Are you considering having concrete floors installed in your home? Or, are you wondering if it’s worth it to repair your existing concrete floors or fix stained concrete? Concrete floors provide a sophisticated, modern look to your home, and have a very long lifespan compared to many other types of flooring. Here are some pros and cons to consider to help you decide if the concrete flooring is the best choice for your home and lifestyle.
Durable
Concrete flooring is extremely durable and resilient, making it a good choice if you don’t want to worry about damage from furniture, pets, or spills. Concrete floors can withstand heavy foot traffic over the years, and when properly sealed they resist water and stains, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Unique Design Options
Concrete floor professionals such as Interior Motives Flooring can use a variety of modern finishing techniques to create polished concrete that can turn plain, boring concrete into a one-of-a-kind, luxurious flooring option. Some surface treatments for concrete floors include acid stains, paint made for concrete, and even rubber stencils to add texture.
Affordable
Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of flooring. You can opt for plain concrete slabs at the lowest cost point, or upgrade by having different tones or patterns added. For a fraction of the cost of the real materials, concrete floors can be treated to replicate the look of granite or marble. Concrete flooring can also help keep energy bills down. Insulated concrete helps keep cold or warm air in your house, giving your furnace or air conditioner a break.
Eco Friendly
Concrete floors can be a great way to add style to your home with minimal environmental impact. Many homes have a concrete subfloor with some other kind of flooring built on top (like vinyl or carpet), so there’s no need to install new material. This means you can save big on money and resources. After you remove any existing flooring on the surface, you’ll just need to finish the top layer to seal and protect it.
Concrete is also highly recyclable, reducing the need for additional landfill space. Worn or cracked slabs can be broken down into small particles to create reprocessed slabs, which can then be repurposed for sidewalks, patios, or driveways.
Low Maintenance
If your concrete floors are sealed correctly, they require minimum maintenance and will resist dirt, moisture, and stains. For everyday cleaning, simply use a broom or a microfiber pad to remove surface dust and debris.
When a deeper cleaning is needed, concrete floors can be washed with soapy water, a damp mop, or a mild cleaning agent. To protect the surface and keep them looking fresh and polished, wax or seal your concrete floors every six to nine months.
Long-Lasting
Compared to other softer types of flooring, such as carpet or linoleum, concrete is one of the most durable and long-lasting. In fact, a well-maintained concrete floor can last over 100 years.
Cons of Concrete Floors
One downside of concrete flooring is that it doesn’t retain heat very well, so it can feel very cold, especially during colder months. Also, the very hard surface of concrete can be uncomfortable to walk or stand on for prolonged periods. These problems can be solved by adding rugs in high-traffic areas, to add warmth, comfort, and coziness to your space.
Another thing to consider is that concrete can be prone to moisture seeping into the pores, leading to mildew or cracking. This can be avoided by making sure your concrete floors are properly installed and sealed. Overall, the advantages of concrete flooring far outweigh the downsides. The longevity, durability, and clean and modern look of concrete can make it a smart and cost-effective option for your home.
