Concrete floors are not new, but these options make a popular flooring material. Initially found only in commercial and industrial environments, concrete flooring is becoming more commonly used in more houses. Unlike other flooring options, concrete floors can be found in different types of residences, from the traditional to the ultramodern.
Why are there more homes using concrete flooring? Check out the benefits that have got many property owners convinced to use it in their homes. And also check out why using a precast concrete bollard will bring you a lot of benefits.
Also, you can prefer Acoustic flooring, that designed for noise reduction, enhances indoor environments by minimizing sound transmission. This specialized flooring solution is crucial in spaces where noise control and comfort are paramount, promoting tranquility and well-being.
1. It is versatile
Polished, painted, or stained concrete works in a wide variety of scenarios, whether it is indoors or outdoors. There are interior decorative paints, stains, and polishes in varying colors and finishes that can be applied to different areas. Your creativity is your only limit, as there are plenty of ways to manipulate materials for your concrete retaining walls in Melbourne.
Alternatively, you can have the same finish for your entire property. Perhaps you want the same look and feel in your swimming pool design and your living room. By using the same material and finish for different spaces inside and outside your home, the result is a seamless and continuous surface that merges distinct environments together.
2. It is cost-effective
Does your dwelling have an existing concrete slab? Why not go for a “grind and seal” treatment? Working with your current floor allows you to unleash your creativity as you try to come up with ways to make your home interior more pleasing to the eye.
Polishing, painting, or staining your floors provides you more bang for the buck. Such options are cheaper and more practical than installing tiles, stones, brick, or other material.
The material is strong and durable, as well. Repairing or re-polishing the material may be required after a decade or more to keep it looking shiny and new. However, with concrete, you won’t ever need to replace the material, making it a practical option for couples or families just starting out.
3. It is aesthetically pleasing
There are many ways to work with concrete. Aggregates or tints can be added to the cement mix to create a unique surface. Alternatively, the top layer can be stained, polished, or painted. You can also consider Epoxy Flooring as an option.
Perhaps you may have been inspired to have one because you saw it in a magazine or TV show. But with so many options available, you can be sure that your floors are unique and unlike anybody else’s. The type of concrete flooring you choose, combined with the contractor’s skills and expertise are sure to produce a distinct product every time. To get the desired results, you must contact a reputed San Luis Obispo concrete polishing contractor.
Decorative elements such as paint or aggregates offer the opportunity to replicate other types of materials. The look of tiles can be achieved by creating a grid, or you can imitate the look of marble through the use of decorative finishes. There are plenty of options available, too.
The adjacent surfaces can also affect how your concrete floor looks and feels. For instance, when paired with stone walls, you can make any space appear more rustic. If you want to impart a feeling of warmth, you can add furnishings and décor made out of salvaged wood.
4. It is low maintenance
All surfaces require cleaning or some form of maintenance from time to time. Some may require more attention than others. Among the different types of flooring, concrete surfaces are the easiest to clean and maintain.
Wall-to-wall carpeting, for instance, may be soft and comfy, but the material works like a trap for allergens. It is often not recommended for people who have asthma or severe allergies to dust, dirt, or animal fur. Homeowners who wish to have wall-to-wall carpeting will need to vacuum regularly.
Gravel and pebbles are commonly used in gardens, driveways, swimming pools, and other areas outdoors. However, given that these materials are not secured to the ground, they can easily be displaced. Expect to replenish the material every few years or so to get the same look and functionality.
People erroneously think that stone flooring requires minimal maintenance, but this is not the case. Dirt and dust can be abrasive and scratch the surface, causing the surface to become dull or discolored over time. To preserve its natural beauty, a daily cleaning program that includes using the proper type of liquids and cleaning processes is needed.
With concrete, you don’t have to worry about any of these issues. All you need is a broom to sweep the floor and the occasional mopping.
Polished concrete, on the other hand, features a protective stain-resistant layer. It is suitable for use in kitchens and dining areas where food spills may be a common occurrence. You won’t need to worry about your kids spilling or making marks with crayons as these can be easily removed from the surface.
Compared to carpet, it doesn’t attract mildew, mold, or allergens, either. This makes it a safe flooring material for people who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Also be sure to check out a great option like Policrete as well.
5. It is durable
Concrete floors can handle and withstand almost anything. You can have large, heavy furniture and not have to worry about the material cracking. Spills, living with kids or pets won’t damage the material either.
Concrete has been known to be durable against extreme temperatures. It’s a great building material to have, whether you live in the tropics or colder regions. With concrete floors, you won’t need to worry about replacing the material every few years, and you can, instead, save your money for other household expenses.
6. It makes spaces brighter
Highly reflective surfaces such as painted or polished concrete can be used to bring more light into any space. Experts say the most reflective flooring can make the space up to 30 percent brighter as compared to rooms that don’t have them. This makes shiny flooring suitable for use in corridors or places that don’t have skylights but have plenty of windows.
You don’t have to be an entrepreneur or work in a factory to enjoy the benefits of concrete flooring. Nowadays, there are plenty of homes that utilize this magnificent, durable, and versatile material.
Consult with a specialist today to see what this flooring material can do for your home and family.
Types of Concrete Floors
Exterior Stained Concrete
Applying a stain to your existing concrete is the most affordable way for us to freshen up your plain concrete driveways, walks, patios, or courtyards. The floor is then sealed with high-performance, non-yellowing sealers, which will protect it for many years to come.
Interior Stained Concrete
Interior stained concrete floors are a popular type of concrete floor that we install in homes and businesses. The extra steps we take to create the appearance of a “completely finished” surface separate interior stained concrete floors from exterior stained concrete floors. Even though it is a concrete floor, it will appear as though you are walking on pre-fabricated marble or tile; these floors are available in gloss or satin and will be even and smooth.
Metallic Epoxy
The versatility of metallic epoxy flooring’ design is part of their allure; they may be made to look modern or incredibly avant-garde and unique. The image displayed uses pearl pigments.
Overlays
There are hundreds of different types of overlays, including simulated flagstone, Kool deck, Pebble tech, and stamped, that are typically utilized in outdoor locations. To give a basement a sense of being “buried,” overlays can also be effective.
Garage Floors
“Full-paint chip” epoxy garage floors are the most popular variety that can be installed. The other affordable options for garages include two-coat, single-color floors that will provide a dust-proof, water-proof, and enduringly easy-to-clean surface.
Quartz Flooring
Frequently utilized in commercial situations where an aesthetically beautiful, extremely practical floor is required. These flooring have exceptional impact and abrasion resistance, and they continue to be non-slip over time. They typically come with an integrated cove base for simple cleaning and maintenance. These floors have no seams, which results in a naturally anti-microbial surface.
Epoxy Chip Flooring
Chip flooring, which is frequently utilized in garages, can also be employed in many other areas. These floors are made up of an epoxy primer, base coat, a coat of sealer to keep the paint chips in place, 100% coverage of paint chips, and a high-performance, scratch-resistant glossy top coat.
Standard Epoxy
Three layers make up our typical epoxy floors: primer, body, and topcoat. This makes it possible for a straightforward yet effective floor finish. This flooring can be used virtually any place, including interiors of homes, exteriors, and commercial and industrial spaces.
Polished Concrete
Polishing the existing slab is the most affordable approach to brightening up big spaces. We can turn a plain concrete slab into a gorgeous floor by applying a variety of grinding, polishing, and chemical processes.
Conclusion
For your home’s flooring, concrete is a great choice because of its many advantages. Concrete flooring’s durability, and low maintenance are two of its main benefits. It can tolerate spills, pets, and high foot traffic without getting damaged. Concrete flooring is also simple to keep clean and sealed again on occasion.
AUTHOR BIO
Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.