Concrete Flooring Basics

Most people think of sidewalks or garage floors when they think of concrete, but it is fast becoming one of the more preferred options in flooring. Its durability and versatile application makes it a great choice for any room in the home and today’s manufacturers and installers can provide an enormous range of finishes and treatments to give it any look imaginable.

Though concrete is a basic construction and building material, its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for more refined applications like flooring, and there are professional installers who can transform this simple material into stunning final products. Concrete floors can be sealed and polished, stained and colored and carved or stamped into an amazing array of styles.

Some homeowners wonder about the viability of a concrete floor in their kitchen or living areas and the answer is that while a “standard” concrete floor would not offer much appeal or function in such traditional living spaces, a well-done concrete application can look warm and appealing and provide a comfortable surface for walking, playing and everyday living.

Unlike most flooring options however, concrete really does require the skills and artistry of a professional installer. This is because the site preparation, pouring and all further treatments are best done by an experienced and knowledgeable artisan. This may have an impact on the affordability of concrete as a flooring choice, but the expense of an installer may be offset by the affordability of the materials. As stated earlier, concrete is a very basic building material, and even the most unique finishes such as embedded stones or special polymers may cost less than a hardwood or laminate flooring installation. It is important to consider total costs before deciding upon any one flooring option however.

Concrete can be finished to almost any set of specifications, and its enormous resistance to “wear and tear”, staining, and easy maintenance make it a great choice for couples, individuals or large families with pets. If concerns about cold floors are an issue, many homeowners will actually opt to install radiant heat flooring within the concrete which provides an incredibly comfortable environment.