View Full Version : Epoxy vs Stain on Birdcage Cement Patio Floor
Michael 61
07-02-2023, 06:10 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
baustgen
07-02-2023, 06:24 AM
Check out Chattahoochi River Rock.
VApeople
07-02-2023, 06:27 AM
When we bought our house seven years ago, we had Cool-Deck (or maybe it is Kool-Deck) put on the floor of our lanai and it still looks very, very good.
RCJ61
07-02-2023, 08:26 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
We had our driveway and Lani stained recently by Creative Concrete. They can make it look like anything you want.
Cliff the owner comes highly recommended on TOTV.
RCJ
splashes
07-02-2023, 08:47 AM
don't do epoxy on the lanai to slippery when wet and wont hold up in sun Just paint it like a driveway and be sure they put enough anti slip because it will be wet
villagetinker
07-02-2023, 12:02 PM
We had the driveway, lanai, and birdcage all "stained" by Driveways by Jay. The driveway was done over 8 years ago and still looks great, with NO sealing, just occasional power washing. We had the other 2 done a couple of years later, with the same results. The stain (paint?) is xylene based and holds up very well to the elements and the sun.
You can reach Driveways by Jay through Hometown Services. I highly recommend his work.
CFrance
07-02-2023, 12:17 PM
We had the driveway, lanai, and birdcage all "stained" by Driveways by Jay. The driveway was done over 8 years ago and still looks great, with NO sealing, just occasional power washing. We had the other 2 done a couple of years later, with the same results. The stain (paint?) is xylene based and holds up very well to the elements and the sun.
You can reach Driveways by Jay through Hometown Services. I highly recommend his work.
VT, do you have a picture? I put out a post asking what people have done in their CYV patios but got no response.
thelegges
07-02-2023, 03:09 PM
Epoxy on 2012 lanai facing south and birdcage started flaking and discolored, less than 4 years.
River rock applied 2010 patio and lanai still looks the same as the day Matt Almas applied it. Soft on bare feet water doesn't stand on it. Matt has passed away, but I understand his son might have continued business
villagetinker
07-02-2023, 03:51 PM
VT, do you have a picture? I put out a post asking what people have done in their CYV patios but got no response.
The look we have is cobble stone, I found a photo after we expanded the driveway, and Jay was able to match the existing design and colors.
bobeaston
07-03-2023, 04:29 AM
Liquid Floors (https://liquidfloorsusa.com/) - for both the garage and the lanai.
Liquid Floors is a polyaspartic coating that is tougher than epoxy. I had epoxy on my garage floor up north and found it fading, deteriorating, and absorbing stains after a few years. The polyaspartic coating is applied after a base coat and a color speckle layer. It has a tough, glossy, plastic surface that we have yet to damage after 2 years. Our son, in Minnesota has had this coating on his garage floors 5-6 years and they still look new.
Yes, it is slippery when wet, but you know that and walk on it accordingly.
Liquid Floors is a franchise business which will connect you with a local installer. Ours (name forgotten) was very professional in both management and the people who did the work. We're very pleased.
Pictures here (https://liquidfloorsusa.com/floor-coatings/residential/), and yes the real world results look just like the product gallery.
NoMo50
07-03-2023, 04:34 AM
Another vote for Driveways by Jay. They do a tremendous job of prepping the surfaces, and applying the finish. The man is an artist, and the material he uses includes UV inhibitors and does not require a sealer topcoat...hence no periodic resealing. We were, and have been, very happy with his work.
jamorela
07-03-2023, 05:06 AM
I have Chattahoochi River Rock. Who do you use to stain it? If you do it yourself, what sealant do you use? I only found it Home Depot.
jphank
07-03-2023, 05:49 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
Talk to Sherwin Williams about XYLENE. Not a paint, it's a concrete stain. It's Very resilient. Toxic and fussy to apply but great results. They can recommend a contractor.
JamesLove
07-03-2023, 05:52 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
I slipped and twisted my knee in a spot of water on my epoxied garage floor.
Veracity
07-03-2023, 05:57 AM
Apparently the previous owner of CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERROCK passed away (motorcycle accident) and his brother has restarted the business. If interested in this product, here is the link to his website:
Home | Allums Chattahoochee Riverrock (https://www.allumsriverrock.com/)
banjobob
07-03-2023, 06:23 AM
We had concrete stain applied to our patio 6 years ago reseal every 5 years will. last over 20 years if sealed every 5 years we had the same stain on our birdcage floor . Love it. Concreations did the work ,I recommend them, vast selection of colors and styles to choose.
rsmurano
07-03-2023, 06:36 AM
Personally I would not have my driveway or lanai painted. Have you been on either of these surfaces when wet? It’s like an ice skating ring. Some look great, but too dangerous. I’ve slipped on my buddies driveway and I know homeowners that have slipped. I’m building a birdcage now for a hot tub and going to use Trex or timber tech wood flooring with a little roughness.
ohio tim
07-03-2023, 07:30 AM
We had our driveway and Lani stained recently by Creative Concrete. They can make it look like anything you want.
Cliff the owner comes highly recommended on TOTV.
RCJ
Have used Cliff on two driveways and very pleased
Michael 61
07-03-2023, 07:33 AM
Have used Cliff on two driveways and very pleased
Thanks - I think I’ll be going with Cliff.
Lisajean
07-03-2023, 07:45 AM
We just had our garage and birdcage done with this and are very happy. Innovative Concrete Coatings, The Villages. John was great to work with
Bhighley
07-03-2023, 07:49 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
Give cool-deck a look.
villagetinker
07-03-2023, 09:01 AM
Personally I would not have my driveway or lanai painted. Have you been on either of these surfaces when wet? It’s like an ice skating ring. Some look great, but too dangerous. I’ve slipped on my buddies driveway and I know homeowners that have slipped. I’m building a birdcage now for a hot tub and going to use Trex or timber tech wood flooring with a little roughness.
The final coat needs to have an anti-slip additive like shark grip added, this will give you a non slip surface when the area is wet. All of our painted/stained have this added to the coating, and no slipping at all.
Lancer
07-03-2023, 09:37 AM
I am getting some very contradictory advice from a few contractors on what I should do to my birdcage flooring. I just recently added a birdcage to the side of my home and was ready to put down epoxy from the same company that did the epoxy to my garage floor. I have been told now by two contractors not to do so, as it won’t hold up well in a few years, since it is exposed to rain and the elements. I am going to stain my driveway later this month, and one contractor recommended I just carry that stain and design into my birdcage, as it will last much longer with less upkeep/care than if I put down epoxy that he said will chip and discolor in a few short years.
I am interested in what other TOTV villagers have done that have a birdcage with a floor that is exposed to rain.
As usual, thanks for your helpful advice.
We put in tile that matches the tile in our home.
sharonfaile
07-03-2023, 12:29 PM
We had epoxy garage floor, lanai floor, and driveway done 3 years ago... garage floor is fine as long as no water gets on it from wet car.. then it's very slippery.
Lanai floor.. under roof and next to pool deck is beautiful.. but DON'T WALK from pool into lanai.. or you are in danger of falling... very slippery especially with wet feet. Driveway is DANGEROUSLY slippery.. especially when wet .
Driveway is flaking up and surface material is cracking. We are about to spend thousands of dollars to have epoxy grinded off the driveway and lanai floors and new textured surfaces installed.
Nana2Teddy
07-03-2023, 01:39 PM
Personally I would not have my driveway or lanai painted. Have you been on either of these surfaces when wet? It’s like an ice skating ring. Some look great, but too dangerous. I’ve slipped on my buddies driveway and I know homeowners that have slipped. I’m building a birdcage now for a hot tub and going to use Trex or timber tech wood flooring with a little roughness.
We were considering carrying the LVP flooring we had installed in our home out into the lanai. Will look at Trex and Timber Tech. Thx!
Nana2Teddy
07-03-2023, 01:42 PM
Thanks - I think I’ll be going with Cliff.
What did you base your decision on after all of these recommendations? I’m a bit overwhelmed myself. 🤪
Michael 61
07-03-2023, 01:47 PM
What did you base your decision on after all of these recommendations? I’m a bit overwhelmed myself. 🤪
Cliff gave me quite a few homes he has done to take a look at - I was impressed with all of them.
villagetinker
07-03-2023, 04:47 PM
We were considering carrying the LVP flooring we had installed in our home out into the lanai. Will look in Trex and Timber Tech. Thx!
Please contact the manufacturer about your plan, I was considering the same thing, and was told the product would not stand up to the expected sunlight and would probably fade. We went with tile.
RCJ61
07-03-2023, 05:14 PM
Cliff gave me quite a few homes he has done to take a look at - I was impressed with all of them.
Cliff did a great job, at a reasonable price. Comes in an gets it done.
tophcfa
07-03-2023, 08:38 PM
T&D used TropiCrete premium 100% acrylic deck coating on our birdcage pool deck. It has held up extremely well for 6 years and still looks great. It can be purchased at Florida Paints, which is located behind Culver’s off of 466.
huge-pigeons
07-04-2023, 04:53 AM
If you have a circular saw, look into getting composite wood squares with built in plastic bottoms that click in place. Composite wood will last you 25 years, the plastic bottom gets the wood off the concrete, the texture is a little rough for less slippage, no need for maintenance. It will probably cost you much less than getting it painted, will be less costly each year, and imo better looking with wood grain looks.
Check these out, I’m putting this type of floor down in my lanai that is screened in:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/famobay-Composite-Interlocking-Waterproof-Anti-Termite/dp/B097P5QDKJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-5&th=1)
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Goovilla-Interlocking-Waterproof-Flooring-Poolside/dp/B0BPS1KHQT/ref=sr_1_34?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-34&th=1)
Or even using real wood with yearly maintenance of having to roll on a clear coat:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Interlocking-Flooring-Outdoor-Waterproof-Slat-Natural/dp/B08Q82ZQCX/ref=sr_1_35?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-35&th=1)
Btsmith
07-04-2023, 06:39 AM
Who did your tile? Thanks
DonnaNi4os
07-04-2023, 06:55 AM
I have a friend who swears by Chattahoochee River rock. It is used in sections of Sumter Landing. The water goes through it but it is stationary (not rocks that you might put in your yard) and is quite attractive It will certainly hold up under all kinds of weather. Good luck in whatever you decide.
MacScuba
07-04-2023, 07:04 AM
Premium Surfaces. Crushed quartz over paint. Less slippery. Looks great.
PREMIUM SURFACES - Premium Surfaces Lanai & Driveway Central Florida, Family Owned and Operated. Proudly serving the Villages (https://premiumsurfaces.weebly.com/)
Nana2Teddy
07-04-2023, 08:05 AM
Cliff gave me quite a few homes he has done to take a look at - I was impressed with all of them.
Thank you!
villagetinker
07-04-2023, 08:22 AM
Who did your tile? Thanks
I think you were asking me about the tile, I did it myself, and probably saved $2000 or more.
Mcnuke
07-04-2023, 10:40 AM
We just had our garage and birdcage done with this and are very happy. Innovative Concrete Coatings, The Villages. John was great to work with
They (Innovative Concrete coatings) are doing my Birdcage/Lanai & front porch areas.
Moving out the patio furniture now. Couldn’t pick a Hotter day. 🥵
bsouthworth47@yahoo.com
07-04-2023, 12:27 PM
If you slipped on your friends driveway whoever did their driveway didn't do a very good job. I have had 3 driveways done and none of them were slippery.
ron32162
07-04-2023, 12:37 PM
I noticed alot of people suggested chattahoochee river rock. DON'T unless you want a lot of upkeep . It HAS to be resealed every year and in between the stones gets mold BUT they say don no use a pressure washer on it. I have had it with my last home not good. Epoxy flooring not good for outside or patio it will chip and look bad after a few years and Very expensive to fix later on. Use concrete stain/ stamped concrete, lots of designs colors and patterns and looks like a million dollar look when applied by a professional the best for Florida weather .
thelegges
07-04-2023, 03:51 PM
I noticed alot of people suggested chattahoochee river rock. DON'T unless you want a lot of upkeep . It HAS to be resealed every year and in between the stones gets mold BUT they say don no use a pressure washer on it. I have had it with my last home not good. Epoxy flooring not good for outside or patio it will chip and look bad after a few years and Very expensive to fix later on. Use concrete stain/ stamped concrete, lots of designs colors and patterns and looks like a million dollar look when applied by a professional the best for Florida weather .
Didn’t reseal our for 5 years, never had mold, just hosed off every once in awhile. Thirteen years later looks as good as the day Matt did the work
Battlebasset
07-05-2023, 03:40 PM
If you have a circular saw, look into getting composite wood squares with built in plastic bottoms that click in place. Composite wood will last you 25 years, the plastic bottom gets the wood off the concrete, the texture is a little rough for less slippage, no need for maintenance. It will probably cost you much less than getting it painted, will be less costly each year, and imo better looking with wood grain looks.
Check these out, I’m putting this type of floor down in my lanai that is screened in:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/famobay-Composite-Interlocking-Waterproof-Anti-Termite/dp/B097P5QDKJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-5&th=1)
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Goovilla-Interlocking-Waterproof-Flooring-Poolside/dp/B0BPS1KHQT/ref=sr_1_34?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-34&th=1)
Or even using real wood with yearly maintenance of having to roll on a clear coat:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Interlocking-Flooring-Outdoor-Waterproof-Slat-Natural/dp/B08Q82ZQCX/ref=sr_1_35?crid=WOA5NM4PQGAZ&keywords=Composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles&qid=1688463682&sprefix=composite%2Bwood%2Bdeck%2Btiles%2Caps%2C10 3&sr=8-35&th=1)
I've thought about this as well, after hearing about the issues with epoxy and the cost of tile. I like the DIY aspect.
My concern was with spilling something on it (like food) that went below the tiles. Water isn't an issue, it dries, but something like grease or soda/beer is going to smell and draw ants/insects. How are you addressing that? Hosing it down won't fully remove any food particles that are captured by the bottom rail of the lanai?
mikeycereal
07-20-2023, 04:33 AM
They (Innovative Concrete coatings) are doing my Birdcage/Lanai & front porch areas.
Moving out the patio furniture now. Couldn’t pick a Hotter day. ������
Looks a lot like the part of my home that I'm caging, except I'm not getting the cage past my bedroom windows to the end of the house. Just the concrete there. My cage will stop to where your broom is, with screen door on that side. I also chose the white like you have rather than the bronze.
The look we have is cobble stone, I found a photo after we expanded the driveway, and Jay was able to match the existing design and colors.
Looks great, Tinker. I also like the line of bricks along the edge to keep the grass off the driveway. I see all kinds of stuff I like when looking at other's beautiful yards.
T&D used TropiCrete premium 100% acrylic deck coating on our birdcage pool deck. It has held up extremely well for 6 years and still looks great. It can be purchased at Florida Paints, which is located behind Culver’s off of 466.
This is very helpful, as I have T & D starting my cage next week and the foreman recommended acrylic so the rain won't pool up around the cage. On the other hand my sister did not use acrylic, she had gone with another company 2 years ago, and chose to DIY with a medium tan paint and it looks great. I haven't heard her mention any water pooling, probably because hers has a roof over everything. Mine will be 2/3 exposed, similar to Mcnuke but just 9ft straight back.
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