Refresh Worn Concrete with Ardex Overlays in Portland
Tired concrete doesn't always need to be torn out. When the slab underneath is sound, an Ardex overlay system can restore the surface with a fresh finish, decorative detail, or structural durability. Portland Concrete installs Ardex overlays as a certified specialist, handling everything from thin microtoppings for showrooms to stamped finishes for patios and structural resurfacing for high-traffic floors.
A concrete slab that has lost its finish or developed surface wear doesn't automatically need replacement. If the underlying structure is intact, an Ardex overlay can restore appearance and function at a fraction of the cost of tear-out and new pour. Ardex manufactures a full range of overlay products: thin decorative microtoppings for retail and hospitality, polishable overlays for showroom floors, stamped overlays for outdoor hardscape, and structural overlays for industrial and commercial wear.
We install as an Ardex-certified specialist, which means every step follows Ardex protocols. Prep, primer selection, mix ratios, placement technique, and cure schedule all matter. The system warranty is only valid when the installer adheres to these specifications. We deliver to spec and provide warranty documentation at project completion.
We inspect the slab for structural integrity, surface condition, moisture levels, and any cracks or spalls. This assessment determines which Ardex overlay system is appropriate and whether prep work like crack repair or self-leveling is needed first.
Grind and prepare per spec
The concrete surface is diamond-ground to the profile specified by Ardex for the chosen overlay system. Contaminants are removed, cracks are filled with compatible repair material, and the surface is primed with the exact Ardex primer for that system.
Mix, place, and finish the overlay
The Ardex overlay material is mixed to manufacturer ratios and placed at the engineered thickness. Finishing depends on the system: troweled smooth, stamped with pattern, or prepared for polishing.
Cure, seal, and hand off
The overlay cures on the Ardex schedule. Once cured, the matched topcoat or sealer is applied per system specifications. We provide warranty documentation, maintenance instructions, and a timeline for when the surface is ready for use.
Why installer expertise matters
Ardex Overlay Warranty Depends on Spec Compliance
Ardex systems perform as designed only when installed to Ardex specifications. Cutting corners on primer, mixing off-ratio, skipping prep steps, or applying outside the working window all void the warranty and risk premature failure. We follow the spec because that is what makes the overlay system work and last.
Coordinate with Ardex waterproofing membranes if the slab is in a wet environment or below grade. For floors that need additional durability, we can layer other Ardex products into the system. Every project gets a written estimate that spells out the overlay system, thickness, finish, and timeline.
Overlay systems, thickness ranges, warranty and when overlay beats replacement.
When the underlying slab is structurally sound and the surface issues are cosmetic or wear-related. Overlay restores the look and performance at a fraction of replacement cost; structural failure of the slab itself requires replacement.
Ranges widely by system, from very thin decorative microtoppings to substantial structural overlays. The overlay thickness matches the existing-slab condition and the use the resurfaced floor will see.
Yes, Ardex offers polishable and stamped overlay systems. The look is part of the system spec; we agree the look up front and use the matched Ardex product for that finish.
Yes. Ardex warranty applies when installers follow Ardex spec on prep, mix, install and cure. We install to spec and deliver the warranty documentation at handoff.
A few days to a week for most residential or small-commercial projects, with cure before service. Larger or staged projects take longer; the full schedule is in the quote.
Client reviews
What Portland Clients Say About Our Ardex Overlays
Microtopping overlay on a tired commercial entry. Looks brand new, no tear-out, Ardex warranty support. Real value for the right scope.
Z. S5
Property Owner, Portland
★★★★★
Stamped Ardex overlay on a patio that had been considered for replacement. Three years in, holding perfectly. Cost a fraction of replacement and looks better.
Y. S5
Restaurant Owner, Vancouver
★★★★★
They followed Ardex spec exactly, walked us through the warranty documentation at handoff. Other contractors had quoted overlays without mentioning spec compliance. Real expertise.
Q. S5
Retail Manager, Hillsboro
★★★★★
Polishable overlay on a worn showroom floor. Polished to spec, looks like the original slab was never compromised. The Ardex system is what made it possible.
X. S5
Builder, Gresham
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Describe the slab area, the finish you want, and the current surface condition. We will recommend the right Ardex overlay system and provide a written quote.
