For several decades, mosaic concrete has been used for flooring. Due to the increased resistance to wear and the broadest decorative possibilities, its popularity does not fall today.
Today, concrete and mosaic floors can be found in office buildings, shopping centers, children's educational institutions and other public places. Moreover, when creating interior projects for luxury apartments, designers are increasingly using this particular type of decoration. Why mosaic floors are so good, how they are made and whether it is possible to carry out their installation with their own hands, we will consider in this article.
Brief description of bulk marble floors
Concrete and mosaic floors can safely be called a universal coating, as they are suitable for use in absolutely all types of rooms. With their help, you can realize bold design ideas and give the interior a touch of luxury and elegance.
The main component of the mixture for the manufacture of this coating is concrete, in which marble, quartz or granite chips are added.
It is obtained from waste from the production of various natural stone products.
The granular material retains all the qualities that hard rocks initially possess. Due to the special properties of the feedstock, the coating is very durable, which makes it possible to use it even in industrial premises.
As a rule, concrete floors are either monolithic (solid) or divided. Also, for the installation of a decorative coating, concrete mosaic slabs can be used.
Mosaic floor structure
Marble mosaic floors consist of two main layers. The lower layer is presented in the form of a conventional concrete screed made of cement-sand mortar. It is laid on any rough foundation (carefully compacted soil, reinforced concrete surface or reinforced screed). Usually the thickness of the bottom layer of mosaic floors is 2-3 cm, but in some cases this figure can reach 4 cm. For example, when arranging water heating systems.
The decorative coating is made of concrete mix with the addition of stone chips. Its thickness varies between 1.5-3 cm. This indicator may vary depending on the size of the natural filler fraction. Thus, the total thickness of the mosaic concrete floor can be from 3.5 to 7 cm.
Key Benefits
As it has already become clear, mosaic floors are characterized by a beautiful appearance and excellent durability. However, this is not all the positive aspects that this type of decoration has. Its indisputable advantages also include:
- Resistant to moisture . The concrete mix perfectly tolerates contacts with water, is not subject to colonization by fungi and bacteria.
- Environmental friendliness and unpretentiousness in leaving . The surface of the floor is quite easily cleaned of dirt. If necessary, even disinfectant solutions can be used. The coating does not include harmful components, so this finish is considered absolutely safe and hypoallergenic.
- Extensive color scheme . Due to the abundance of natural shades of natural filler on the floor, you can create a variety of patterns in different colors. Some masters manage to turn the floor into a real masterpiece.
- Resistance to burnout and abrasion . Concrete-mosaic floors practically do not wear out. They do not form cracks (as a result of impacts), they are not characterized by abrasion. It is for these reasons that such coverage can often be seen in crowded places.
- Fire safety . Marble and granite chips, which are part of the mosaic mixture, do not burn at all and do not form sparks during impacts and friction.
Negative side coverage
Unfortunately, today there are no perfect materials that are completely devoid of negative qualities. We will get acquainted with the shortcomings and features of the mosaic coating.
- Like any stone surface, mosaic floors are quite cold. Therefore, before their installation, due attention must be paid to insulation.
- Since the service life of this type of finish is quite long, you should carefully select its pattern. It is recommended to give preference to a neutral, classic ornament that will not go out of fashion for a long time and will not get bored.
- During the operation of mosaic floors, red spots may appear on their surface.
- The cost of natural fillers that make up the mixture is quite high, so arranging a concrete mosaic floor is not cheap. The final price is also affected by the degree of complexity of the selected pattern. The cost of such floors starts at 1200 rubles. per square meter.
Significantly reduce costs can only be one way - to independently fill the mosaic floors. The price for such services of masters is quite high, so this solution will allow you to save a decent amount.
Let's look at how to do this work with our own hands.
Necessary tools and materials
Before proceeding with installation, make sure that you have all the necessary tools at hand. Namely:
- concrete mixer or drill with a special nozzle;
- a container for mixing the working solution;
- construction vacuum cleaner ;
- wire brush;
- Sander;
- Bulgarian;
- grinding wheels (from felt);
- building level;
- long rule;
- powder for polishing the finished surface.
So, let's see how the mosaic concrete floor is made. The technology for pouring it involves performing work in several stages:
- thorough preparation of the foundation;
- installation of dividing elements (to create a pattern);
- preparation of the working mixture;
- filling the floor;
- finish finish.
Let's consider each stage in more detail.
Preparation of the base and kneading of the working solution
The base for pouring the concrete floor should be as flat as possible. It is better if it is a monolithic base or a cement-sand screed.
Work is performed in the following order:
- The surface is cleaned of dirt, construction debris and dust.
- All existing cracks, troughs and cracks must be covered or covered with a small layer of leveling mixture. Particular attention is paid to areas near heating pipes.
- The surface is then roughened. Work is carried out using a manual or electric wire brush. This action is designed to provide the best adhesion of the base to the decorative coating.
- A clean surface is spilled with water or treated with a primer.
- Now it is necessary to determine the thickness of the future mosaic floor and make appropriate marks on the walls.
Then you can start mixing the solution. For this you will need:
- cement (1 part);
- stone flour (1 part);
- coloring pigments (from 0.1 to 1.3 parts);
- water (0, 5 parts);
- stone chips of different fractions (1 part).
All dry ingredients are well kneaded and gradually add water. The resulting mixture should be stiff and inactive.
Marking the pattern and laying the mixture
Now you need to correctly mark the base on which the concrete mosaic floor will be poured. The device rails is carried out in full accordance with the selected ornament. They are located at the same level and are fixed on the cement mortar.
Any materials are suitable for these purposes. You can use pipes, metal profiles, polymer products, glass, aluminum rails and brass products.
Filling the floor involves the following work:
- The usual cement-sand mortar is mixed, from which the base for the coating will be poured. It is poured in a small layer and leveled.
- After the base is slightly compacted, you can begin to fill the decorative mixture.
- The finished composition is distributed in cells (up to the level of dividing elements), according to the conceived pattern and leveled with a vibrating plate or trowels.
- When the entire surface is well compacted and smoothed, you can get the separation rails, and fill the resulting voids with a solution.
- Final solidification of the surface occurs in a week. Up to this point, make sure that it remains slightly moist. For best results, it should be sprayed with water (1 time per day) and covered with polyethylene.
Grinding
At the final stage, the concrete mosaic floors are ground. This is necessary in order for the coating to acquire a glossy effect. You can start work in a week from the moment of pouring the solution.
The surface is moistened with water and sprinkled with sand. Thus, a rough peeling of the upper layer is carried out. If dents and voids are found during the work, they are filled with cement mortar and rubbed with marble bars.
The final grinding is carried out by a special machine with felt nozzles and polishing powder. After the work done, the mosaic structure will become more visible, and the floor will look smooth and shiny.