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Make Your She-Shed Fun and Low Maintenance with Direct Colors

Attractive, Long Wearing and Easy to Clean Flooring Options

She-sheds as they are called are all the rage these days. She-sheds are essentially outdoor buildings attractively designed as women’s hobby/workspaces – an answer to the “man cave” if you will.

To us, a she-shed should be a place where women can relax in a pleasant environment to do the things they love with minimal chores involved.

As with man caves, many of these buildings utilize decorative concrete floors for ease of clean-up, durability, and just an ounce of flair. Here’s what Direct Colors suggests for those considering a classy yet low-maintenance She-Shed of their own:

She-Shed Concrete Pavers

Integrally Colored Concrete Slabs

Integrally colored concrete slabs are easy and cost effective for the homeowner. Choose a color, add to the concrete mix and pour. Concrete pigment provides a rich, uniform concrete color and there are hundreds of colors to choose from to match your decor.

Because the pigment is added and the finishing completed by the ready mix company or contractor, the homeowner has only one step to prepare the slab for use and that is a concrete sealer. Concrete sealer enhances color, provides protection, and makes clean-up a snap.

Since she-sheds should be fun and not work as much as possible, we recommend applying the Penetrating Lithium Hardener Sealer because it is a quick and easy one-time sealer application. The sealer is sprayed down, squeegeed off to prevent pooling or over-application, and allowed to dry.

24 hours later, we recommend you use a commercial buffer with a scouring pad to remove any excess sealer residue and bring up a light shine. This step can be omitted in areas less than 150 sq. ft.

Once sealed there is no ongoing floor maintenance. No waxing or resealing. Just clean the floor with mild dishwashing soap or water as needed. Keep in mind the floor will have a matte finish rather than a glossy appearance.

If you’re considering a flagstone or stepping stone floor or patio for a she-shed, concrete pigment is by far the best option not only because of the color variety but for the natural stone appearance this option offers.

We have a great step-by-step blog post focusing on integrally coloring and acid staining stepping stones that will be a big help to customers interested in this DIY project.

If you’re considering a flagstone or stepping stone floor or patio for a she-shed, concrete pigment is by far the best option not only because of the color variety but for the natural stone appearance this option offers.

We have a great step-by-step blog post focusing on integrally coloring and acid staining stepping stones that will be a big help to customers interested in this DIY project.

Colored Concrete She-Shed Floor
Colored Concrete She-Shed

Acid Stained Floors

Acid Stained floors provide a one-of-a-kind look for concrete that really no other color option can provide. If you like the marbled look, choose the acid stain to finish the concrete. Acid staining can be done 30 days after the slab has been poured.

The surface should not be heavily machine-troweled for best results. We offer a detailed how-to guide that’s worth reading before even pouring the concrete to minimize potential problems. Acid stain is available in 10 colors. Multiple colors can be used and each stain can be diluted with water to produce color variations. Most small projects can be completed in two days. For a no maintenance finish, choose the Penetrating Lithium Sealer for the floor, or a glossier look select from one of our high gloss sealer products, like Krystal Kote Water Based or AC1315 High Gloss.

Keep in mind that all acrylic sealers applied indoors must be coated with a concrete wax to protect the finish. Most she-sheds would be regarded as low-traffic spaces so the wax need not be reapplied more than 2-3 times a year and likely only in higher traffic areas.

Concrete Acid Stain Color Chart

Concrete Acid Stain Color Chart
Penetrating Concrete Sealer, Hardener & Densifier

Existing or cast flagstones can easily be acid stained as well using either acid stain or deco gel gelled acid stain. Multiple colors can be fun leading up to your she-shed or even on the patio and you have many concrete sealer options to choose from. Patio and walkway flag or stepping stones can be sealed with the Penetrating Lithium Sealer for lifetime matte finish or for something glossy our Sprayable Satin Finish sealer is a safe, attractive alternative for outdoor concrete.

Helpful Project Resources:

Step by step mixing instructions for custom batches, truck pours, pre-bagged ready mix and more!

Step by step surface preparation, acid staining, cleaning and sealing instructions suitable for any concrete flooring, indoors or out, project.

Detailed Application Instructions for Applying the Penetrating Lithium Hardener Sealer. Please Read Carefully as the Technique Differs from Other Sealers.

Application Instructions for All Our Water-Based and Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealers.

Suggested Blog Posts:

Great Tips and Ideas for Successfully Acid Staining Concrete Floors.

Everything You Need to Know and Ask Before Pouring Colored Concrete!

Helpful tips and equipment recommendations on forming up and coloring stepping stones for any project.

Useful Tips on How to Care for Decorative Concrete Floors and Keep Them Looking Their Best.