Finishing a concrete floor in a bathhouse: what and how to cover it correctly?

The concrete floor is an important component of a warm and long-lasting bathhouse. It must not only endure the continuous wetness and temperature fluctuations, but it must also offer a non-slip, safe surface that anybody can use. The longevity and comfort of your bathroom can be greatly affected by properly finishing your concrete floor.

It’s important to take a number of factors into account when selecting a covering for your concrete floor, such as maintenance ease, water resistance, and durability. There are many options available, ranging from paints and sealants to tiles and matting. Every material has advantages and disadvantages of its own, so you need to know which one is best for your particular requirements.

The different approaches to covering a bathroom’s concrete floor will be discussed in this article. We’ll go over the benefits of various materials, correct application techniques, and long-term floor maintenance advice. These insights will assist you in making well-informed decisions to maintain the best possible condition for your floor, whether you’re constructing a brand-new bathhouse or remodeling an old one.

Is floor treatment and finishing necessary?

Every concrete structure used as a restroom floor needs to adhere to certain specifications. For instance, they need to be tightly sealed, which requires extra care when pouring. Such a floor needs to be long-lasting and chemical-resistant. Following the completion of all concrete work, special compounds are applied to the floor.

For what purpose is it used?

• for additional protection of the coating from moisture;
• to seal the pores of the concrete base;
• to extend the service life of the floor covering;
• to increase wear resistance;
• to prevent dust and prevent its formation;
• for ease of floor maintenance;
• to save on future repairs.

The concrete floor appears good on its own and can be preserved in that state by leveling it carefully and applying a special impregnation. The floor can be tiled or painted in the future to add more variety to the interior.

Porcelain stoneware or floor tiles are frequently utilized for these purposes. These materials work well for bath houses, but it’s crucial to pick ones with relief patterns that prevent slippage.

In areas of the bathhouse such as the waiting rooms, relaxation rooms, and guest rooms where there is no moisture, you can skip covering, impregnation, and finishes on the concrete floor.

In order to guarantee longevity, safety, and comfort, finishing a concrete floor in a restroom requires careful consideration. The appropriate covering offers vital protection against heat, moisture, and wear in addition to improving the appearance. Popular options with distinct advantages include non-slip tiles, sealants, and epoxy coatings. Before applying any finish, it is imperative to properly prepare the concrete, including cleaning and leveling it. You can build a long-lasting concrete floor that can survive the particular conditions of a bathhouse by using the right materials and applying them correctly.

Necessary materials and requirements for them

The materials used to cover a concrete floor in a restroom can be separated into three categories: finishing, painting, and processing. It is advised to take each one’s requirements into account.

For processing

The concrete floor of a sauna is treated with the following materials:

1. Organic compounds based on epoxy resin, polyurethane and acrylic. Such substances are able to penetrate deep into the pores of a concrete floor, remove dust and strengthen it. Thanks to the influence of these materials, the resistance of the floor to chemicals and moisture increases. Polyurethane impregnations are considered the most effective.
2. Inorganic compounds. Such materials improve the resistance of concrete to various chemical influences.
3. Strengthening compounds. When applying such a mixture, it penetrates into the surface layers of concrete, as a result of which the upper 2-3 cm coatings acquire high strength. The product hardens immediately after penetrating the concrete, forming a single monolithic film.
4. Dedusting mixtures. Allows you to eliminate dust and perfectly prepares the floor for further painting.
5. Water repellents. Helps to increase the water-repellent properties of concrete. If moisture subsequently gets on the floor, it will not be able to penetrate into the pores of the concrete screed, thereby not harming the base.

The purpose of these mixtures dictates their requirements. Such compositions must expressly state on their packaging which kinds of screeds they are meant for and whether or not they should be used in high humidity.

For painting

Painting a bathhouse’s concrete floor is necessary because it increases the surface’s resistance to moisture, abrupt temperature changes, and heavy mechanical loads. All paintable materials need to form a film on the concrete screed’s surface and be moisture-resistant.

The following resources are employed in these capacities:

1. Acrylic. They are resistant to water and temperature. They can be matte, semi-matte or glossy. To dissolve such paint, use water. After 2 days after application, such a surface is ready for use. Applied to a clean screed.
2. Epoxy. During preparation, mix with a construction mixer, before coating, the floor is treated with a primer. After 7 days, the surface dries completely.
3. Acrylic-silicone. The screed is painted in several layers with an interval of 4 hours. To dilute the composition, use plain water.
4. Alkyd-urethane. It is also necessary to paint in several layers, to dilute, use white spirit.

The concrete floor needs to be primed, dust-free, and moisture-resistant before any work is done on it.

For finishing

Ceramic floor tiles or porcelain stoneware are most frequently used to finish concrete floors in bath houses. The most popular choice needs to adhere to the condition of not being slippy.

The tile needs to possess the following qualities:

• strength and hardness – group 1;
• low coefficient of moisture absorption;
• resistance to chemicals;
• frost resistance of group 1 or 2;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• antistatic;
• Lightness of daily care.

Furthermore, flooring used for décor needs to be secure. It is important to consider the properties of materials when choosing glue for tile grouting and laying. They ought to be highly adhesive, water and frost resistant, and possess antifungal qualities.

What tools will be required for work?

Different tools will be needed for painting and surface finishing, as well as for impregnating the concrete floor with different compositions. Among them are:

• rollers of different capture width;
• brushes of different widths;
• trays or containers for paint or impregnation;
• spiked shoes;
• personal protective equipment;
• masking tape;
• protective film;
• standard spatula;
• spatula with a comb;
• rubber spatula for grouting;
• mallet.

You will need a building level, a cord, and a grinder or tile cutting machine in order to work with tiles.

How to process correctly?

It is advised to follow the detailed instructions to guarantee that the process is completed correctly. These instructions will vary depending on the type of concrete floor processing that is being done in a sauna.

Various materials

A concrete floor can be impregnated in three easy steps:

1. Preparation. The concrete surface must be properly prepared. First, the plane is leveled, there should be no dents, holes or elevations. Next, it must be dusted with a brush, carefully collecting all the dirt. All large debris is also removed at the initial stage.
2. Application of impregnation. The impregnating composition is poured onto a flat surface and evenly distributed over the floor using a roller. Here it is important to use special shoes with spikes, thanks to which it is convenient to move on the concrete floor without disturbing the distribution of the impregnation. It is recommended to apply the impregnation to the plane using a roller on a long handle.
3. Drying. The mixture should dry within 1 hour. Then add water to the impregnation composition according to the instructions and pour the floor again.

Wait 20 to 30 minutes after re-pouring, then use a squeegee to remove any extra composition. Next, give it some time until the mixture dries completely before proceeding with the concrete floor arrangement.

Painting

First and foremost, the concrete screed needs to be completely dry before any paint or enamel is applied to it. You should be aware that certain screed types can dry out in as little as one month. Remember that the temperature at which concrete should be processed should be between -5 and +30 degrees.

Everything needs to be completed in line with the guidelines:

• dust off the surface and cover it with a primer;
• wait for the primer to dry, if necessary, cover the floor with a primer again;
• after the previous layer has dried, apply paint to the concrete base.

Once the first layer is completely dry, you can repeat the process if you were unable to achieve the desired color the first time. The floor can be varnished after painting is finished, but this is not required. The paint itself can be applied using a roller or, for areas that are difficult to reach, a small brush.

In order to expedite the process, you can also use specialized sprayers. The last step of the project will be to allow the paint to dry. This will take three days on average, but the length of time will vary depending on the type of enamel and the size of the room.

Tile finishing

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are frequently used to finish a concrete floor. The laying work will essentially be the same, and the guidelines will be as follows:

1. The concrete screed must be cleared of construction debris and dust.
2. Soak the tiles in water for a few minutes before laying – this will prevent them from absorbing moisture from the tile adhesive.
3. It is necessary to start installation from the most visible place in the room.
4. Tile adhesive is mixed according to the instructions on the package.
5. It is applied to the tiles with a notched trowel.
6. The tile is applied to the place of fixation and pressed down slightly with a mallet.
7. Excess glue is removed with a spatula.
8. Plastic crosses are used between the tiles to maintain even spaces.
9. After laying each tile, the horizon is checked with a building level.
10. The remaining adhesive on the tiles is removed with a damp sponge.

Mistakes and consequences

It’s important to keep in mind the repercussions of mistakes to prevent them. A few challenges:

• with any type of processing, the concrete surface must be clean and flat;
• paint strokes should not be thick;
• it is better to choose rollers with short pile;
• in places of high load on the surface, it is better not to save on concrete impregnation;
• floors in the shower and washroom should not be finished with slippery tiles.

Heeding each and every one of these suggestions. You can steer clear of costly errors and future floor repairs.

In a bathroom, finishing the concrete floor is crucial for comfort and use. An adequate floor covering can increase safety, reduce the risk of moisture damage, and enhance the overall experience. You can maintain the durability and aesthetic appeal of your bathhouse floor by using the appropriate materials and techniques.

The first step should be selecting a coating that is appropriate for the high humidity and wide temperature swings that are typical of bathhouses. Polyurethane and epoxy coatings are common options because of their durability and resistance to water. These coatings give the concrete protection as well as a smooth, clean surface.

Make sure the concrete floor is crack-free, dry, and clean before applying any coating. For the coating to work well and adhere well, proper preparation is essential. To guarantee a sturdy, uniform finish, apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing enough time for drying between coats.

By lowering the chance of slips and falls, you can significantly increase safety by adding non-slip additives to the coating’s final layer. This is crucial in a bathroom setting where there is constant moisture on the floor. Frequent upkeep will help your floor last longer and maintain its best appearance. Examples of this maintenance include cleaning and resealing it occasionally.

You can design a bathhouse that is not only gorgeous but also long-lasting and safe by carefully choosing and applying the appropriate covering for your concrete floor. By following these instructions, you can make sure that your bathhouse stays a peaceful and entertaining area for many years to come.

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