Top 3 Pros and Cons of Concrete Floors

Concrete Floors

There was a time when concrete was only seen as a building block of a home. Concrete was merely a material that contractors or interior designers would aim to conceal. Today, concrete has turned into a statement piece that can be found beyond the basement floors of a home. Many homeowners are opting to leave concrete floors in their kitchens and hallways, as well as, places like the fireplace and columns within their home.

 In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the pros and cons of using concrete flooring and whether or not it is a good option for your lifestyle and home. This material is specific but also very versatile since it can be customized to appeal to many different home decor styles. First, here are the top three reasons why you should consider concrete flooring as a good option for your home.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $2 to $6 per square foot for a basic concrete floor. This basic pour will typically include a single color and polishing which are both needed so the concrete doesn’t get too porous and doesn’t let in excessive moisture. The price point per square foot will go up as you customize options like color, texture, patterns, or stamping. The more intricate the design and color options, the more expensive your floors will become.

There are very few materials that can hold up to concrete when it comes to durability. Let’s face it, it only takes the right high heels or pet paws to scratch some of the most popular flooring options on the market. While concrete is not indestructible, you and your family we’ll have to go to great lengths to damage this material. Concrete floors can withstand dropped items and years of foot traffic if they are properly maintained or repaired as needed.

Day-to-day maintenance of a concrete floor is pretty basic. Standard cleaning tools such as mops and brooms can keep your floor in great shape. One thing to keep in mind is that concrete floors require a sealant or wax every 6 to 9 months depending on how much traffic the floor sees. Homeowners can experience some cracking and settling with a concrete floor which is fairly normal, but should not occur excessively if done properly. Floors can be easily repaired by a professional depending on how severe the damage is.

One of the most positive features of concrete floors is all the options that come with customizing them. While basic concrete floors are on-trend in 2020 there is also plenty of room for making them a statement piece in your home. These floors can be made to look like brick or tile and even expensive finishes such as marble.

Homeowners can choose from a variety of overlays or resurfacing options that can change the texture of the concrete to suit the home. They can also change the level of polish they wish to use for a high gloss or more matte finish. Acid finishes will leave the floor truly unique and give floors a marble-look finish that would rival a high-end luxury home. Concrete floors can be dyed with stains or patterns giving it a customized aesthetic and truly original.

Here are the top three reasons that concrete floors might not be the right choice for you or your lifestyle.

There is a reason why concrete flooring is used in just about every warehouse, restaurant, and industrial space on the planet. This flooring option is not just tough but stays cool year-round, both of which might get uncomfortable. The durability of concrete flooring is a bonus until you realize that everything you drop on it will likely get damaged. Not only does this extend to your dishware and iPhone but also from the people who could slip and fall on it, including your little ones.

If you live in a warm climate, concrete floors might sound like a brilliant idea If you are okay walking around with cold feet. However, a cold concrete floor leaves very little room for a cozy feeling unless you pair them with several area rugs to keep the chill bay. Sometimes the combination of hard and cold floors is a little much for those seeking a superior level of comfort.

A concrete floor needs to be installed properly to avoid inviting moisture into your home. For example, pouring concrete over soil that isn’t properly sealed will penetrate a porous floor leaving your home susceptible to mildew and mold. Concrete also tends to create its own moisture through condensation which is not only a slipping hazard but can keep a room feeling damp around the clock. Moisture and concrete don’t mix well and can hurt the longevity of the product which means you’ll need to stay on top of the issue if it arises. Working with a concrete professional will minimize this risk.

The maintenance of concrete floors doesn’t require much more work than other flooring options but may call for a professional if something goes wrong. When a homeowner opts for carpet, they can often spot clean damage with little outside support. When a tile gets a scuff or chip, many homeowners can handle the DIY part of those projects. However, when concrete is cracked, damaged, or begins to buckle it may require more professional help which could end up costing you money later. These types of projects tend to be more invasive and may require heavy machinery running through your home to correct.

Rock Star Coating Pros hope sharing these insights into concrete flooring gives you a better look at whether they’re the right product for you. With a little research and lifestyle consideration, you’ll be able to make the best possible choice when considering these types of floors and what kind of finish you ultimately want to end up with.