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December 30, 2008
What do you think of this concrete floor?
I've just laid a concrete slab. We then troweled in some colors which will become much lighter once the cement dries. Then we will cut lines every two feet and fill it with black grout.
I'm looking for opinions since I'm not a "designy" person. My girlfriend hates it. What do you think?
Comments
I like the idea, and love acid stained concrete floors. My only caveat might be to do a mock up on a piece of plywood before painting those grout lines black. I think the black grid might be overwhelming, and produce something not found in nature. If your look is to imitate a Tuscan/Spanish/Mediterranean tile floor, like a saltillo tile, take a look at some real ones, the grout lines, or space between the tiles usually isn't usually that dark or prominant. A sandy colored grout is usually used. See below:
http://pavetile.com/index.html
Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 30, 2008 11:56 PM
I agree. The black grout might be overwhelming. We installed a terracotta colored porcelain tile recently and after debating going with a gray grout, went for terracotta. You do want the floor to stand out and not the grout lines (and their shortcomings, because believe me, with a dark grout all problems with 'tile laying' will show).
Posted by: ohiise at December 31, 2008 12:37 AM
Personally, I like polished cement floors, but not colored ones.
Hopefully for your sake it becomes much much lighter after drying.
Posted by: IronBalls at December 31, 2008 3:47 AM
I had a colored one (stained) done in my foyer when I had my condo in Manhattan. I love them in the right place. See if you can devise some test of the black grout. Might be a bit much.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 31, 2008 8:27 AM
I like it, especially if the red is going to fade a bit as you think it will. I also have to second MM's comments about grout lines, I think you would be better off with something a little less obtrusive. Of course you could always go out and pick up a roll of electrical tape lay out some fake grout lines and see how it would look with black grout, masking tape for a more tan look, etc.
Posted by: Bond at December 31, 2008 8:44 AM
I think it looks great, but of course taste is personal, and you can't fault your GF, or anyone else, for not liking it. But I'm wondering why you want to add grout lines? A tinted cement floor is its own thing, and one of the beautiful things about it is the uninterrupted expanse....why try to make it look like tile, when it won't really look exactly like tile in the end anyway?
Posted by: bricktop at December 31, 2008 9:06 AM
I agree with bricktop, especially if the overall look you're going for is contemporary.
If you go ahead with the grout lines, don't do black, unless you're after a cheap Spanish restaurant feel! :)
Posted by: tinarina at December 31, 2008 9:37 AM
It looks awful because it's next to that greenish floor. The green brings out the pukey elements of the new slab. Are they supposed to be the same color after they dry? Or will the green floor be covered up? It also looks a bit streaky on the upper portion of the photo as opposed to the bottom of the photo.
Posted by: theandrewlee at December 31, 2008 9:39 AM
That's pretty rough on the eyes.
Posted by: Espresso at December 31, 2008 10:33 AM
Yes Bricktop is correct. Lose the "grout" lines entirely.
Posted by: Susan Elkins at December 31, 2008 10:34 AM
Genaro, I like the idea of it but the colors would be distracting to me. I like the idea that you are willing to experiment with it - for me, I would experiment with textures, i.e. same color and gradation and would choose some shade of either grey - there is a universe of greys - some more khaki or brown or taupe or black. I like the technology you are playing with but not the colors.
Posted by: donatella at December 31, 2008 10:41 AM
bricktop your point is a good one. And the other points too. Upon reflection I think if I do make grout lines they will be filled with a light beige/yellow. I'm not trying to make it look like something else since cement is its own thing. but i sort of like the grout lines because it adds another element of design.
Unfortunately it has dried exactly the same color. I'm not sure I like it. I'm probably going to sand it down some to see if I can remove some of the stronger colors. That will also increase the shinny cement look which can be nice.
Here are more images of the process:
http://ecobrooklyn.com/installing-concrete-slab/
Posted by: gennaro at December 31, 2008 11:11 AM
It is bold. How will the room be used? Is all the floor shown in the photo to be tinted? I like the golden tone very much. As you say, the red could stand to be toned down a bit. I totally agree about staying away from black grout lines and the addition of gridded grout lines seems unnecessary. But a nice interrupted expanse of honey colored concrete seems lovely!
Posted by: Bessie at December 31, 2008 11:27 AM
I just took a look at the other photos you posted on your website, and I have to say, I like it the way it is (BUT DON'T DO GROUT LINES! IT WILL LOOK WIERD!)
It is pretty strong and bold, but if you were going for a sunny feel, you certainly got it....or maybe it will be like taking a walk on Mars! But it certainly is a bright element that will bring visual warmth to a dark basement space.
Good for you for doing something creative and bold.
Posted by: bricktop at December 31, 2008 11:55 AM
Looking at it again:
I like it. It is original. A lot will depend on what the room is, what the rest of the design will be. What the other colors are, what the lighting will be, but it is cool. Good job for doing something different.
Posted by: ohiise at December 31, 2008 12:20 PM
It is basically the basement but because the ceiling on the south side will be taken out and because the 1st floor south wall will have a wall of windows you actually get a lot of really nice light shining down.
It is the living room area. The upper floor of the duplex has the sleeping and eating elements. Down there will be a cozy fireplace and hang out area.
At first I was like, "OMG, I've created some sort of subterranean bloody womb!" Womb, as in uterus. But it is starting to grow on me. Not the womb, the color :)
Once I refine the elements and tone down the red I think it might work.
I'm still on the fence about the grout. It would give me a chance to add light colored lines into the mix which would lighten the mood.
Posted by: gennaro at December 31, 2008 12:42 PM
Do NOT add grout lines. Add lots of relieving beige in the form of upholstered furniture, curtains, and wall paint. Keep everything simple and modern. Grout lines will junk it up.
Posted by: mopar at December 31, 2008 1:23 PM
It looks better on the website than in the photo you posted.
It looks earthy.
I'm not sure modern and simple will work because the floor already has a complexity of color - reds, yellows, etc. If your furniture is all monotone and simple, your eye is going to go straight to the floor. I agree that you should not add any lines to the floor, but don't be too cautious with the rest of the room.
Posted by: theandrewlee at December 31, 2008 5:10 PM
Love the floor! It's creative and expressive in a warm and inviting manner. The red and gold are strong colors and the blend softens it so it's kind of expressing opposites. I did an abstract floor that people loved because I incorporated figures that were kind of cave and Keith Haring influenced. It's your floor - enjoy it.
Let your girlfriend have a space she can design and support her design.
I agree with the no grout line people. Enjoy your abstract artistry.
Posted by: CH11231 at January 2, 2009 1:36 PM
It's just so obvious that the people doing the work are right-handed......
Posted by: CHMomma at January 2, 2009 10:57 PM
I took the photo with my left hand.
Posted by: gennaro at January 2, 2009 11:55 PM
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