blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Waxed Concrete Flooring and Surface Coating

By Editorial Team

Updated on September 26, 2024

Whether you’re looking to create a modern or industrial look, the versatility of waxed concrete will surprise you every time. It's the number-one option whenever you want to add a distinctive touch to your new décor. However, before using this coating as part of your revamped space, learn more about it.

Pros and Cons of Waxed Concrete

polished concrete

Source: Canva

Benefits

Waxed concrete has several impressive benefits to its name.

First and foremost, you'll eliminate the need for grouting, a joint in which dirt builds up if regular maintenance is overlooked. Its smooth surface is aesthetically pleasing and allows you to create a modern and beautiful-looking room. Note that several different finishes (matte, coloured, smooth, textured, glossy) can be adapted to the look of your new floor coating based on your décor. 

Its versatility means it can be used on a wide range of surfaces. It can be installed on walls, floors, sinks, showers, doors, or countertops. There's no limit to the options available for this unique-looking coating. It's particularly durable and highly resilient when it comes to scratches and blows.

Furthermore, note that waxed concrete floors have an uncanny capacity to preserve heat reflected off their surface, which makes them comfortable to tread on. In fact, adding waxed concrete to any room will boost the temperature by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius.

As such, this coating is perfectly suited for high-foot traffic areas. Lastly, let it be said that waxed concrete is waterproof, thus making it perfect for moisture-prone areas, like a bathroom or kitchen.

Drawbacks 

Among the drawbacks linked to waxed concrete, let’s start that mentioning that this type of coating doesn’t take well to temperature variations. In fact, the latter risks cracking the floor. Maintaining a constant and stable temperature is best to limit such an issue. 

Secondly, note that laying waxed concrete isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain skill set to be able to carry out quality work that won’t crack down the line. 

How to Install Waxed Concrete

polished concrete

Source: Canva

When installing waxed concrete, you have to meticulously follow the manufacturer’s instructions. On that matter, accounting for the surface-to-coat is particularly important, since spreading a too-thin coat can compromise the floor’s look and durability over time. Also, the installation has to be carried out in one fell swoop: carefully plan the ideal time to carry out the task. One very important thing to keep in mind is that it takes two people to lay a waxed concrete floor, as this coating dries very quickly.

The surface on which the concrete will be spread must be devoid of any irregularities, otherwise, cracks could appear on the floor’s surface after it has cured. Under no circumstances should you try to lay waxed concrete atop an unstable surface.

Along the same lines, it’s advised against laying waxed concrete on a tiled floor without first filling in the grout joints. Doing so will cause the floors to have an uneven surface. Also, note that the installation process will directly depend on the surface onto which it’s applied.

How to Clean and Maintain Waxed Concrete Floors

polished concrete floor

Source: Canva

When it comes to floor and wall upkeep, cleaning is as straightforward as it gets: sweep and mop. We recommend using a non-corrosive, soft soap to clean the surface coating. When maintaining waxed concrete surfaces in a kitchen, be sure to clean the countertop with a soft soap whenever it’s exposed to greasy or oily foods. Also, once a month, coat the kitchen countertop with a thin layer of beeswax.

There’s one important consideration when installing waxed concrete in a shower. Given that this part of the bathroom is prone to limescale build-up, it's imperative that you pay extra attention to surface care and maintenance.

Though you can usually fix any limescale-related issues on most surfaces with specially-made products, you can’t use anti-scaling products on waxed concrete surfaces. The latter will permanently damage the surface, and render it leaky and stain-prone. 

To prevent damage to the coating, regularly clean the surface. And, to keep it looking good throughout the years, apply a coat of protective resin every two years. If you'd like the surface to be glossier, you can opt for more frequent maintenance treatments.

Waxed Concrete Floor Protective Sealers

polished concrete

Source: Canva

Despite popular belief, waxed concrete is wax-free (aside from interior concrete wall coverings). As a result, it calls for surface filler and a coat of protective resin or varnish to render it stain-resistant.

While waxed concrete suits a wide range of surfaces, as above-mentioned, note that it’s the sealer that ensures the waterproof aspect of concrete surfaces, yet it isn’t one product fits all. As such, it’s super important to educate yourself on the matter so you know which sealers are best suited for the waxed concrete surface in question. Depending on the intended use of the waxed concrete surface, likewise will its thickness.  

There are three types of sealers, namely:

  • Acrylic sealer: 6-month to 3-year service life, however, it can’t really withstand oils and scratches.

  • Liquid densifier: Has an unlimited service life and the highest level of resilience. Its only disadvantage is that it renders the concrete’s grain more visible, which could be problematic for those looking to have a super smooth surface. 

  • Epoxy sealer: 5- to 10-year service life, but is especially vulnerable to scratches, and the sun risks turning the surface yellow over time. 

Salvage Outdated Furniture with Waxed Concrete

Fun fact, did you know that you can use waxed concrete to revamp your old furniture, whether these pieces are wood, laminate, or melamine? Well, you can! It’s super easy to do so. Once done, your revamped furniture will easily blend with your new décor while limiting your spending.

Pros

Cons

Devoid of grout jointsSmooth and aesthetic surfaceWide range of finishesAdapts to numerous surfacesResilient to impacts and scratchesCan store heatPractical in high-foot traffic areas

Susceptible to temperature variations Hard to install

FAQ

Waxed vs polished floors: what's the difference?

Put simply, waxed concrete is treated with a wax finish for added protection and sheen, while polished concrete is mechanically ground and polished to achieve a smooth, reflective surface.

Are waxed concrete floors slippery?

Yes, waxed concrete floors can be slippery due to the smooth, glossy finish. This is especially true when wet. However, it's important to keep in mind that some wax products come with additives to mitigate slipperiness.

How long does concrete wax last?

In general, it's recommended to rewax floors every 2 years.


Get 3 quotes for your waxed concrete flooring project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your waxed concrete flooring installation project. By submitting your project, we’ll connect you with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and receive quotes from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

5 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

4 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

What are the best industrial flooring materials?

If you’re considering taking on the lease of a commercial property to fulfill a business dream or open a community space, then it’s likely you’re thinking about all angles of the interior design process. Unlike a home, a commercial or industrial space has to comply with certain challenges and restrictions.

6 min read

Editorial Team

15 Nov 2023

Everything to know about renovating a dining room

The dining room is an essential area of the home where friends and loved ones often gather around a large table to enjoy a meal, a drink or a conversation together. Many families spend an ample amount of time in the dining room, and thus you’ll want your space to be as tranquil and inviting as possible with a little bit of unique design in the mix.

2 min read

Paul Riopel

11 Jun 2024

Ontario Electrical Contractor Licence

Navigating the complexities of electrical licencing can be daunting. From understanding the requirements to completing the application process, aspiring electrical contractors often face various challenges. In this article, we aim to simplify the process and provide clear guidance on obtaining an Electrical Contractor's Licence in Ontario. Additionally, we shed light on the importance of licencing in ensuring safety and compliance with regulations enforced by the Electrical Safety Authority.

4 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

04 Oct 2024

Shopping Guide: 10 Ceramic Tile Stores in Montreal

Ceramic is a highly-resistant and versatile material that is known for being both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Adapted to all tastes, it is sold in the form of tiles that are offered in a wide variety of colours, shapes and textures. There is something for every budget, as prices vary, among other things, depending on the quality of the material and shape of the tiles. 

5 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

What you need to know before rebuilding a house

Whether building a custom home or redesigning one that just wasn’t cutting it anymore, taking on a home building project is exciting, but is also a huge job.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!