Polished concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of settings. Not only are they making an appearance in our homes. They are also showing up in commercial and industrial settings. If you look at many large institutions including museums, you be excused for thinking you are stepping on marble. Instead of marble, you will find concrete flooring under your feet.Â
It is estimated that the concrete floors market will be worth at least US$3 billion in 2025. For a flooring solution, this is an amazing amount of money.
Not only can polished concrete be used as flooring. It also makes the most amazing worktop material. Concrete flooring is also a great material for a deck area when you want to entertain in style.Â
Polished concrete creates the most amazing staircases allowing you to be truly creative.Â
On this page, we are taking a look at some of the pros and cons of concrete flooring. However, it has to be said, there are more advantages to concrete flooring than there are disadvantages.
1. Durability and Low Maintenance
One of the benefits of polished concrete that makes instead out as a flooring material is its durability. Concrete is one of those materials that age well – especially after it has been polished.Â
Compared to other flooring materials, polished concrete is low maintenance. If you are looking for a flooring material which is resistant to impact, stains. If you work in an area which is exposed to moisture and chemicals such as hairdressers, polished concrete is the perfect choice.Â
It works well in high-traffic areas and in areas with lower traffic, you can take the opportunity to admire all of the amazing patterns you can create, In many ways, you can say concrete is a work of art.Â
As far as cleaning and regular maintenance go, all you have to do is to sweep the floor regularly. If you spill anything on polished concrete, you can easily mop up the mess with a damp cloth.Â
And yes, if it gets damaged, it can be seamlessly repaired and re-polished.
2. Polished Concrete Customisation
If you have a wood floor in your home, you know there are few opportunities for stamping your own brand on your floor. One wooden floor looks very much like the next one.Â
When you want to turn your home into a showcase, adding a polished concrete floor is a much better idea as far as creating something unique goes. Thanks to the compliance of the material, you can design patterns and choose a variety of colours. You can even choose between different aggregates to give your floor a unique texture.Â
Polished concrete flooring is perfect for the modern minimalist home but is also a great flooring solution when it comes to industrial and commercial settings.
3. Is Concrete Flooring Sustainable?
The answer to that question is yes. Not only is concrete an excellent way of insulating your home against the cold. During the hotter part of the year, polished concrete keeps your feet cool. When it comes to keeping your home cool, it is as efficient as marble without any of the downsides.Â
Ask an artist and they will immediately tell you they are impressed by the way polished concrete reflects light. A well-polished floor reflects perfectly. It brightens up the space and looks clean almost at all times.
In the home, concrete has another advantage. It absorbs heat and then releases it at a constant rate. This means polished concrete floors stay warmer for longer. Today, we are increasingly looking for sustainable home design and building materials. Polished concrete is one of the options we should all consider when we want to create a sustainable home or commercial space.Â
Dust and mould particles don’t get stuck in polished concrete as they do in carpeted areas. If someone in your family experiences allergies or asthma, a polished concrete floor is a fantastic solution.Â
4. Can I Afford A Polished Concrete Floor?
Polished is much more affordable than other flooring solutions. Although marble can look great, the same effect can be created by polishing concrete. Unless you are a professional, you be hard-pressed to tell the difference.Â
Repairing damaged marble is challenging. Partly because it is difficult to match a piece of marble. When marble splits, all you can do is fill in the cracks. In all likelihood, until you change the entire floor, the repairs stay visible.Â
That is not something you have to worry about when you opt for polished concrete. Match the design and color and fill in the crack. Once you have done that, you polish the area and you will never know that the floor or worktop has been repaired.Â
Polished concrete is one of the most affordable and versatile flooring materials for public areas. It works well in hospitals, schools and public buildings. Â
When you are looking for an easy-to-care and long-term flooring solution, finding a substitution for polished concrete is a major challenge.Â
You can choose between ready-made designs or splash the cash to create your own unique design.
Conclusion
Still sitting on the fence? Instead of wondering if polished concrete flooring is the best solution for your home or business, go and check it out.Â
You be pleasantly pleased how versatile this material is in all parts of the home, public areas or business premises. It is likely that you have already walked or stood on polished concrete without knowing you were doing so.Â
Like so many others, you probably mistook it for polished marble or even sealed wood. Yes, you read that right. In the hands of professional tradesmen, polished concrete flooring can mimic almost any material. The advantages are numerous.Â
Polished concrete is cheaper, easy to maintain and it looks like a million bucks! What’s not to like?