What is Magnesite flooring?
Magnesite flooring became popular in the 1920’s due to both its durability and beauty. Found most often in Spanish homes built in the 20’s and 30’s it can look as smooth as cement or is sometimes patterned.
Frequently found on staircases and or entrys in fine vintage homes, magnesite was often carpeted over and the carpet nails damaged the flooring. It can be repaired and an excellent example of a fine restoration is found at my new listing in Glendale’s Rossmoyne neighborhood.
I have never heard of magnesite flooring before reading it here. Can you tell me whether it can be coloured to match existing decors or specific design specifications?
Reply to this
Yes, I have seen it colored.
Reply to this
These magnesite stairs are really pretty! How do you care for this? I am interested in buying a house with magnesite flooring and I thought you would know something about it. I don't want to use regular floor cleaning products if it's going to damage the stone. What would you suggest?
Reply to this
No special care is required. Hot water, ammonia, Mr. Clean, etc. The flooring is more similar to cement, it isn't stone.
Reply to this
I know that this was posted some time ago, but I thought I should let you know that in doing some very thorough research on the subject I discovered that it is not a good idea to let water sit on vintage magnesite since it will react with the asbestos. Light cleaning should be fine.
Reply to this
I own a house with magnesite stairs similar to the Glendale home pictured above that need to be restored/refinished; can you recommend someone that specializes in this work?
Reply to this
MIssion Tile in Pasadena recommends Arturo (818) 504-6682. I had referred him to another client, and he is quick to return phone calls. She hasn't done the work so I can't give you any more info. Please let me know how you like him.
And best of luck with your renovation.
Reply to this
Joe,
I have restored several Magnesite floors in the Greater Los Angeles area with customers in Glendales Rossmoyne area. They will actually let you see their restored floors as a reference. I am a licensed contractor and I reside here in Glendale. Please give me a call at your convenience at 818 438 4433.
Regards,
Aaron Reichert
Period Piece Restorations
818 438 4433
Lic# 905855
Reply to this
You will want to clean a Magnesite floor with non-oil cleaners. Cleaners with oils such as Murphy’s Oil Soap and Pine Sol will leave behind and oil residue, which make it more costly to restore (they have to be stripped off prior). These floors should be treated like wood floors with a Polyurethane finish.
Regards,
Aaron Reichert
Period Piece Restorations
818 438 4433
Lic# 905855
Reply to this
I rent a split-level apartment with Magnesite staircase exactly as depicted here. It is heavily soiled and hot water alone is ineffective. Which non-oil based cleaners do you recommend for the job?
As I rent, restoration is really not a
viable option.
Thanks.
Reply to this
According to Aaron Reichert:
You will want to clean a Magnesite floor with non-oil cleaners. Cleaners with oils such as Murphy’s Oil Soap and Pine Sol will leave behind and oil residue, which make it more costly to restore (they have to be stripped off prior). These floors should be treated like wood floors with a Polyurethane finish.
Aaron Reichert
Period Piece Restorations
818 438 4433
Reply to this
I just bought an old house with magnesite flooring that is not very attractive. I would like to replace it with stone or wood. How difficult is it? Any recommendations for a contractor?
Reply to this
I have a list of recommended contractors on my web site. But carefully evaluate the style of your home prior to removing the magnesite. It may be that this flooring is integral to the architecture of your home.
Reply to this
Magnesite flooring also look much better than tiles, and here in Spain, we value it for its ability to keep cool during days that are hot and sweltering.
Reply to this
One of the great benefits of magnesite floors is the fact that it is easy to work with and easy to sculpt and mold for use on stairs and around hard-to-tile areas.Gonna install it at my new home.
Reply to this
I have been installing and refinishing Magnesite flooring for over 30 years. In the greater Los Angeles area, Glendale, Burbank, Los feliz area. I would be happy to to take a look at the project and answer all your questions and give you a free estimate. Please call me at 818-917-0167 ask for Val.
Reply to this
I had never heard of Magnesite so I searched the web. Seems to be some ups and downs about this product. But I expect that it's the same for any type of product there are plusses and negatives.
Reply to this
I am working with a 1930 public building with floors I suspect are Magnesite. Is there an issue with material of this age containing asbestos? If so, is it possible to remove or if needed to repair, is it best to cover it?
Reply to this