What is Quartz Concrete?
Often less known to homeowners, quartz concrete has gradually transitioned from the industrial sector into residential spaces, bringing warmth and style to interiors.
Initially, quartz-surfaced concrete was popular for industrial settings like warehouses, garages, factories, and workshops due to its impressive durability and resistance to wear and chemicals. Quartz concrete is now appearing more in homes with an “industrial loft” aesthetic, as it highlights room dimensions and enhances the overall space.
How Does Quartz Concrete Work? Quartz-surfaced concrete is a decorative flooring solution achieved by sprinkling a layer of hardener (made with quartz) over fresh concrete. Once the hardener powder is applied, the surface is mechanically smoothed using a power trowel, also known as a concrete helicopter.
Quartz Concrete vs. Power Troweled Concrete
- Quartz Concrete: Refers to the decorative concrete itself, where a colored hardener is applied to fresh concrete. It’s called "quartz" because the hardener contains quartz particles, which significantly enhance both the aesthetic and strength of the surface (quartz ranks 7/10 on the Mohs hardness scale).
- Power Troweled Concrete: Refers to the technique used to smooth out the concrete, utilizing a power trowel (or "helicopter"). This process is done after the hardener has been sprinkled on the concrete surface.
Benefits of Quartz-Surfaced Concrete:
- High resistance to heavy indoor and outdoor traffic, impact, and abrasion
- Withstands temperature fluctuations, including extreme heat and cold
- Weather-resistant and slip-resistant
- Sleek, modern design with a bright, glossy finish
- Easy to clean and maintain
Creating a Quartz Concrete Floor
Applying quartz concrete is a precise process, completed in five stages:
Step 1: Preparing the Substrate and Pouring the Concrete
Begin by defining the slab area, digging as needed, and laying the sub-base and expansion joints before pouring the concrete.
Step 2: Leveling the Concrete
The success of a quartz concrete surface relies on its level finish. Use a screed to achieve a flat surface, and on large areas, a laser level can ensure a perfectly even floor.
Step 3: Sprinkling the Quartz Hardener
For high-quality quartz concrete, sprinkle the colored hardener evenly over the freshly poured concrete. On large surfaces, mechanical sprinklers can help ensure a uniform application.
Step 4: Smoothing the Concrete with a Power Trowel
Once the hardener has absorbed moisture from the fresh concrete, smooth the surface with a manual or mechanical trowel (helicopter). The power trowel presses the quartz particles into the concrete for a strong, integrated surface layer.
Step 5: Applying the Curing Product
After troweling, apply a curing product designed to protect quartz concrete floors. This product helps retain moisture during curing, minimizing the risk of surface cracking.
