We moved into our house in August. Our covered screened patio is about 20'x30' with a concrete floor. We'd like to put some furniture out there, but are struggling with what's best to do with the floor. Stain? Paint? Seal? Other? We are afraid of something getting spilled and permanently marring the concrete. On the interior, there is a 30' hall on the kids' side of the house. Hardwood flooring, so we can hear when they walk up and down the hall. I am looking for a floor covering to help "dampen" the noise. It's tough to find anything, much less something that fits my taste. Any recommendations?
Have you checked out carpet floor tiles. I can't remember the name of them. But they stick down and if one gets damaged you can peel it up and replace it. they come in many colors and patterns. I think they also have outdoor carpeting that is the same. I will try and find the website and let you know if interested.
I don't think I want to do carpeting in either place, I like the hardwood. I was really hoping to find a rug that would work. With the screened in porch, I think I'd rather do a stain or a paint, but not sure which would be better.
For the cement floor I would use Behr cement stain. They have a process where you etch the floor first with an acid. Then you come back and put this cement stain on it which penetrates into the cement. Then seal it. I know it sounds a bit daunting with the mention of acid. But it is a low level acid so it shouldn't be to hard to work with. I believe you wash it off with water after a certain amount of time. I would do that because the stain goes into the cement instead of just sitting on top like a paint would. That way there is no danger of chipping or scratching the surface. I you do not want to do a conventional rug on top of the wood floor. You could maybe do a cork overlay of some sort. But you had mentioned putting carpet on top of the hardwood. I still think the removable carpet squares would be the way to go. They do not leave any sticky residue on the floor once removed. Here is the company name that has a lot of really neat carpet squares; FLOR I think if you put Flor.com the website would come up. I would check it out.
Do you like oriental/persian rugs? I have picked up some affordable nice ones from Craig's List. In our area there have been some great ones posted.
Wooden floor covering If you do go for the rug option (which I would do) I would recommend fitting a non slip underfelt to prevent accidents on the "kids side of the house."
I also love the hardwood flooring. I recently tried for the lamination of the floor,as these are available in marble,wooden or any texture of your choice. moderator's note: removed website link, see point 1.1 of usage rules
They also make patio and deck carpets now. In many colors, shapes and sizes. I have one on my deck. Weather does not hurt it. It's reversible and I take the hose to it when needed.
