Consider Concrete a Great Choice for Residential Flooring

If you’re planning to install new flooring and you’re keeping an open mind, consider the many advantages concrete floors offer homeowners today. Concrete is very strong, durable, and affordable, and it can be used in your home’s interior in a variety of ways.

Concrete flooring in homes was traditionally covered with another material such as vinyl or carpeting in the past. Today it is often treated for an attractive and functional finish instead of being hidden away. Treating concrete surfaces with colorants or stains can create a stunning array of textures, hues and patterns. Concrete can even be made to resemble other natural floor surfaces such as marble, granite, or hardwood flooring. The result is extremely durable and cost-effective flooring that looks spectacular.

Choosing to treat the surface of concrete flooring rather than covering eliminates potential problems. Concrete is much more durable and long-lasting than either vinyl or carpeting, and it is also naturally hypoallergenic. Unlike flooring traditionally used as covering, concrete floors will not need to be regularly replaced due to damage or wear.

Concrete flooring is incredibly easy to care for, and cleaning involves nothing more than sweeping and damp mopping. It won’t be damaged by stains or flooding, and concrete flooring doesn’t tear or fray.

If you already have concrete flooring in place, it may be possible to simply remove the covering material and apply a decorative finish for a beautiful new look. Staining, scoring, stamping and the use of grout are some of the techniques used to create beautiful and attractive concrete finishes.

Concrete is stone, and some of its properties may not appeal to all homeowners. Sound deflection may prove distracting, and concrete floors may feel too cool or hard for families with pets and small children.

One way to address these potential drawbacks is to use runners or area rugs to cover key areas of concrete flooring. A few well-placed area rugs can be all it takes to add warmth and softness to concrete floors. Radiant floor heating is another option for warming concrete floors while economically heating your home.