Are you ready for a new look in your kitchen that is both affordable and easy to clean? If so, you are likely considering concrete. Therefore, you need to know how to pour a concrete floor in a kitchen. We have done extensive research on the process and outlined the steps below.
The first step in pouring a concrete floor in a kitchen is to remove the existing floor. You will need some rebar to place along the subfloor and plastic to protect your walls and surrounding floors. Using a concrete mixer with a hose, you will stir the mixture and pour it over the rebar and subfloor. Spread it evenly with a funny trowel, allowing it to dry before adding a coat of concrete sealer.
This is just a simple rundown of the process. Keep reading for in-depth instructions on each step along with answers to popular questions, including the pros and cons of concrete floors, the lifespan of concrete flooring, whether concrete floors crack easily, and more.
Contents
- 1 How to Pour a Concrete Floor in a Kitchen
- 2 Concrete Kitchen Floor Advantages and Disadvantages
- 3 How Long Do Concrete Floors Last?
- 4 Do Concrete Floors Stain Easily?
- 5 Do Concrete Floors Crack Easily?
- 6 Do Concrete Floors Get Cold?
- 7 Are Concrete Floors Cheaper than Tile?
- 8 Is Polished Concrete Good for the Kitchen?
- 9 Summary
How to Pour a Concrete Floor in a Kitchen
With the right tools, doing your own concrete work is pretty simple. If you currently have flooring in your kitchen, you'll need to remove it before pouring your new concrete floor. Once you have reached the subfloor, it's time to begin the installation process.
Prepare the Subfloor
You'll want to keep your surrounding floors and walls protected from concrete splatters. Therefore, you'll need to gather some plastic and tape it over them. Make sure to thoroughly clean the area beforehand. Now, it's time to lay your rebar. It's important not to skip this step; the rebar will reinforce your concrete floor.
Measure spacings that are four feet apart along the room's width and two feet apart along the length, marking each spot. Drill a hole at each marker, and pound the rebar into the hole. The rods will not stretch all the way across, so you will need to tie the ends together.
You can get rebar on Amazon.
Mix and Pour the Cement
Once all the rebar is in place, it's time to mix the cement. There are several ways you can do this.
You can pour it into a wheelbarrow and mix it, then roll it into the kitchen and pour. This will take a lot of time and several trips. If you have a cement mixer, it will make the job a lot easier. If you prefer not to purchase a mixer, you can rent one or hire a construction company to pour the concrete.
You can purchase a cement mixer on Amazon.
Smoothing and Finishing
Once you have poured the concrete, it's time to smooth it out. You can use a long board such as a 2x4 or any other lengthy object with a flat surface for this step. Next, you'll need a funny long-handled trowel to finish smoothing out the surface.
When the surface has partially hardened, take a long-handled broom and brush a pattern into your floor. Let the concrete set for 24 hours.
After the time has passed, you can stain the floor. Pour the acid stain into a sprayer. If you use a powder instead of a premixed formula, mix your powder into acetone, then run it through a strainer to keep clumps from clogging your sprayer.
You can find an acid concrete stain on Amazon.
Spray the acetone stain on the floor using random patterns. Since it is extremely fast drying, you'll be able to see the stain drying as you work. Make sure to keep the kitchen well-ventilated because the stain is flammable.
Amazon has a selection of sprayers.
Sealing the Concrete
After you finish applying the stain, you need to seal the concrete. This will help prevent your kitchen floor from sweating. Mix the concrete sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply it to the floor using a long-handled paint roller. Although it's not necessary, after 24 hours, you can apply a coat of urethane for added durability.
Check out this concrete sealer on Amazon.
Watch this YouTube video as a guide for pouring concrete floors in your kitchen.
Watch this YouTube video as a guide for staining the concrete floors in your kitchen.
Concrete Kitchen Floor Advantages and Disadvantages
You may have heard horror stories about concrete floors; however, the pros of concrete kitchen floors greatly outweigh the cons.
Advantages
It's no secret that kitchens can get messy. Between cooking and eating, lots of spills happen. Luckily, concrete is very easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe a wet cloth over it to remove spills or grab the broom to sweep up crumbs and dirt. Even better, concrete is tough and will last, and it is inexpensive compared to most other flooring options.
One of the most appealing aspects of concrete is the versatility of appearance. Although concrete is just plain and natural, you can create beautiful designs with stains, powders, and other products. There are many colors from which to choose, and you can create any pattern you like.
Disadvantages
As you likely already know, concrete floors are cold. However, you can battle this quality by running an electric heater in your kitchen, making the floor warmer. Concrete is also hard and can be uncomfortable when standing for long periods.
Another disadvantage of concrete floors is sweating. Since concrete retains moisture and the surface is often colder than the surrounding atmosphere, condensation collects on the floor. However, if you properly seal your floor upon installation, you shouldn't have a problem with it sweating.
How Long Do Concrete Floors Last?
When properly maintained, concrete floors can last for up to 100 years. You will need to seal the floor every couple of years and keep it polished and clean. Although concrete is known to crack, you can utilize products to fill any cracks that occur. However, many people embrace the cracks and showcase their beauty.
Do Concrete Floors Stain Easily?
Concrete floors are notorious for staining easily. However, if you seal it properly, you will clean up messes without leaving stains. Make sure to reseal your concrete kitchen floor every two years to maintain its stain-resistant qualities.
Do Concrete Floors Crack Easily?
While concrete is highly prone to cracking, this is not necessarily true for your kitchen floors. For the most part, outdoor concrete is more likely to become cracked than indoor concrete. However, cracks can occur on your concrete kitchen floor as well.
The most common type of cracking occurs when heat causes the concrete to expand, or ice causes it to lift before finally thawing back into its original position. Other causes can be attributed to the ground below settling or when individuals apply too much pressure to the slab by piling on too much weight.
However, you may notice cracks in your concrete kitchen floor if your cement mixture dries too fast. To help prevent cracks, make sure to use a high-quality cement mix and properly prep your subfloor before pouring. Don't forget to seal and finish your concrete.
Do Concrete Floors Get Cold?
Concrete floors do get cold. If this is a concern, you can use an electric heater in the kitchen or crank up the central heat in the home. This will help balance the temperature of the floor and the kitchen. Likewise, concrete floors can be warm as well. If you have plenty of sunlight in your kitchen, the concrete will absorb that heat, making the floor and the room warmer.
Are Concrete Floors Cheaper than Tile?
Not only is tile more expensive than concrete, but it is also more challenging to install for both novices and experienced professionals. You can install a concrete floor for as little as $2 per square foot.
At the same time, you will pay roughly $7 - $14 per square foot to have tile installed in your kitchen. If you do it yourself, tiles can cost as little as $2 each, but that does not include other materials needed for the process.
Is Polished Concrete Good for the Kitchen?
Polished concrete is excellent for kitchens. It is easy to clean and sanitize, and when sealed properly, it resists spills and stains. It can, however, be slippery when wet. On the other hand, it is incredibly durable and can last for up to 100 years.
Summary
Although there are some drawbacks to having concrete floors in your kitchen, the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Additionally, concrete is easy to pour and finish, and you can customize the style to your preferences. It will also last longer than other surfaces, and it's relatively cheap to do yourself.
For more helpful tips regarding concrete floors, check out these other posts on our blog:
How to Level an Uneven Concrete Floor in Four Steps