Flooring and Concrete—Does It Work?

Sure, everyone wants concrete for their roads, parking lots and outdoor gazebos.  You’re not going to find a homeowner too keen on installing valuable hardwood on a floor that’s going to be run over, trampled on and tainted with mud and oil on a daily basis.  However, the thought of concrete flooring is a peculiar thought.  Is this reasonable, aesthetically, practically and with a view to price?

Bear in mind this not only refers to concrete lots, basement floors or exterior parts of your home; this is actually interior concrete flooring.  Don’t confuse cheap concrete like you see on the sidewalk with fine quality interior concrete.  This is the concrete style found in museums or perhaps in billionaire Bruce Wayne’s mansion.

Concrete floors can be very colorful and can feature very smooth, very glossy finished.  Additionally, concrete can be matted or muted for effect.  Concrete doesn’t have to be gray and ugly, but can be color tinted to match nearly any interior setting. 

What are the advantages of installing concrete?  Certainly, there is an aesthetic element to consider, as concrete flooring makes for a very regal effect, reminiscent of ancient civilization.  This is, after all, the same material used to hold two-ton trucks, hundreds of cars and skyscrapers.  Concrete is extremely strong in foundation and durable in use! 

Why, you could even choose concrete that looks like other flooring types, such as marble, tile or wood.  The nature of concrete makes it very flexible and easy to shape when it comes to making patterns or producing new colors.

Are there any disadvantages to using concrete?  Perhaps, if maintenance will be a problem or inconvenience, then concrete will be a risky buy.  Concrete is porous and may have problems with sealing.  If the floor is not properly sealed, it can be susceptible to leakage on the outside of the floor, as well as condensation inside. 

If you are interested in interior concrete flooring, contact a local flooring professional and ask him about your options in concrete installation.  An experienced pro will know what you mean and quote you a fair price.