JJ1

Sorry for the hyjack. As you can see I have been labeled a 'newbie' & need to brush up on my manners. My local tile 'experts' are telling me to get busy laying the tile directly on the concrete. The home is 10+ years old & what few cracks are there are very minor... 1/8'' in width or less. None of which have any signs of verticle heave. I was concerned & inquired with several about using a membrane product to cover the length of cracks. They all said the same...'don't waste your time'. I want to do it right....home owner on the other hand is more of a risk taker. He is not concerned with the potential for movent that could damage the tile. The slab was poured over a plastic vapor barrier. I assume this minimizes the risk for moisture moving upward. I am also planning to use modified thin set with the porcelin tiles. It is my understanding that this combination is what you would even use in outdoor applications.
I did look at the Dirta product on-line & see clearly how it will take away all the worries. This would double the expense to the home owner I'm sure. I'd call it a solid insuranse policy. Thanks again for the input, J.J.
By the way, what are your cradentials? I am also looking forward to here BUD CLINE'S (Tile Guy) opinion.

JJ1

If it were my chose I would go with the concrete makeover. I have seen many commercial buildings with polished, stained & sealed concrete..... absolutely amazing. It's safe to assume that the wearabilty & low maintenance get high marks. In this case the home owner is gonna have their tile. Thanks, J.J.

2249diy

Does anyone have any suggestions how I would find someone in my area to grind my uneven concrete or micro plane it for stain preparation?

Bob Mariani

Check the listing at http://www.concretenetwork.com/?p=Websites

yesitsconcrete

part of the allure of acid-stain'd conc IS the antique look post-stain & seal'd w/a good sealer,,, IF you need to ' sand ' the floor, do it all w/clark oscillating machine,,, tsp & blk pad on a lo-rpm buffer to clean up prior to acid.

you might be able to find a guy who's grinding & polishing but i'd bet the min charge's $1,500,,, even tho its my work, i won't have my conc done at that price,,, just acid & sealer