Concrete flooring has risen in popularity in recent years. Though typically known as a utilitarian material, concrete can be added to any floor plan for decorative flare. This is because it’s the perfect candidate for etching, polishing, staining, and painting. Whether you’re looking for an industrial look or something uniquely colorful, concrete is a great pick! In this guide, Great Guys Painting explores the pluses and minuses of concrete floors.
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What is Concrete Flooring?
If you’ve ever seen nicely finished concrete flooring, you already know how beautiful and eye-catching it can be. From incredible geometric patterns to finishes that produce a marble-like or three-dimensional effect, the visual impact can completely captivate your attention. But how exactly does one create that type of effect on standard concrete?
First, let’s look at the kinds of concrete floors. There are two main types: existing or overlay. Existing concrete can be found in residential and industrial settings. From basements to warehouses to living rooms, existing concrete can be the perfect candidate for refinishing. Concrete overlay, on the other hand, is a thin layer of concrete poured over a pre-existing hard surface for the distinct purpose of being decorative.
Whether you already have an open canvas with existing concrete or plan on creating one with an overlay, concrete flooring can be transformed from gray & boring to attention-grabbing through several finishing techniques.
Want to add artistic flare to your floors? There are so many finish options, from dying to painting to etching. Keep in mind, however, that the cost can vary quite a bit depending on option. A simple finish typically consists of a single color and polishing, whereas a high-end finish can include sophisticated patterns or textures with several different color tones.
Pros of Concrete Flooring
Okay, we now know the basics of what concrete flooring is and can be. Let’s now take a look at the advantages of the amazing material.
Reasonably Affordable
If you already have concrete flooring, then a simple refinishing job can breathe new life into your place. And finishing it can be downright cheap. This can consist of a basic polish and paint job. Of course, depending on the process, it can be expensive when it comes to more complex finishing. But for the most part, concrete flooring is relatively inexpensive.
Looking at a concrete overlay? This can cost about as much as nice carpet or tile. Again, the overall pricing depends on several variables. These include existing concrete, condition, and type of finishing. When it comes to concrete finishing, Great Guys Painting can take all the guesswork out of the equation. Get your complimentary quote now!
Durable
Looking for a flooring material that can stand the test of time (and foot traffic)? Unlike wood and carpet, concrete is highly durable. It can provide decades and decades of damage-free use with proper care and maintenance.
Whereas carpet can be stained and wood can be scratched, concrete is impervious to these types of damage. However, it isn’t an indestructible material (more on that later). But for the most part, concrete flooring is a robust and reliable flooring option.
Easy Maintenance
If you’ve ever had wood floors, you know how high-maintenance they can be. Enter concrete. Other than sealing or waxing maybe once a year, the wonder material is super easy to maintain. All it needs is a good mopping every once in a while, and that’s it!
And unlike wood flooring, concrete can last indefinitely. Whereas wood can easily scratch or chip, it takes quite a lot to directly damage its counterpart. Just make sure to quickly wipe up any wet spots (more on that in the cons section).
Flexible Finishing Options
Last but not least, there are so many finishing choices! Whether you’re breathing new life into old concrete slabs or pouring a decorative overlay in your home or business, concrete flooring can provide everything from industrial chic to dramatic color.
As a willing canvas, concrete flooring allows you to express your particular style. And this can be done via several processes. You can paint, stain, etch, texture, stamp… the list goes on. Far from having to be dull, concrete is ready to take on the look of your dreams!
Cons of Concrete Flooring
As with anything else, concrete flooring isn’t without its faults. Here are the main disadvantages.
Hard Surface
When it comes to durability, concrete certainly offers a ton of reliability. But with that strength comes some disadvantages, the main one being hardness under foot. If you’re used to the plush feel of carpet, it might be quite an adjustment to the experience of concrete floors.
Concrete can also be cold to the touch, particularly if you live in a cooler climate. However, with proper heating (and even the inclusion of radiant heating), concrete can be a pleasant material to walk on. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t provide the cushioning of carpet.
Slippery Surface
Once concrete has been finished, it can look breathtaking. One downside is that the smooth surface can also be extremely slippery. This is especially true when it’s wet. Keep this mind when considering it in areas where there’s potential for water on the floor, including bathrooms and kitchens.
One way of tackling this issue is with the use of area rugs. Of course, this can take away from the overall visual impact of the finish. It will keep you and others from potentially falling (as well as keep your bare feet warm).
Moisture Magnet
Again, concrete is a highly durable material, but not when it comes to moisture. Basement concrete, for instance, can absorb moisture from the bottom up. This can cause an assortment of issues that include dampness and damage of finishing.
One solution is to properly seal your concrete. You’ll also want to deal with any issues on your property. Moisture can find its way into concrete flooring from things like leaky gutters and pooling water on your property. Routine maintenance and mitigation can go a long way in protecting the structural integrity and beauty of your floors.
Cracking
Taking into account the nature of concrete flooring – it’s composed of large, heavy sections – it can succumb to cracks and other damage over time. There are three main components that can create cracking: moisture, temperature, and settling.
Extreme temperature changes can wreak havoc on concrete. Couple that with any moisture issues and unavoidable settling issues, and concrete floors can develop long, wide cracks. Fortunately, these cracks can be filled and patched. This is actually a common reason for folks to look into concrete finishing in the first place!
Whether you want to add a chic look to your home or dramatic remodel of your business, concrete flooring offers myriad ways to transform your space. If you’re looking for a fantastic alternative to carpet, wood, linoleum, and other standard flooring options, you’ve found it!
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