So, I want to have concrete floors that are a combination of inlay and pigmented concrete (not dyed or acid etched), AND I want to use radiant heating in the floor.

Do I put down insulation, then pour the slab, 3-4" thick, then put in radiant tubes, then pour a 2" top of pigmented and inlay?

Or,

Do I put down insulation, put down tubing, then pour a 4" slab with the pigment throughout and add inlay on top?

Or,

Something else?

Thanks,

-a-

As long as the pigments are mineral I can't imagine the PEX tubing would be affected. A 2 or 3 step pour has inherent bonding issues that have to be attended to- methinks it safer/easier/cheaper to do it as a single pour if you can, but if you need a separate pour to be able to get the inlay right, limit it to 2 rather than a 3-layer bonded-slab.

What do I need to do to make the two layer bonded slab? Is it an adhesive, or is there a physical connection...

In the vast majority of residential slab systems I spec. EPS, PEX and concrete atop. Your concrete applicator can speak to issues of floor finishes. Many now specialize in concrete flooring products.

Well, that's just it... i don't want just a finish, but a deeper product, like pigmentation and inlay.

We do it all the time. PEX stands up to nearly everything as Dana suggests, save petrochemicals.

So, then I wonder what would be more COST-effective?

1) Insulation, mesh net reinforcing and PEX tubes, under 4-5" White concrete, with mineral pigmentation, with inlay on top; all in ONE pour.

or,

2) insulation under standard concrete pour 3", PEX tubing, then a SECOND pour 1-2" of the white, pigmented concrete, bonded to the first.

I do not understand the inlay?
I agree the least $ and best way is a 4 in slab on insulation, color it ad you need pre-pour done.
I have had some clients come back and cut a 1/4 x 1/4 deep score on a 2x2 or 4x4 pattern, looks good, one fellow did this and then did terrazzo finish with brass slipped in to the score, looked good. cost $$.
what is the in lay?
Dan

Inlay would be similar to terrazzo, I hope. I am looking at crushed agate-like stones, or similar. I've not seen brass added after the pour, so that would be interesting to see. I know Terrazzo does a pour over a sand cushion, with brass dividers at logical intervals. That is indeed expensive. I'm hoping to do something similar a bit cheaper.