Tap into organic, individual and sustainable flooring solution

Oct. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- The cost effective, smooth, aesthetic and adaptable nature of cement overlays should not be overlooked.

Flooring and wall solution specialist and Honestone director Rick Hendriks said the concept was less familiar to the Australian market, compared to our overseas counterparts, but was a competitive and cutting edge architectural finish that was on par with other traditional hard floor surfaces like tile, stone, terrazzo, timber and more recently polished concrete.

Mr Hendriks said cement overlays are made of a combination of cement, sands and polymer resins, originally created for fixing or resurfacing concrete that has pitted, spalled or worn.

He said modern overlay systems were highly engineered products capable of being installed as thin as a tile - or even a credit card - to internal or external areas for both residential and high traffic commercial spaces.

The benefits of using a cement overlay are numerous, Mr Hendriks said.

“They are cost effective as it is much cheaper to resurface an existing concrete floor than it is to replace it with a new slab,” he said.

“They create a smooth, seamless floor which is easy to clean, often levelling an uneven or rough floor.

“Additionally, the absence of dirty grout lines or fibre to house dust mites ensures a healthy environment.

“Cement overlays have the ability to fit in to any décor, due to the endless colours available. As such, your floor is as individual as you.

While the idea of an overlay seems simple, Mr Hendriks said the specialised tools required, and ongoing development of techniques along with a very high level of skill and organisation, do not make for a DIY project.

“Like painting, preparation of the substrate is key to the success of an overlay system,” he said.

“A systemised approach using through checklists will ensure a happy customer.

“Pre-approved samples while never an exact copy should give a reasonable indication of the expected finish.

“We always advise potential clients to visit a previous job, so as they understand what to expect.

“Overlays are not mass produced in a factory, they are hand laid typically on a construction site, often open to ‘attack’ form airborne bugs or insects.

“But that is the appeal - overlays are organic, individual and sustainable.”

Visit our website www.honestone.com.au for images and details or call our showroom on (02) 4353 0055.