How to make a concrete floor in a private house with your own hands – step-by-step instructions

Do you intend to give your own house a long-lasting, fashionable concrete floor? You can save money and feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete the task yourself. It can be a rewarding project. Concrete flooring is a sensible option that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, whether you’re creating a new space or remodeling an old one.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process of DIY concrete floor creation in this guide. Every step is essential to getting a smooth and durable finish, from setting up the area to mixing and pouring the concrete. You don’t need to hire a contractor to get professional results if you have a little patience and attention to detail.

To help you complete the project step-by-step, we’ll break down each stage into simple instructions. Prepare to completely revamp your house with a premium concrete floor that will withstand normal wear and tear while also improving the appearance of your room.

Pros and cons

The following qualities set a monolithic slab apart from other kinds of subfloors:

  1. Strength. Concrete can withstand high loads and the total weight of furniture, household appliances.
  2. Durability. If the pouring is carried out correctly, the service life of the screed is several decades.
  3. Resistance to rotting, corrosion. Concrete is not a breeding ground for microorganisms, does not react with alkalis, acids, moisture.
  4. Non-flammability. Concrete does not burn, does not melt, does not emit caustic and harmful substances.
  5. Environmental friendliness. When making the solution, only natural materials are used: crushed stone, sand, cement and water.
  6. Moisture resistance. Concrete floors are made in the wettest areas: bathrooms, bathrooms.
  7. Versatility of use. The screed can be given different shapes (for example, to form a drain in a bathhouse or bathroom, make a podium or steps in the hallway, etc.). It is convenient to install coverings made of linoleum, laminate, parquet boards or tiles on a flat base.

The poor thermal insulation capacity is one of the primary drawbacks. An individual’s home’s concrete floor needs to be insulated.

Furthermore, working with concrete requires a lot of money and physical effort. The significant weight of the screed itself must be considered when installing interfloor ceilings.

Tools

Renting a concrete mixer is the best option if you want to make the screed yourself; it will be very helpful if you have a lot of work to do. The solution can be manually combined if the screed is made in a small space, like a bathroom.

  • trough;
  • shovel;
  • tool for mixing the solution (hoe, cat-hoe);
  • bucket for carrying the finished product and measuring out the components;
  • building level;
  • rule – a wooden board (1-1.2 m) with a handle, for stretching the piled solution.

Cement, sand, and gravel are the materials that must be ready. Incorporate the concrete into the plain cold water mixture, but feel free to add plasticizers (PVA, etc.) if preferred. You’ll need flat wooden planks or special beacon profiles to create a level surface.

This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of installing a DIY concrete floor if you’re looking to take on a project like that in your house. From preparing the space and mixing the concrete to pouring and smoothing the surface, we’ll clearly break down each step so you can confidently create a long-lasting and smooth concrete floor on your own. Whether you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer or you’re just getting started, following these simple instructions will help you produce a polished look without requiring any specialized knowledge or equipment.

Preparatory work

The inside of the house needs its soil compacted and leveled. For concrete floors in a private home, you will need to dig a pit across the entire surface of the room if the height of the space is significantly decreased after pouring and installing all layers. Its bottom has been leveled and compacted.

  1. Pour 10-30 cm of sand onto the bottom, tamp.
  2. Pour about 15 cm of crushed stone, and for thermal insulation you can make an additional cushion of expanded clay (10-15 cm).
  3. The black screed strengthens the lower layer is prepared from skinny concrete, mixing 1 part of the cement with 6-7 parts of crushed stone.

Waterproofing work

In a private home, the concrete floor needs to be shielded from moisture from below (condensate from wet soil and..). The prepared base is covered with rolled materials (thick polyethylene film, roofing material), with a 10-to 15-centimeter overlap on the walls. Panels that are adjacent to one another should be 5-7 cm apart. Bitumen is filled into the joints or glued with adhesive tape.

Above the waterproofing layer that covers the walls is a damper tape composed of elastic materials. If a heated floor system is to be installed, it will help to make up for the screed’s expansion in a warm room.

Moreover, molten bitumen or liquid paint-like substances (mastics, rubber masses) can be used for waterproofing. Compounds are applied to the walls using a brush, covering the whole surface of the base.

Reinforcement and setting up beacons

A thin layer of concrete (3-5 cm) is poured for reinforcement. It is covered with a flat, 10-to 15-cm-wide welded mesh. The rod has a minimum thickness of 3 mm.

Beacons, or the rails that the rule will slide along, need to be placed on the ready base in order for the floor of the house to be level. Installing beacons requires a small step between each guide and installing all of the guides in one plane. A building level can be used to measure the beacons’ horizontality by putting it both along and across the planks.

If required, you can use gypsum or cement mortar to adjust the beacon’s height and secure it in the desired location. The composition accumulates beneath the plank, causing the beacon to rise or fall to the appropriate level. It is only once the composition has solidified that you can resume working.

Composition of the solution

The following recipe is used to prepare concrete for pouring:

  • 1 part cement;
  • 3 parts sand or sand and gravel mixture;
  • 4 parts crushed stone of fraction 2-3 cm;
  • 0.5 parts water.

Most frequently, a bucket is used to measure out the components and then slowly pour them into the concrete mixer’s revolving drum. Dry ingredients are layered and mixed in dry form when mixing by hand. After the ingredients are combined, add the water and start kneading the mixture until it has the consistency of thick dough similar to sour cream. If the water is insufficient, you can gradually add more while continuously adjusting the solution’s density. Avoid adding too much water.

All of the ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no dry or otherwise colored spots in a well-mixed solution. Using a shovel, the solution is transferred to a bucket or wheelbarrow and brought to the work site.

Step Description
1. Plan and Prepare Measure the area where you want to pour the concrete and make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes concrete mix, a trowel, a float, a level, and a mixer.
2. Excavate Dig out the area to the desired depth, usually about 4-6 inches, depending on the thickness of your concrete floor. Ensure the ground is level and compacted.
3. Create a Base Lay a base of gravel or crushed stone, about 2-4 inches thick. This helps with drainage and provides a stable foundation for the concrete.
4. Set Forms Install wooden forms around the edges of the area to hold the concrete in place. Make sure the forms are level and securely anchored.
5. Mix Concrete Follow the instructions on the concrete mix bag. Generally, you mix it with water until you achieve a consistency similar to thick oatmeal.
6. Pour Concrete Pour the concrete into the prepared area, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Use a shovel or rake to spread it evenly.
7. Level and Smooth Use a board or a float to level the surface and smooth out any bumps. Work the surface until it"s even and flat.
8. Finish Allow the concrete to set slightly before finishing it. You can use a broom for a non-slip texture or a trowel for a smooth surface. Let it cure for at least a week.
9. Remove Forms Once the concrete has set and cured, carefully remove the wooden forms. Be gentle to avoid damaging the edges of your floor.
10. Clean Up Clean your tools and any spills immediately. Proper cleaning helps maintain your tools and ensures a clean working area.

Your home doesn’t need to have a concrete floor as intimidating as it might first appear. You can create a long-lasting and beautiful outcome that improves the appearance and functionality of your space with the correct planning and attention to detail. Recall that the most important steps are to create a sturdy foundation, install the necessary reinforcement, and mix and pour the concrete with great care. Every stage advances the project’s overall success.

Make sure to take your time at each step of the procedure as you follow it step-by-step. You can avoid future problems by having the ground properly prepared and making sure the forms are set. To achieve a smooth and even finish, mix the concrete to the proper consistency and move quickly to place and smooth it out.

Last but not least, the strength and durability of the concrete depend on its correct curing. Keep the concrete covered and moist to allow it to dry slowly. Although this step seems straightforward, it’s essential for guaranteeing a sturdy, long-lasting floor and preventing cracks.

Taking on this project yourself will save you money on labor expenses and give you a sense of satisfaction when you see your hard work paid off. You can have a stunning concrete floor that endures over time with proper planning and execution.

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Marina Petrova

Candidate of Technical Sciences and teacher of the Faculty of Construction. In my articles, I talk about the latest scientific discoveries and innovations in the field of cement and concrete technologies.

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