[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO Intro from META DESCRIPTION” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Looking for a way to make unsightly floors pretty? You can easily paint concrete floors with old European flair. Keep reading to see how we saved hundreds of dollars with this DIY project!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Wide-angle-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Wide angle” admin_label=”IMG wide angle room 1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I have always loved the vintage European look, so when we decided to turn part of our garage into a home office, I decided it was the perfect chance to add a classic checkerboard pattern. \u00a0Checkerboard flooring is timeless<\/strong> and has been around in the design world for many decades, even a popular choice in the gilded age! \u00a0In modern design, it is a flooring style used by designers like Shea McGee.<\/p>\n Now, our garage-turned-office isn’t that fancy and we tried to complete this renovation on a reasonable budget. \u00a0One way I knew we could save hundreds of dollars was with the flooring.<\/strong> \u00a0In addition, it would be a fun chance to try something different with the checkerboard pattern I love!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We have painted concrete before and you can see our big driveway project HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0I was confident that painting the concrete would be a durable choice. \u00a0Similarly, to paint concrete floors would save us a lot of money too!<\/p>\n However, you know I will never lie to you. \u00a0<\/em>The checkerboard pattern was a whole beast of its own.<\/strong> \u00a0To be honest, I would have given up, but my husband was determined to conquer the confusion.<\/p>\n The good news is that he is going to write the “how to” part of this post with all the details you need to make this project\u00a0much more simple<\/em>. \u00a0He did the trial and error<\/strong>, so you can just confidently follow his directions for your own checkerboard flooring!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_3890-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_3890″ admin_label=”IMG of close up 1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After reading many tutorials, watching videos, and experimenting, he figured out a formula that actually works and takes you from the very start to the finish. \u00a0After that, it just took some time and elbow grease. \u00a0He will give you all the details but we want you to know a few things:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I’m going to turn this blog post over to Robb. \u00a0My brain loves the creative part but not necessarily the fine details. \u00a0However, he is going to break this down to make it easy to understand and easy for you to create your own beautiful floors!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you don’t want a checkerboard patter but still plan to paint concrete floors, this post is also for you. No matter the color or pattern, he has some great tips for to paint concrete floors in a way that will last you for many years!<\/p>\n Take it away, Robb!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IMG_3899-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_3899″ admin_label=”IMG of Robb painting” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Materials ” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0305-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0305″ admin_label=”IMG of materials” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step One: Prep” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Robb here.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Prep work might be the most important step.\u00a0 Let me say it again:\u00a0 Prep work might be the most important step!<\/strong>\u00a0 The concrete needs to be clean & any stains or residues treated.\u00a0<\/p>\n So the floor we painted had been a garage floor & it showed!\u00a0 It was full of spills, knicks & stains.\u00a0<\/p>\n For any of the sticky spills that hadn’t seeped into the fllor, I used cheap dollar store oven cleaner.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0296-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0296″ admin_label=”IMG of Prep” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step One: Prep Continued” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While the oven cleaner worked great for any surface stickiness, also make sure you treat any greasy spots with a de-greaser.\u00a0 I “did”, but not well enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n Paint\/coatings do not adhere well to these surfaces, so any time spent here is well worth it.\u00a0 (Ask me how I know!)<\/p>\n Tip:\u00a0<\/strong> Clean, De-grease, Rinse, Repeat.\u00a0 You won’t be sorry!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0291-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0291″ admin_label=”IMG of Prep” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Two: Base Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n And now to the most rewarding step:<\/strong>\u00a0 Adding the base coat.\u00a0 Covering over that old nasty floor with a fresh coating is pretty fun.<\/p>\n Some (maybe obvious!<\/strong>) quick notes about the base coat:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0311-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0311″ admin_label=”IMG of Base Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Two: Base Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0 Don’t be afraid to “overpaint”.\u00a0 It’s MUCH easier to add another coat at this stage than later.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0313-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0313″ admin_label=”IMG of Base Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0315-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0315″ admin_label=”IMG of Base Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step THree MATH” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n At this point, your back probably needs a break.\u00a0 So why not break out the calculator?!?<\/p>\n Yes, this step wasn’t the most exciting for me, either.\u00a0 Especially since I kept making mistakes!\u00a0 So, here are my tips for getting the math right the first time:<\/p>\n Once you have the dimensions of your square, the rest is just elbow grease!<\/p>\n REMEMBER:\u00a0 <\/strong>You are measuring for the diagonal, not the sides!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0335-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0335″ admin_label=”IMG of Math” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Four Template” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This part requires a good plan on your part.\u00a0 And YOU get to decide how exact you want it.<\/strong>\u00a0 Since this was my first time, I tried to be extra careful.<\/p>\n Here’s how I did it, and some ways I WISH I would have done it!<\/p>\n First, using the measurements in step three, cut out a template.<\/strong>\u00a0 I used an old (fairly thick) piece of cardboard, but you could anything that’s fairly rigid.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0342-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0342″ admin_label=”IMG of Cardboard” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Four Template” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Next, mark a line down the center of your room.<\/p>\n I used whatever I had on hand (a measuring tape taped off every couple feet), but I highly recommend buying a chalk line ahead of time.\u00a0 Use this line to base all your patterns from.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0338-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0338″ admin_label=”IMG of Center Line” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Four Template – Taping” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Now, you’re ready to start taping.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The first row for me was the most challenging.\u00a0 I chose to split the first diamond in half on the middle line<\/strong>, because I wanted full diamonds on the edges.\u00a0 You could reverse this, though if you wanted.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n See?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0345-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0345″ admin_label=”IMG of Template Taping” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Four Template – Taping Tips” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A few notes about taping. <\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0373-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0373″ admin_label=”IMG of Template Taping – Pencil Mark” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0346-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0346″ admin_label=”IMG of Template Taping – fFull taped Boxes” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Four Template – Taping Tips” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_3888-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_3888″ admin_label=”IMG of Template Taping – Ex-acto” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0379-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0379″ admin_label=”IMG of Template Taping – Ex-acto” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step FIve – Second Coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once your taping is complete, it’s time to add the second color.\u00a0 Here’s where the little tape markers on the base coat squares work really well.\u00a0 Believe it or not, I didn’t paint any squares the wrong color!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n I uses a small roller to paint the gray.\u00a0 Two coats worked well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0380-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0380″ admin_label=”IMG of second coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_3890-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_3890″ admin_label=”IMG of second coat” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step Six – Removing Tape” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I made tape removal it’s own separate step, because honestly I messed it up & had to touch up some of the paint after the fact!\u00a0 Here’s some tips to make sure you don’t do what I did:<\/p>\n Once the tape was off, Payton helped me gently erase the pencil marks.\u00a0 And that was that!<\/p>\n I hoped I was detailed enough to cover most of your questions, but if I missed something, please let me know below in the comments.\u00a0<\/strong> I would be so happy to thelp!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_0467-scaled.jpg” title_text=”IMG_0467″ admin_label=”IMG of Erasing Pencil Marks” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/vdKtZzE1PX8?feature=share” admin_label=”Pulling up Tape Video” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”wrap up” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It’s me, Robyn, again! \u00a0Robb did an incredible job with the checkerboard painted floors and I am enjoying the office so much!<\/strong> \u00a0This space is right off of our pool, as well, so the durability is especially appreciated. \u00a0I hope this tutorial has given you all the tools you need if you’re wanting to paint concrete floors, and particularly with the checkerboard pattern.<\/p>\n We will be sharing a lot more DIY projects from this garage-turned-office space,<\/strong> but the floors were definitely the most time-consuming, so we are glad they are completed!<\/p>\n Most importantly, we hope you are inspired and that this helps you save some money on your next floor project too!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_5474.jpg” title_text=”IMG_5474″ admin_label=”IMG of finished floor” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Side-angle-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Side angle” admin_label=”IMG of styled room 1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Tablescape-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tablescape” admin_label=”IMG of styled room 2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Follow Me” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I’d love for you to follow me on social media! \u00a0You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram<\/strong><\/a>, Pinterest<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Closing” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blessings,<\/strong><\/p>\nYou Need to Know:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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Ready to get started?<\/em><\/h3>\n
How to Paint Concrete Floors with a Beautiful Checkerboard Pattern<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Materials Needed to Paint Concrete Floors:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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Step One: Prep<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Step Two: Base Coat<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Step Three: Math<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Step Four: Taping<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Step Five: Second Color<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Step Six: Removing Tape<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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