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Ardex · Overlays

Refresh Worn Concrete with Ardex Overlay Systems

Tired concrete doesn't always need to be torn out. When the slab underneath is sound, an Ardex overlay can restore the surface with a new finish, new color, or new texture in days instead of weeks. Boston Concrete applies Ardex overlays as a certified installer, handling everything from thin decorative microtoppings to structural resurfacing. Call for a free written estimate.

  • Ardex-certified installer
  • No tear-out required
  • Free written estimate, firm timeline

When overlay makes sense

How Ardex Overlays Extend Concrete Life

Concrete that has lost its finish, picked up stains, or developed minor surface wear doesn't need replacement if the slab is still structurally intact. An Ardex overlay system bonds to the existing concrete and creates a new wearing surface with the durability and appearance you want. Ardex manufactures overlays for every scenario: thin decorative microtoppings for showrooms and entries, polishable overlays for retail floors, stamped overlays for patios and hardscape, and structural overlays for heavy-use areas.

The key to a long-lasting overlay is installation that follows Ardex specifications exactly. Prep, primer, mix ratio, placement thickness, and cure schedule all matter. We install as an Ardex-certified contractor, which means the system carries Ardex warranty support and you get the documentation at handoff.

If the slab has structural damage or has settled unevenly, we may recommend Ardex self-leveling underlayment before the overlay, or in some cases, full concrete foundation replacement. Our Ardex repair mortars handle spalls and cracks that need addressing before resurfacing begins.

Recent work
Ardex overlay being applied to existing concrete slab in Boston
Completed Ardex overlay with decorative finish in Boston

Installation sequence

The Ardex Overlay Installation Process

  1. Evaluate the existing slab

    We inspect the concrete for structural integrity, moisture levels, surface contamination, and any cracks or spalls. This assessment determines which Ardex overlay system is right for the job and what prep work is needed.

  2. Prepare per Ardex protocol

    The slab is diamond-ground to the correct profile, cleaned of all contaminants, and any cracks are filled with compatible repair material. The surface is then primed with the Ardex primer specified for the overlay system.

  3. Mix and place the overlay

    Ardex overlay material is mixed to exact manufacturer ratios and poured at the engineered thickness. The surface is finished to the specified look: smooth trowel, polished, stamped, or textured as the project calls for.

  4. Cure and protect

    The overlay cures on the Ardex schedule, then receives the topcoat or sealer specified by the system. You receive the warranty documentation, maintenance instructions, and a concrete surface ready for use.

Why installer expertise matters

Ardex Specification Compliance Protects Your Investment

Ardex systems are engineered products. They perform as designed when every step follows Ardex specifications. Skipping prep, using the wrong primer, mixing off-ratio, or applying outside the working window all compromise the system and void the warranty. We install to spec because that is what makes the overlay last.

If your slab needs flatness correction before overlay, we coordinate Ardex self-leveling work. For spalled or damaged areas, we use Ardex repair mortars to restore the surface before overlay. For below-grade or wet environments, Ardex waterproofing systems protect the slab first.

Request an overlay quote
Finished decorative Ardex overlay in Boston
Per Ardex spec Every installation
Warranty-backed System support
Free Written estimate

Common questions

Ardex Overlay Questions, Answered

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 Boston Clients Say About Our Ardex Overlays

★★★★★ 4.9 · 87 reviews on Google
Read all reviews →
★★★★★

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, Boston
★★★★★

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, Cambridge
★★★★★

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, Somerville
★★★★★

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, Quincy

Ready to start

Get a Free Ardex Overlay Estimate

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.

We'll assess the slab and send a written quote within one business day.