What Orono Business Owners Need to Look for When Selecting Low-Maintenance Floors

As the proud owner of a company in Orono, you want to make decisions that will enhance the customer experience and ultimately generate more revenue. Especially if you have an industrial or retail business, one of the most important decisions has to do with the type of flooring that you choose. As a significant investment, you want low-maintenance floors that will last a long time.

The term “low maintenance” means that floors require little upkeep. Buying floors that need a lot of maintenance and cleaning are not suitable for these businesses. Instead, you want a material that is easy to clean and maintain while looking great and wearing well. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right type of flooring system. Thanks to advances in decorative concrete coatings, you have many excellent possibilities.

Before choosing just any low-maintenance floors, consider the following:

Resistance – Make sure you choose a flooring solution that will not degrade due to normal day-to-day usage. In other words, you want a floor that will stand up to both foot and vehicle traffic without cracking, discoloring, staining, and so on.

Lifespan – You also need to think about the lifespan of low-maintenance floors. For example, things like epoxy and polished concrete are perfect. Once professionally installed and protected with a sealant, they will probably last as long as you own the Orono business.

Dust and Fire – Low-maintenance floors should have resistance to both dust and fire. That way, you do not have to worry about their appearance or the risk of a fire spreading throughout your business.

Aesthetics – Even the appearance of low-maintenance floors is critical. Especially if you want a new flooring system in a retail shop, they need to attract customers. The right floors will complement the overall design of your store, thereby enticing customers while making your business more successful.

4 Concrete Toppings That Wayzata Homeowners Love for Front Porches

Although Wayzata homeowners often choose concrete toppings as a way of enhancing a backyard patio, pool deck, or walkway, there is another option. With the right decorative toppings, homeowners can transform the appearance and functionality of their front porches, as well. Ultimately, this is an excellent way to improve curb appeal, which increases the value of the home.

Epoxy Concrete Toppings – Epoxy is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. As a versatile decorative concrete solution, epoxy is ideal for front porches. For one thing, homeowners can choose from a broad range of colors that complement or coordinate with the style and color of the home. In fact, homeowners can opt to have aggregates added that create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. However, epoxy offers other benefits, including resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasions, impacts, and oil and grease.

Acid Stain – Homeowners also love the look that comes from having an acid-based stained applied to front porches. Not only does the stain penetrate the surface, becoming a permanent color, but it also reacts with lime and muriatic acid in the concrete to create a unique variegated appearance. That means that even if next-door neighbors choose the same product and color, their porches will look entirely different. By adding grit or aggregates, the surface is not slippery when wet.

Stamped Concrete – Instead of going with pavers, some homeowners in Wayzata discovered stamped concrete. What makes this one of the best concrete toppings for a front porch is that a professional installer can create a surface that looks just like real brick, stone, wood, and a host of other effects.

Self-Leveling Concrete Toppings – The fourth most popular option for concrete toppings is self-leveling. Just as the name implies, this topping levels itself. Also available in a host of beautiful colors and design effects, this topping produces a gorgeous surface.

Options for Enhancing the Appearance of Existing Epoxy Garage Floors

If the epoxy garage floors in your Chaska home look a little worn, you might have an option for enhancing their appearance. As long as your floor is in relatively good condition, an expert can change the color. However, this is somewhat challenging, and applying a second epoxy coating is not always the recommended solution.

Depending on the condition of the existing epoxy garage floors, you could have the same or a darker color applied. Trying to cover a dark surface with a lighter color would be difficult at best. Typically, an installer would go through the same process as with the initial installation. Just like the first time, preparing the surface is essential.

The current floor gets roughened so that the new epoxy will adhere well. Also, the garage floors must be clean, void of any dirt or debris. If your garage floor requires cleaning, the installer will use either soap and water or a manufactured-approved all-purpose cleaning product formulated for epoxy. If the original floor has stains, especially those caused by grease or oil, then an excellent degreaser gets used.

Good prep work, including the process of smoothing out any chipped paint, will make the second layer of epoxy adhere better and, therefore, look great. When using a cleaner or degreaser, the surface gets rinsed and is then allowed to dry completely. Again, that will help with adhesion and make the finished project at your Chaska home look great.

For the second coat, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For instance, an installer applies epoxy garage floors based on optimal air temperature. While some products are flexible, others are not. By choosing a superior-quality product for epoxy garage floors the first go-round, there is little chance of you needing a second coat applied. This durable and long-lasting decorative concrete solution dramatically reduces the risk of any problems.

Advantages of a Stained Basement Floor in a Daycare Center

As the owner of a daycare center in Minneapolis, you know all too well how much abuse your basement floors experience daily. Between dropped toys and little feet scurrying about, you need something that will hold up and last a long time. However, you also want a flooring system that makes your basement fun and exciting. Although you have several options, a stained basement floor is an exceptional choice.

For this, you can choose between water- and acid-based stain. For a stained basement floor, both options are excellent. Especially if your basement serves as a daycare during the day and a place for the family to relax at night, you want a versatile flooring solution.

Water-Based Stain - Starting with a water-based stained basement floor, this is a nonreactive solution. That means pigments deposit into pores on the concrete surface. As a result, the color you choose is opaque. One advantage of this stain over an acid-based product is that you have a broader range of colors that are more intense. However, you can still select softer colors, perfect for creating a quiet space where small kids nap. Overall, a water-based stain is more predictable and uniform.

Acid-Based Stain - In comparison, an acid-based stained basement floor is reactive. In this case, the stain penetrates the concrete, where it reacts with chemical compounds. Not only does that make the color permanent, it also results in a one-of-a-kind variegated or marbled effect. As mentioned, you will not have as many color choices, but even then, there are still plenty of beautiful options.

Regardless of which type of stained basement floor you decide on, you will love how the entire space in your Minneapolis daycare transforms. You will also appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintenance. Considering all the work you put in each day, saving time and effort in keeping the floors pristine is a significant convenience.

What Are the Differences Between Concrete Dye and Concrete Stain?

Although some people use the terms “concrete dye” and “concrete stain” interchangeably, they are, in fact, very different. If you are looking for a way to change the appearance of a floor, patio, countertop, pool deck, or some other horizontal surface in your Waconia home, before making any decision, it will help to know what each of these terms means. That way, you end up with the look and functionality that you want.

For one thing, stain and concrete dye produce beautiful effects. They both come in incredible color choices, are easy to clean and maintain, and when they’re professionally installed, they will provide years of flawless service. When comparing the two, keep in mind that you will have a more extensive color palette as well as color vibrancy with dye, which is why this is becoming an increasingly popular choice.

One of the most significant differences between the two is that concrete dye is non-reactive, whereas concrete stain is reactive. Although concrete is porous, small dye particles cannot penetrate, although they do fill the pores. In comparison, a stain penetrates and reacts with salts and minerals in the concrete, which is what produces a variegated look. However, by having a top-quality concrete dye applied, the color becomes almost as permanent as a stain.

Also, concrete dye comes in two formulas: water- or solvent-based. Depending on your choice and the application method, your horizontal surfaces could have a unique appearance. While a water-based formula makes the surface more translucent, one with a solvent base looks more monotone. When combined with other top-of-the-line products, a professional installer can create more unique design effects.

One important note about concrete dye is that once it’s applied, it seeps into the pores quickly. Because of that, there is no room for error. That makes it imperative to have the installation performed by an expert. Another consideration is that a dye does not offer UV stability, which is why professionals suggest this as an interior solution only.

Different Types of Concrete Overlays for Driveways

With concrete overlays, you can transform both the appearance and functionality of the driveway at your Bloomington home. In other words, in addition to changing the way the surface looks, you can also make it safer and easier to clean. Because there are so many different options, it is essential to understand what they are so that, ultimately, you make the right decision.

Stamped Concrete Overlays - Among the different options, stamped concrete overlays have become one of the most popular. With this option, you have almost limitless possibilities. For instance, using templates and stamps, the installer can create a unique driveway that replicates the appearance of stone, brick, wood, slate, flagstone, and more. In addition to that, you can select from a host of colors and even have custom design elements added.

Microtopping - Another option for your driveway in Bloomington is a microtopping. In this case, an expert will apply a thin film on the surface of your driveway. Even if you notice small surface imperfections, a microtopping will hide them, making your driveway appear entirely new. To further enhance the appearance, you can choose to have beautiful saw cut designs added.

Spray-On Acrylic Concrete Overlays - Just as the name implies, these concrete overlays are a type of acrylic that an installer sprays on top of an existing driveway. You have the option of a pre-colored product, or you can have an integral color of your choice added to the formula. For accent, tints, stains, and dyes are commonly used.

Self-Leveling Concrete Overlays - Depending on the look you prefer for your Bloomington driveway, a professional can apply this overlay to create a seamless surface or if preferred, create something more dramatic with saw cuts or engraved designs. This overlay also comes in an assortment of colors using stains, dyes, tints, or integral pigments.

Creating a Safer Walking Surface - For all concrete overlays, aggregates or additives mixed with the product will create a non-slip surface, making it safer to walk on.

Get Your Apartment Pool Deck Ready for Summer with an Epoxy Coating

With summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time to get your apartment pool deck ready for tenants and their guests to enjoy. Although you have several viable options, an epoxy coating ranks among the best. After learning about all the benefits that this type of application provides, you will agree.

For one thing, epoxy is durable and highly resistant to heavy foot traffic. Especially if a significant number of people spend time around the pool at your apartment complex, you need a surface that can withstand daily wear and tear. With this coating, you never have to worry about damage or even the deterioration of color, texture, or pattern. With this coating, your pool deck will provide your tenants with many years of flawless service.

An epoxy coating is highly resistant to numerous things, including abrasions, impacts, moisture, stains, and even the chemicals you use to keep the pool clean and sanitary. Therefore, if something accidentally gets dropped or spilled, the pool deck will remain intact.

Also consider that an epoxy coating is easy to clean and maintain. If you allow food and beverages inside of the pool area, more than likely, something will get spilled. However, instead of spending a lot of time scrubbing to remove stuck-on food or stains, you can use a standard garden hose to clean off the surface. For more stubborn issues, you can purchase a cleaning product formulated especially for epoxy.

If you want to give your pool deck personality and character, a professional installer can add color, texture, or aggregates. With that, you can customize how the pool deck looks. You can also have metallic flakes added, giving the epoxy coating a sparkly effect that looks incredible when hit by sunlight.

Your tenants will love the new look. However, the epoxy coating will also enhance the overall appearance of your apartment complex, making it easier for you to keep units occupied.

Cool Ideas for a Mediterranean Kitchen Using Stained Concrete

Today, a Mediterranean-inspired kitchen is a hot trend. If you want to change the look and feel of the kitchen in your Wayzata home, you need more than new appliances, paint, and lighting. Because the floors serve as the foundation, it is essential that you focus on them, as well. In fact, choosing the right flooring system is critical to getting the Mediterranean look that you want.

One of the best options is a stained concrete floor. For that, there are two possibilities, a water-based or an acid-based stain. Although they both produce incredible results, perfect for a Mediterranean-style kitchen, each has unique characteristics. Therefore, it is essential to compare the two so that you choose the right one.

For a water-based stained concrete floor, a professional installer applies a top-quality product directly on top of an existing concrete surface. With a broad range of color options, you can create more than one Mediterranean style. As an example, you could go with a dark brown for a more sophisticated look or choose a green or gold color, both prominent for this style of kitchen.

Acid-based stained concrete is also an excellent flooring solution. Unlike a water-based stain that changes the color of the surface, a product with an acid base penetrates, followed by reacting to chemicals and salts in the concrete. Not only does that permanently change the color of the floor, it also creates a marbled effect.

One idea consists of mixing different colors. For instance, you could have the expert use a light tan for the central area of the floor, combined with a border in dark blue and a lighter tan. Instead of a continuous design around the perimeter of the room, have a blocked design created in each corner using a more substantial volume of blue and light tan.

Another idea is to have bright red, green, or gold accents added to the stained concrete floor. The installer could create diagonal lines, a geometric design, or small motifs that coordinate with the Mediterranean style.