ON THIS FLOOR Cemcrete in the colour Vanilla Bean
DECORATIVE CEMENTITIOUS OVERLAY
This is the smooth layer on top of a solid concrete base. A host of products is available in an array of natural colours – such as those manufactured by Cemcrete (pictured here), Technical Finishes, Paintsmiths, Coprox and Stucco Italiano. Most manufacturers recommend using an approved installer for this job.
PRICE Between R215 and R700/m², depending on the manufacturer and thickness of the application. In most instances, the surface must be specially prepared before the overlay can be applied.
Remember!
All prices in this feature exclude installation costs, unless otherwise stated. Using a professional to do the job will ensure the best results. The prices also exclude any preparation costs for the floors.
#1 CEMENT
Durable, hygienic and easy to clean, cement floors are a practical choice that require very little maintenance.
WHY CEMENT? With so many colours and looks available, a cement floor can be your home's main attraction. The options are almost limitless and prices range from downright cheap to relatively pricey, depending on the decorative finish.
ADVANTAGES Properly sealed cement floors shrug off dirt, grit, stains and spills. A broom and a damp mop is all that's required to keep these floors looking like new. Custom dyes, hardening agents and cementitious overlays produce finishes in a wide range of natural colours.
DRAWBACKS Like it or not, even expertly installed concrete may develop cracks over time. “It's normal to have some movement in a large structure such as a screed floor,” explains Herman van der Schyff of the construction company Van der Schyff Trust. That's because the large expanse of a slab has to settle and endure changes in temperature and moisture level. “To prevent the floor from cracking, install an expansion joint so that any hairline or bigger cracks appear in the joint instead of on the smooth surface.”
SEALANT If you like the colour of raw cement, you can simply apply a good quality sealant such as Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer or Coprox Wall and Floor Clear Sealer on your existing cement floor, provided it has a smooth enough finish.