How can I update a flagstone floor entryway?

Question

My house was built in the early 70's, and I have a 4' x 5' flagstone floor entryway. It was ok back then, but now I am really starting to dislike it a whole lot! We are getting new carpeting soon, but I don't want to put carpeting over it because it gets wet sometimes, especially in the winter from snow. I would love some suggestions, especially from anyone who has actually experience with flagstone.

Leslie · Answer

You do not say or give a picture of the flagstone color.   You can always 'whitewash' it .   You can learn how by Googling 'how to'.  The other suggestion is to make a cement floor over the flagstone.   Some of the cement floors I have seen are beautiful.   You can do yourself or have someone do it.  If you tackle this project yourself just do your research.  Make sure if you have someone do this they know what they are doing and can guide you to choosing color combos etc.  Good luck.

William · Answer

Depending on the color of the carpeting you will installing. You can get light and dark shades of paint matching the carpet. Use a sponge painting technique to paint the flagstone with the different shades. By using different shades of color, it will blend in with the carpeting and not stand out as much. Seal with several coats of Minwax Polycrylic. Comes in satin, semi gloss and gloss. A satin finish would look good.

Sue Harviel · Answer

Painting the flagstone or doing a concrete overlay both sound like the thing to do.  I will warn you on one thing, if you choose the concrete overlay technique be very very diligent about your prep work.  No matter how awesome your concrete overlay turns out, if you don't prep it well, it will soon crack and/or warp.  If a flat concrete finish isn't your thing, try pressing things into the wet concrete to give it more texture.  You can press fern leaves, oak tree leaves, flowers to give it a design.  You can take a chopstick & mark lines throughout which will give it a brick or subway tile effect.  You can also dye the concrete to make it whatever color you want rather than that tired old concrete gray.  You can  imbed items into the wet concrete.  It can be personal items such as shells or nice stones that you picked up on vacation or maybe get some brightly colored glass beads at the hobby store.  Whatever you choose to do with the concrete, make certain to seal it well once you've finished.  Concrete is pretty forgiving so once you do your design, if you aren't thrilled with it, then (while the concrete is still wet) just smooth the wet cement out again and start over.

Gma Kirk · Answer

If you really want to be rid of it, just break it out with mallet and chisels, etc, and replace it with a tile you like. There are many options. One that looks like wood can give you a totally new look while still being easy care for an entry way that catches moisture frequently.

IFortuna · Answer

I am with Gma Kirk on this.  Sledge hammer, crowbar are my tools for bringing up a floor.  A mask and eye protection should be used.  If you keep stacking layer upon layer over a floor, pretty soon you will not be able to open the door.  Sometimes you just have to start over.  There are new tiles that look like wood.  These might be nice because you mentioned the floors may get wet.  These new tiles look great and will update your entry way.====If you have a pier and beam foundation, you may want to get a professional in.  Pier and beam shift and may cause cracks in certain types of flooring.======Engineered wood is pretty good because it will flex some but may also bubble or bulge.  It is pretty good with water if installed properly and it is very durable.  Even dog nails are not a problem. : )

Sarah A. Victory · Answer

I have had large commercial tiles put in my entry way  and that seemed to work well. When I have had Oak floor foyers I use an entry throw rug. There are lots of resources out there ---make sure you like the entry area, no matter what you choose.

Jane · Answer

Ahhh..flagstone.  I love flagstone!   I would embrace it...use a beautiful rug to change the look...but never remove or cover it with cement.   You can also change the grout color for a fresh look.

Harmony4u · Answer

If you really want to change the look , get the area epoxyed  with specs  and color of the choice.  harmony

Sue Harviel · Answer

I would recommend a good concrete primer and then a good quality concrete paint.  Tip:  You can fill in the spaces between the flagstone with grout which will give it a smooth surface to paint.  Once painted, it will mimic the look of a concrete overlay.  Have fun with it!

Lady Di · Answer

What type of grout should I use between the flagstones. What is there now is chipped and dirty.

How can I update a flagstone floor entryway?

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How can I update a flagstone floor entryway?

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