Are you looking for a new floor for your home or office? That's quite a job, because a floor determines the whole look and atmosphere of your space. And there is so much choice: PVC, wood, tiles, cast floors... Whichever way you go, it's still a big expense. But what if we told you that you can cast a floor yourself?
Cast floors are hip!
In collaboration with epoxy shop.nl
Once upon a time, cast flooring was mainly something for factory halls and hospitals. Nice and practical, but not exactly cosy. Nowadays, that has changed. We increasingly see cast floors in the home, especially in old houses with character. That combination of a sleek, modern floor with vintage furniture and original details? Works like a charm! And with more than 250 RAL colours to choose from, there really is something for everyone. From earthy tones like sandy yellow, olive green or reddish brown to minimalist shades of grey or bold choices like coral red or sky blue. It's all possible. What would you choose?
Cast floor also sustainable choice
And a cast floor also fits perfectly into a sustainable interior or office, and we're not just talking about how beautiful it is matches with vintage furniture or second-hand finds. Above all, it is also a good choice because such a floor lasts so long and requires little maintenance. The most common cast floors are made of epoxy casting resin, which you can also pour yourself if you are a bit handy (we will come to that in a minute) and then you don't have to worry about it for years. A cast floor is rock hard, wear-resistant and can really take a beating. No hassle with sanding, varnishing or replacing after a few years. And another plus: cast floors work super well with underfloor heating. They conduct heat well and retain it for a long time. That means warm feet and lower energy bills. Win-win!
What is epoxy anyway?
Epoxy is a plastic resin that consists of two parts: the resin itself and a hardener. When you mix the two, a chemical reaction occurs that makes the material rock-hard as much as twice as strong as concrete. This makes epoxy ideal for a floor that needs to withstand a lot. The result? A seamless, smooth floor that lasts for years and is easy to keep clean.
Laying a cast floor yourself?
If you are a little handy, work neatly and prepare well, you can a self-levelling screed. It comes down to a few clear steps: you start with a clean, even surface, then apply a primer, and then... pour it on! Most important? Good mixing. Epoxy consists of two components that really have to melt together perfectly. Therefore, use two buckets: first stir firmly for two minutes in the first one, then pour into a second one and stir well again. This will prevent sticky or soft spots. Let the floor harden slowly (at least 24 hours per layer) and voilà: a super smooth floor that you laid all by yourself. And yes, you can be a bit proud of that.
Do you currently have tiles in the room and want something different? Then you can also opt for fitting a do-it-yourself floor coating. No floor needs to be removed for that, you just pour the new floor over it.
A sleek DIY cast floor - without a craftsman
So laying a screed really isn't just for the pros. And with a little preparation and guts, you can turn it into something really beautiful. Contact the experts at epoxy shop.nl for DIY kits and inspiration. Good luck!
Photo credits: main image: Ron Lach (Pexels).
