts: 1,086
Layouts: 2
Loc: Texas Transplant
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:28:00 PM
I wouldn't. I don't like the look of them inside homes. For a porch or patio outside - yes, but inside they look weird. |
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klnor
PeaNut
PeaNut 528,538
November 2011
Posts: 185
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:35:33 PM
I lived in a condo that had it during my college years. They ended up having to put in hardwoods after 1 year because the floors were wearing out and a few people's dogs ended up eating part of the floor. I can't imagine my experience is normal but just thought I would share. | |
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flanz
AncestralPea
PeaNut 211,902
June 2005
Posts: 4,684
Layouts: 2
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:35:33 PM
Love the look, but wouldn't do it. I think my back and feet/legs would be screaming mad! | |
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AussieMeg
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 51,689
October 2002
Posts: 6,749
Layouts: 16
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:36:07 PM
I think it's the same as what we call polished concrete. It is really popular at the moment.
Personally I am a carpet kind of girl. Most people prefer floor boards or tiles in living areas but I just love carpet. However, if I was going to get tiles I would definitely consider polished concrete. It's very modern and it doesn't really look like concrete at all, more like one big floor tile LOL!
ETA: I would be worried that if you go more matte it might start looking like just a plain old concrete floor. But other than that, what you have described about your kitchen sounds great! | |
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tksmom
PeaAddict
PeaNut 47,423
August 2002
Posts: 1,721
Layouts: 24
Loc: North Texas
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:39:55 PM
I have it in family from and hallway. I can't see how they are that much harder than tile or other flooring. Mine are cola colored and never shows dirt. Cleans up great with a broom or a roomba. Damp mop with a little vinegar water as needed. Otherwise I reseal about every 18-24 months when the Walking areas show wear. I get a product that I damp mop on a clean floor. We did them about 15 years ago. If I had to do them again in a new built I would add heating elements in the slab. |
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Ms. GreenGenes
PeaFixture
PeaNut 140,500
April 2004
Posts: 3,697
Layouts: 44
Loc: Just this side of crazy!
| Posted: 2/8/2013 3:41:40 PM
It looks pretty, but I know from experience that standing on concrete all day will KILL your legs. I would put that look on my porch or patio, but not inside my house. |
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TeamSteve
The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
PeaNut 263,696
June 2006
Posts: 5,221
Layouts: 0
Loc: Florida, for now.
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:02:05 PM
I am a big fan of stained concrete. If I ever get a scraproom of my own, I am going to do stained concrete. |
Mary
___________________________________________________________
Saving one dog will not change the world,
but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever. | |
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2girlsluvme
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 47,897
September 2002
Posts: 6,423
Layouts: 18
Loc: Chandler, AZ
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:03:52 PM
I really appreciate all of your comments.
At first, we were considering wood look tile in larger planks. Because there is so much wood already in our home (a light, warm maple), we really have to go with something that will contrast, either in color or texture. I think the grey concrete will really compliment our maple floors well.
When we tear out the saltillo, there is going to be a heap of concrete damage and repair needed. That's when we started thinking about using the new concrete as the surface.
As others have mentioned, we figure its a pretty neutral solution given any future owner can simply add tile or wood to their liking.
I do understand the leg fatigue issue, but around here, everything is tiled, and I don't see how tile on slab will be any different than slab, on slab.  (unless I'm missing something)
2peafaithful: Your choices sound very pretty. Excited for you - can't wait to see pics! |
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WillowJane
Running the Marathon, Not the Sprint
PeaNut 110,589
October 2003
Posts: 6,600
Layouts: 8
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:14:42 PM
My neighbor is an upcoming interior designer. His work has been published in Southern Living, Traditional Home, and Architectural Digest this past year.
Everything he does has stained concrete. His personal home has stained concrete and it is absolutely divine.
One thing I would consider doing if you are going to do stained concrete - especially if you live in climate that gets very cold in the winter time - is to put in radiant heat. Concrete floors do get very cold, more so than tile. | |
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2girlsluvme
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 47,897
September 2002
Posts: 6,423
Layouts: 18
Loc: Chandler, AZ
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:17:07 PM
We live in Arizona. Pretty much the hubs of hell most of the year. Cold is not really a concern, but I can definitely see how it would be in colder, wetter climates. |
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megmc
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 497,090
January 2011
Posts: 5,106
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:26:09 PM
Make sure that you see your contractor's work before having it done.
My friend's floors peeled and chipped off, because the work was subpar.
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LunchBox
...
PeaNut 47,228
August 2002
Posts: 9,880
Layouts: 0
Loc: Australia
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:29:18 PM
Yes, in fact dh and I have decided this is what we will be doing to our next home...all of it. Ds is allergic to dust/mites. We all wear indoor shoes anyway so I can't see it being a problem. | |
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Shih Tzu Mommy
Million dollar camera, 10 dollar lock!
PeaNut 224,352
September 2005
Posts: 23,527
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right here
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:41:19 PM
Love them and have one. You can do colors, you don't have to keep it the industrial grey. They can float many colors on it. |
Dog people are a special breed! | |
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PeculiarP
PeaAddict
PeaNut 421,228
April 2009
Posts: 1,225
Layouts: 5
Loc: Appalachia
 | Posted: 2/8/2013 4:55:36 PM
I like them. I'd love to one day have a solar passive home and the idea is to have a lot of concrete/masonry so the stone absorbs the heat of the sun through the day and releases it at night. I've seen some really nice stenciled ones like this:
or this:
Here's one where she use GLITTER! instead of the flakes that come with a garage epoxy floor kit. I'd love to do this in a craft room or spare bath.
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writermom1
Thrift Whisperer
PeaNut 114,407
November 2003
Posts: 22,398
Layouts: 66
Loc: At the intersection of Hooterville and Stars Hollow
| Posted: 2/8/2013 4:59:32 PM
I would if they were a norm for our area.
Example: watching a home show last night virtually every western/desert home had tile floors throughout the living area. It was seen as a good thing and probably is in a desert climate.
Here in Ohio I have never seen a home, high end or otherwise, with a tile floor in the living room. It simply isn't a norm and would make a home harder to sell to me. |
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likescarrots
PeaNut
PeaNut 563,786
August 2012
Posts: 310
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:02:51 PM
Aesthetically I like it more than tile, and there is the added bonus of no grout to scrub. | |
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pynk E
PeaNut 48,314
September 2002
Posts: 13,266
Layouts: 295
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:04:12 PM
I would love to do this in my basement with golds and browns but I'm afraid the floor would be too cold in the winter. I love the look! | |
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busypea
boring + nerdy
PeaNut 52,817
October 2002
Posts: 25,465
Layouts: 145
Loc: Oregon
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:09:36 PM
I don't think stained concrete floors would go with the rest of your planned kitchen remodel. A good friend of mine has them in a very modern home, and they look great. In the right application, I think they work - but with traditional and timeless - not so much.
I think they can look pretty great with more traditional finishes too, it just has to be done carefully. Case in point:
 | |
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tenacious *e*
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 56,147
November 2002
Posts: 7,747
Layouts: 34
Loc: back in the USA
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:15:51 PM
that glitter floor is awesome!! 
i have stained concrete in my basement. we had several water incidents down there (pipe froze, water heater leaked) and i got so tired of cleaning it all up that i ripped out all the flooring (tile, carpet, and vinyl) and had the floors sanded, dyed, and sealed.
the result is kind of 'meh.' now, the guy that did mine was a complete idiot (which i can't figure out because the guy that recommended him was my landscape designer who is brilliant), but, they don't look at all like i hoped they would.
i would recommend making sure your concrete guy knows exactly what he is doing, and can show you examples of jobs he has done that are pretty close to what you want.
just an FYI, acid washing concrete floors is a crap shoot. you have very little control over the color because it is a byproduct of how it reacts to the chemical make up of your particular floor. it tends to go red.
i did not want that, so i had him dye the concrete a medium/cool brown. the color is nice, but, the finish he put on is terrible. it scuffs like crazy, and the has lifted in places b/c he apparently did not prep the floor properly.
if you want grey, i recommend you get the floor polished. NOT just sanded down, but, polished. it goes way beyond sanding off the grout, etc. from your tile.
our guy told us it would be dust free, it absolutely WAS NOT!! i spent weeks cleaning up after the fine dust that settled on every single surface of my home.
it really was a nightmare.
learn from me. 
good luck! i would go with wood, but, concrete done right is also very nice!
erin | |
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h*pea*ing
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 231,164
November 2005
Posts: 5,128
Layouts: 8
Loc: Midwest
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:31:58 PM
I love the look of them, but as others have said they are hard on the legs. However if you have tile on top of it then you probably won't notice any difference as tile doesn't give much either.
I'd love to do them, but have a ranch house with a full basement. Plain concrete floors in a basement in MN isn't a good combination without in floor heat. That is cost prohibitive for me unfortunately. |
~heather~
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Velouria
Pixie Pea
PeaNut 41,800
July 2002
Posts: 12,739
Layouts: 641
Loc: Arizona
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:50:41 PM
80% of my floors are painted concrete. In fact, my daughter's floor is painted purple cheetah spots!
I love stained concrete (or painted) because they look and feel so clean.
I love that glitter floor!! I should have added glitter to the purple cheetah spots. |
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Velouria
Pixie Pea
PeaNut 41,800
July 2002
Posts: 12,739
Layouts: 641
Loc: Arizona
| Posted: 2/8/2013 5:57:15 PM
Here's my daughter's room after we painted the floor. Some of them look more like hearts but that's because my daughter was helping paint. 
Some people thought I was nuts but, ehhh...you're only 8 once. If you want purple cheetah spots on your floor, why not? It's not forever.
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moodyblue
PeaAddict
PeaNut 346,032
November 2007
Posts: 1,653
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/8/2013 7:17:25 PM
I can't imagine ever putting in concrete floors. They would be cold (unless you had radiant heat in the floor) and hard, which means hard to stand or walk on and anything dropped would break. The potential for slipping someone mentioned would turn me off too, especially as I get older - don't want to fall and break part of ME. I like floors with some give to them - carpet, wood or vinyl. | |
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