Concrete. Just hearing the phrase conjures up mental pictures of concrete slabs in public spaces like sidewalks, basements, and driveways.
But trust us, all it takes is one photo of a modern living room with concrete floors to change your mind. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words.
It’s more valuable than we give it credit for as a flooring material. It creates a very simple atmosphere. It’s a great way to add modern simplicity to your home.
Furthermore, the cost of a concrete floor may range from dirt cheap to quite high. Here’s a brief review of the pros, cons, and ugly of utilizing concrete for your flooring so you can make an informed choice.
Pros and Cons of a concrete floor are outlined below.
One of its benefits is that it resists denting.
The heart skips a beat whenever anything falls to the ground. We can feel the surface chipping already.
With concrete, you won’t have to worry about anything scratching the surface, not even high heels, claws, furniture, or trinkets. In fact, it’s just as long-lasting as a roadway. Since it is so tough, you’ll need a lot of patience to damage, scrape, or chip it.
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stains are never an issue.
Over time, discoloration occurs in high-traffic areas of the home’s flooring (wood, carpeting, tiles, etc.).
This is not a problem with polished concrete. Not only do regular footsteps not leave an imprint on concrete, but neither do spills.
It’s very Concrete Flooring Pros Cons
Modern kitchens, open-concept eating areas, man caves, verandas, and stylish living spaces are just some of the places where a concrete floor would look perfectly at home.
The material is durable and can withstand the elements, making it perfect for use in outdoor settings.
Incredibly Low-Maintenance
Grout and seams on tiles, marble, and flooring collect dust over time and need considerable scrubbing effort to remove. On the other hand, concrete floors are often installed in one continuous layer and then polished, making upkeep a breeze. All that grime and filth may be swept away with a quick wipe down.
It’s Simple to Modify!
With the help of modern technology, concrete can now be made to look and feel luxurious. The concrete floor may be made to look anyway you choose in terms of Color, texture, and design. Dye may be used to give a tiny room a more defined and substantial appearance.
Use staining and finishing techniques to create a more comfortable atmosphere. Use stencils to create a patterned appearance that looks like ceramic tiles or fake bricks. It’s simple to make it the focal point of a contemporary or rustic room.
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Cons
It May Be Too Demanding of Your Time.
The burden it places on the subfloor’s supporting elements is the focus of this definition. Because of its density, not all joists can support the weight of concrete. Before selecting to use it to pave your ground, you should probably talk to an engineer about it.
Possible Harm to the Skeletal System!
The durability of concrete, like every other material, has a flip side. Dropped objects won’t damage the floor, but they will certainly shatter. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the devastating effects of a fall on concrete.
Possible Stress Breakdown
Surface cracks in concrete are caused by fluctuations in temperature, settlement, and humidity. If you plan on pouring concrete onto bare ground, take extra precautions. Be sure to properly seal both ends to prevent leakage.
It Might Get a Little Discomforting!
It’s like entering paradise to set foot on a warm hardwood or velvety carpet. Not so much while working with cement. It may be unpleasant to stand on for extended periods of time. The risk is compounded by the fact that the winters are so cold that going barefoot is impossible.
Irresistible To Water!
Concrete’s capacity to absorb moisture is its one and only flaw. Concrete flooring may not be the best choice for houses in wetter climates or those located near bodies of water. Concrete is porous, so any moisture that seeps into it will ruin the stain.
Despite its shortcomings (which may be addressed), concrete has advanced significantly from its days as a basic pavement. It’s now the best choice for urban dwellings. In the end, it provides a wide variety of options, such as etched, stamped, stained, or polished finishes.
FAQs
Do concrete floors cost less than wooden ones?
The high expense of tile in both materials and Labor means that polished concrete is generally a more cost-effective alternative when building or remodelling a home.
A cream polished concrete floor may cost anywhere between $3.50 and $5 per square foot, with the price fluctuating based on slab size and gloss level.
What’s more affordable: tiling or concrete polishing?
The high expense of tile in both materials and Labor means that polished concrete is generally a more cost-effective alternative when building or remodelling a home. A cream polished concrete floor may cost anywhere between $3.50 and $5 per square foot, with the price fluctuating based on slab size and gloss level.
Floors made of stained concrete, how long do they last?
A concrete floor will outlast almost any other material. When properly maintained, a stained floor or pavement will retain its Color for the duration of the structure.
Will Concrete Polish Well?
Concrete floors in good condition may be polished. New floors, on the other hand, don’t need a particular mix design to turn out well (though they should be down for at least 28 days before polishing starts to allow for proper curing) in most cases.
Is It Dangerous to Walk on a Polished Concrete Floor?
Polished concrete floors are far less likely to cause accidents, even when wet, compared to other flooring options like tile or wood. Polished concrete floors cut down on slip and fall claims and insurance premiums for commercial establishments.
Conclusion
Concrete flooring is one of the most low-maintenance flooring alternatives available. High-traffic residential areas are not a good fit for this flooring. When damp, polished concrete floors become dangerous.
However, there are several advantages to having a concrete floor installed. Almost any hue can be polished to a high sheen if that’s what you’re after.
A concrete floor is the most budget-friendly choice. A fresh concrete slab is less expensive than many other flooring options. You should hire a contractor to lay down a concrete floor. There is an inherent need for concrete contractors.
The polishing procedure will be difficult if the floor has not been adequately sealed. All steps of installing decorative concrete should be handled by a trained expert. There’s more to installing a concrete floor than just wearing protective eyewear.
If you want your home’s concrete flooring to look like marble, you’ll need to utilize finer and finer grits of concrete when you install it. Regular polishing is a required yet worthwhile chore if you care about your floor’s smoothness and high gloss look.
