Architects and designers have long been relegating polished concrete floors over ceramic tiles, wood, and carpets. Consider them the Cinderella of flooring options and a Tunisian polishing contractor in the late 1990s, their Prince Charming. Their origin can be traced back to a miscommunication between the contractor and his workers who were dry polishing the concrete against the conventional method of wet polishing. But instead of stopping them, he ordered them to continue and voila, we had the beautiful finished product.
Fast forward to 2020, and now they are in vogue because of the following benefits they have to offer:
1. Maintenance
In today’s utilitarian economy, things that are quick and easy to maintain are in high demand. Everyone is inclined towards the option that is easy to maintain. Concrete polishing is resistant to stain and marks, thus making them an ideal choice for:
- A household with toddlers
- Corporate offices
- Commercial units such as shops
- Heavy-duty environments like warehouses or manufacturing units
Regular maintenance includes daily sweeping for dirt accumulation along with a weekly damp mopping to remove any scuffs or marks.
2. Durability
Nothing is more dreading than redoing the entire floor every few years because the material used is prone to chipping or erosion. Apart from the installment cost, there is the fuss of moving furniture around the house and havoc caused by the installers. Therefore, polished concrete flooring is the most practical choice, as it is sturdy and resilient. It can withstand immense amounts of pressure without any slight damage. Its average lifespan is almost 20 years. Probably a reason you will like this type of flooring is that you may get tired of looking at the same floor for so many years.
3. Cost-Effective
Unquestionably the prime reason behind the widespread usage of polished concrete floors is their affordability. On average, their price ranges from $3-$15 per square foot depending on various factors. For example, if you already have an existing concrete floor that needs polishing, staining, and sealing, then the cost can range from $1-$10. Other factors include the difference in texture, color, and design. The real difference in cost lies in the durability and minimum repair costs instead of the installation.
4. Eco-Friendly
In addition to being pocket-friendly, stained concrete flooring is environmentally friendly. It has a reduced impact on our environment due to the negligible quantities of volatile organic compounds, which are commonly used in hardwood and carpet flooring. Moreover, during the installation process, both the slab foundation and finishing require only concrete, thus generating less waste. You would not need any hazardous chemicals and adhesives for its installation and repairing. Last but not the least, concrete is recyclable, hence making it the most environmentally sustainable flooring choice.
5. Aesthetics
The elegance and sophistication given by the smooth and decorative polished concrete floors add a unique beauty to a house or office. They allow for:
- Smooth transition between outdoors and indoors
- Countless selections when it comes to color, texture, and design of concrete floors
- Higher light reflectivity results in ambient lighting
- Blends well with the contemporary interior designing trends
- Creates the illusion of wider space
- Room to experiment with other design elements
There are some downsides to the said flooring choice, such as it can be cold and slippery. However, you can easily counter these, by using a radiant floor heating system and a coating of non-slip epoxy. The thermal conductivity of concrete works well with the heating system as it can trap heat inside it. It creates a warm indoor climate and uses less energy than tiles or hardwood. But in the long run, its pros outweigh its cons. From high durability to low maintenance, stain resistance, light reflectivity, elegance, affordability, and environment-friendly features everything combines to make sure that you get more worth for your money.
