Terrazzo has been making its way back into the designer realm and its safe to say that it is here to stay! With new technologies of using epoxy resin, terrazzo gives us the opportunity to work with a plethora of designs. Gulf Trading FZE was given the task of creating aesthetically pleasing sculptures using epoxy terrazzo. The result? White base with red, yellow & grey aggregates that showcase beauty & elegance with a touch of modernism. A highly instagramable café, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai at Emaar Boulevard, where the wall cladding, table, floor & counter have been made using epoxy terrazzo. Why Go With Terrazzo? Not only is it easily customizable with huge selection of colors and aggregates but it also is incredibly easy to clean which is such a big plus for owners of the facility. Let’s take a look at why Gulf Trading’s epoxy terrazzo is sought after by the architects and designers. Aesthetics – Our policy is to never say ‘It’s impossible’ to an architect. We strive for excellence and materialize it by bringing the floor to life. The great thing about terrazzo is that design possibilities are unlimited with many color ranges and aggregates at your disposal. Ease of clean- Terrazzo is a non-porous material with anti-microbial growth properties and it does not accumulate moisture making it highly resistant to stains. Thus, terrazzo only requires less maintenance without the need for harsh chemicals. Eco friendly –Unlike other flooring options that end up in landfill, terrazzo easily lasts for hundreds of years which is very unlikely it will end up in one. Plus some terrazzo material can be made with post consumer and recycled content. Key Benefits Customized designs Low maintenance Extremely durable Retains quality with age Weather adaptable – It has withstood the test of time in both extreme and harsh conditions Supports green building requirement Justifiable cost For more information related to Terrazzo, please fill the below form so that our experts can get in touch with you.

What is Terrazzo? Terrazzo is one of the oldest materials used for flooring and dates back to 8000-7000 BC, Turkey. It is a composite material that consists of chips of marbles, granite, glass, shells, and other such materials, which is bound together by either epoxy or cement. Widely, terrazzo is used for flooring purposes, especially in commercial and institutional spaces for its customizable design possibilities, durability and easy maintenance. Recently, however, people have started incorporating terrazzo into their home interiors in a variety of creative ways. Here are a few ways in which terrazzo inside homes will simply take your breath away. Terrazzo Dining Table A terrazzo dining table gives the ultimate feel of luxury and can be customized to any color to give your dining room the perfect oomph. This idea can also be used commercially in high-end restaurants for an elegant and contemporary feel. Kitchen countertops/slabs and kitchen islands Terrazzo is highly heat resistant, durable, long lasting and easy to maintain, which is why it is perfect for kitchen islands and countertops. Another great advantage of using terrazzo is that it is eco-friendly as it is made mostly of recycled material. Moreover, terrazzo is classic and timeless and comes in a variety of bold and beautiful colors. Terrazzo backsplash Terrazzo used in kitchen backsplashes look amazing and are also heat resistant, easy to clean and maintain. Terrazzo is also used in bathrooms as countertops and backsplashes giving it an elegant and sophisticated look. Terrazzo staircase As terrazzo is highly durable, water resistant and can be made non-slippery by using the right coating, it is an excellent choice for staircases, for both commercial and residential use. Terrazzo coffee table To add a more unique and quirky touch to your home or office, a terrazzo coffee table is the perfect item. It can be made in any design and color combination to suit your interior. What was once considered a meager alternative to marble, terrazzo has evolved into a very versatile material demanded by consumers in every field of architecture and design.

Are you in the market for polished concrete? Looking for a cheap solution? Just hold it right there! Do not be in a rush to quickly find the lowest prices. Not until we have explained what the pitfalls of going with a cheaper polished concrete are. Us contractors are sometimes baffled by some of the low ball rates and downright cheap prices other contractors offer for polished concrete. We are left to wonder how is that even possible? Are they cutting corners? Using inferior products? Or are just simply more efficient? Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect polished concrete floor cost and also discuss if there are ways of cutting corners or tweaking procedures. To once and for all discuss if there is any such thing as cheap polished concrete floor. It goes without saying that polished concrete is extremely labor intensive job. The industry is largely unregulated and we can say this from experience that not all the concrete polishing tools are the same. In order to create an aesthetically pleasing polished concrete, the process and all of its intricacies needs to be given its due diligence. There are no shortcuts. A-grade professional tools, chemicals, concrete grinders and machinery costs are too often quite high. That, coupled with the fact that the whole process takes a long time is the reason why the cost of installing polished concrete comes high. There is no real way of saving money in this process unless we leave parts of it out. Think of it this way. You expected to save a good amount by cutting corners in the installation procedure & what is the usual result of that? The polished concrete loses its shine in a couple of months or it is too porous to use. If it requires replacing or redoing in 6 months’ then you have not saved your money but in fact the opposite as a well installed polished concrete is one of the most durable flooring options out there in the market that easily lasts many years. Before we dive in further, we need to point it out that polished concrete flooring isn’t an overly expensive if we compare it to other flooring options such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile & parquet flooring. Let’s now dig deep in this topic and look at the process of going about with a polished concrete flooring and what you should ask your concrete contractor before you start the installation. Our polished concrete works in UAE have multiple variations for our customers. What is polished concrete & how is it achieved? Polished concrete floors are made by a mechanical process of both grinding and polishing then proceeding to apply sealants and lithium densifier. This is time taking process which requires specialized tools & equipment. How to make polished concrete? Polished concrete look is obtained through working thoroughly on the surface. There are many ways to bringing this surface effect & give it a polishing. However whatever method is chosen, the ways to go about it is usually the same: Grinding Process – For polishing concrete surfaces, grinding machines are deployed at site and are equipped with diamond segmented abrasives. The machines help to grind down concrete surface till the shine & smoothness of the floor is achieved.  As the grinding proceeds, so does the usage of finer-grits. Grit is the particle size of the diamond. Most of the grinding process starts from value of less than 100. Concrete Polishing Methods – The concrete can be polished in 2 different methods: Wet Method – During the grinding process, water is used to cool the diamond abrasives. This results in less dust during polishing process. This also reduces friction and the water acts as a lubricant, thus increasing the life of polished concrete flooring. Dry Method – No water is used during this process. The dust gathered from this method is vacuumed and this clears the mess along with this process. The dry method is used in industrial applications as this is more convenient, fast & environmentally friendly. We have often seen it many a times with our clients where other flooring contractors have done an incomplete or poor job just to save a few bucks. They have done this by jumping through the grits to save time and effort, leaving behind scratches that are unsightly and unattractive. You will need to use diamond tools of good quality to grind, hone and polish the concrete you will also need to chemically treat the slab with a concrete densifier and once all process has been completed, seal the concrete flooring with a stain guard. The initial concrete has to be poured correctly and laid out well in order to carry out the polishing procedure. We work closely with our clients to select best screed in UAE. Due diligence in choosing your contractor The contracting industry is largely unregulated and with it comes a variety of contractors mostly in the lower side of the spectrum that charge low and in turn offer poor performance. We urge clients to select contractors based on the experience and number of projects carried out. Going through their website is crucial and making sure to visit the projects that are stated in the website. Usually most companies just add the names without showing the pictures of the site which should serve as a red flag. It is imperative that a concrete polished offers some kind of after service and provides a maintenance manual and how to get the most of your floor going forward. They should also be involved with the laying down of concrete and the correct grade that is being laid down to ensure that is the floor you would want. Importance of diamond tools Diamond tools are the main and if not the most important tools when it comes to grinding, honing or polishing the concrete surface. We have come across many problems with the diamonds in this industry and the main

There are certain things which you should never compromise on: dental work, tattoos & quality flooring. One question that often comes to us is if polished concrete is expensive. And to be honest, it does look expensive given the final finish & look you can achieve from it. No wonder, the general public is skeptical about installing polished concrete. In the long run however, polished concrete stands on top due to its longevity & durability, making it more affordable than its counterparts. Here is why the investment is worth it. Choose the finish based on your budget The great thing about polished concrete is that you can achieve this finish in a number of different ways taking consideration of the final finish also your budget. For all polished concrete floors, the price heavily depends on the level of grinding. A heavy grinding results in a higher price vice-versa a light grind will be more economically viable & will give a nice looking polished finish. However, like we said before the possibilities are endless and you can use colored or decorative concrete mix, then you will have to grind the surface more to expose the aggregates. Grind & Seal Concrete Floors One of the simplest methods of polished concrete is the grind & seal method, where the surface is light grinded and a topical sealer is applied on top of it. However, unlike polished concrete, the surface is not mechanically polished with a polishing machine but the look can still be achieved to a certain extent, making it a more affordable option. Even though it’s more durable than other flooring alternatives, the cost of maintenance on this usually high as the sealer sits on top of the floor. With the passing of time, the sealer is usually worn off quite fast & the cost of regularly sealing the floor builds up over time. Honed Concrete Floors This method involves more grinding down the surface to reveal the aggregates and using different levels of diamond grit to achieve a shiny finish. It is then sealed with a penetrating sealer to protect the surface. This method can withstand more heavy traffic as the sealer is penetrated within the concrete & bonded well with it. It is a more affordable option than polished concrete. Mechanically Polished Concrete Floors Then finally there is original polished concrete. Not only unbeatable in looks and finish but also stands out in terms of durability. This is a designer’s favorite. Mechanical polishing involves grinding, honing and polishing the surface using different levels of diamond-bonded abrasives before applying a lithium densifier onto the surface. Due to such extensive grinding, honing, polishing & to top it off with a chemical hardener, mechanical method of polished concrete makes it extremely hard-wearing & durable. The toughness of this product is exceptional & can last for long periods of time with minimal maintenance. Moreover, there is a plethora of options available in this range by customizing the colors, aggregate exposure, gloss level. The floor is your canvas. But each decision will have various costs associated with it. Polished Concrete Lifetime Value When comparing this sort of flooring with other materials, you need to think in terms of value & not cost. When it comes to looks, longevity & durability, this sort of flooring has it all. We look more into why going forward with this option is better. Polished concrete will not go out of style Just the aesthetics of this flooring is a give away of its sheer brilliance. This has been sought after by interior designers and architects. Vinyl floors, stained carpet, tacky tiles? No thanks. Polished concrete is an option which can go well with a majority of designs & fashion forward styling choices. There is a reason why some of best restaurants & cafes in Dubai & Abu Dhabi have chosen this sort of floor finish. Polished concrete is long lasting with minimal maintenance The durability & longevity of this product is like none other. This is where value is the highlight of the product. Since concrete is a tough & sturdy material as this is used in supermarkets and factories, a polished concrete gives it the appealing look along with the toughness & if properly maintained this product can last for hundreds of years. Big savings on heating & cooling It has the ability to absorb & store heat & release it slowly. Polished concrete is a more sustainable & environmentally friendly option, making buildings more energy efficient & saving you money on your heating & cooling bills. Get a polished concrete designed by experts If you have an upcoming F&B, hospitality, commercial or residential project where a seamless raw concrete look is what you are looking to achieve, then get in touch with our team who will guide you on all different finishes you can achieve, in what range & the project timelines.

Interior design is a tricky space. From the colors of the walls to the durability of the floor, there are several factors to consider, especially when interiors play a major role into the overall customer experience. With shopping centers focusing heavily on aesthetics, supermarkets usually mix the decorative with the durable factor in order to maintain a hygienic and serviceable environment. What one needs to consider and give the most thought is the high footfall & come up with a robust solution that factors in design & creativity. However for supermarkets, it is not just footfall but also wheeled trolleys, exposure to spillages as well as organic acids that can corrode the floor along with scuff marks on the floor from the shelving. When it comes to flooring for supermarket, one size does not fit all, but it will actually save you money to select a flooring option that will be a perfect fit for that specific application. Let’s look at each specific section and which flooring would be suitable for that area: Main Concourse For this specific area, a hardwearing acrylic based system or epoxy resin would work well thanks to its durability and robustness. The best part is that there are designer options to choose from which gives it a pleasant aesthetic appeal. Checkout Area Places like checkout areas or other places in a supermarket where the customer soaks up the environment, a pleasant looking flooring is a great option to choose. This is where resin floors can be used such as decorative polyurethane or epoxy floors. Different color shades can be added and with a seamless finish and zero joints, the floor will be aesthetically pleasing whilst still being quite durable. For flooring that is more decorative, epoxy terrazzo can be used for places such as cafes, lunch spots or coffee shops. Storage Back of house areas require flooring that is much more durable and also that can withstand heavy weights. It need not necessarily be used for decorative purpose. Thus epoxy and pu screed can be done in such areas which is more chemical resistant. Easy to clean Resin floors for supermarkets is no doubt the best option as more and more designers are foregoing the use of ceramics and porcelain and shifting towards resin floors because of its robust nature along with decorative capabilities. The anti-microbial nature of resin floors makes it the ideal option to use in supermarket. For further consultation from our team, please feel free to get in touch with us. Share your thoughts on some of your projects by using resin floors for different areas.

Micro-topping is a cementitious compound that is designed to create a smooth, tight troweled finish on the interior concrete surface that gives you a new canvas for decorative concrete floors. You can use micro-topping over interior surfaces such as indoor concrete, hotels, plazas, shopping centers, museums, garages, and offices, etc. Our company is offering you this unique design with our expert team that promises you to give your home or office a modern, stylish look. The following article revolves around the micro-topping service that our expert team provided to a Rain Cafe.  Process of Micro-topping Before starting the process of micro-topping in the cafeteria, our team verified that the surface is clean and free of debris. Because the surface must be clean, so there is no hurdle between bonding. So, our team cleaned that with water, acid, and detergent to remove all the residues of chemicals and traces of concrete. Sometimes a particular product is also used before micro-topping for the cleaning process.  It is incredibly significant to fill all the cracks, holes, and irregularities on the surface before applying the micro-topping layer. So, our team checked and filled all the irregularities on the surface and leveled it by self-leveling compounds. It is also essential to keep in mind the temperature in which the micro-topping layer should be applied. Our team applies the product on the floor between 10 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius. It ensures the proper bonding of the compound with the surface because very high temperatures can affect the process of bonding. They also sprinkle some water to maintain the temperature. Using the mixing drill, our team mixed the water with Decorkrete (the micro-topping material). This mixture should contain the proper amount of water and Decorkrete that our expert team knows for good bonding. Then our team sprinkled some water on the surface and started applying the mixture with the help of screed (a tool). The first time they applied a sufficient amount of mixture to cover the concrete surface. And when that mixture dried, they recoated it five times. With each coat, the surface started becoming smooth and durable. The whole process is done keeping in mind the weather conditions because high heat and humidity accelerate the setting time of the mixture. As a final step, the color was applied to give the cafeteria a modern and unique look, as you can see the pictures. Benefits of Micro-topping The following are some of the benefits of micro-topping that provide you a durable finish surface. It’s easy to apply, and there is no need for additional additives. There is a vast design versatility of micro-topping, and you can use it on floors, walls, bathrooms, and shelves with the design and color of your choice. Micro-topping is made with natural components and provides you protection as they are strong but durable.  It is easy to maintain and clean. You have to be careful for one week, so its pores close. You can wash it with water or neutral detergent simply.  You can change its color and renew it easily. This is an excellent advantage for those who love to play with color schemes. The most popular color is grey. Microtopping is highly resistant to heat, so you can easily use it in the kitchen. It is more resistant to any other typical floor resin.