Concrete. The very word stirs up images of utilitarian surfaces in streets, basements, and driveways. But believe you us, a single picture of a sleek concrete floored living room will convert you forever. It truly speaks a thousand words.
As flooring material, it is worthy of more than what we think. It fashions a magnificently minimalistic décor. It brings clean, sharp lines to any domestic setting. Plus, the price points of concrete floor run the gamut from downright cheap to somewhat steep. Before you make a decision, here’s a quick rundown on the good, bad, and ugly of using concrete for your flooring!
Here Are The Pros And Cons Of Concrete Flooring!
The Pros:
1. Doesn’t Dent Easily!
Every time something drops to the floor, the heart skips a beat. We just know it is going to chip the surface. With concrete, worries about heels, claws, furniture or knickknacks grazing the floor become non-existent. It is indeed as durable as a highway. Because it is resilient, denting, scratching and chipping it requires a lot of persistence.
2. Discolouration Is Never A Problem!
Wood, carpets, tiles, etc. gradually become discoloured in parts of the abode that see high traffic. Polished concrete doesn’t suffer from this issue. It’s not just constant treads that don’t leave a mark on concrete; there is no staining from spills too.
3. Extremely Versatile!
Concrete floors fit right in – in any section of the home — modern kitchens, open plan dining rooms, man caves, verandas, and chic living rooms. The material is weather-proof, so employing it in areas open to the seasons is ideal!
4. Easy To Maintain!
Tiles, marbles, and floorboards have seams and grout lines that slowly accumulate dust and need a lot of elbow grease to scrub off. Concrete flooring, on the other hand, is laid down in a single sheet and then polished which makes cleaning and maintaining it smooth sailing. A sweep and wipe are more than enough to shrug off dirt and grit.
5. Easy To Customise!
Technology has given concrete the ability to transform from a ho-hum substance to one of extravagance. The colour, the texture and the patterns of concrete flooring are customisable. Wield dye to give a stark and more substantial look to a small space. Utilise surface treatment to create stains and finishes that soften the room. Apply stencils to produce a textural effect which mimics ceramics or faux bricks. Modern or rustic, making it the central attraction of interior décor is no trouble.
The Cons:
1. Can Be Burdensome!
Burden implies the load it puts on structural aspects that hold up subfloors. Concrete is a heavy material, and not all joists can withstand its weight. Consider consulting an engineer before deciding to pave your ground with it.
2. Can Prove Tough On The Bones!
Every coin has a flipside and so does concrete’s strength. Items dropped on the floor might not dent it, but they will definitely shatter. A fall on concrete can also lead to severe injuries, particularly in children and elders.
3. Could Crack Under Pressure!
Extreme temperature variation, settling, and humidity lead to breaks on the surface of the concrete. Pay explicit attention if you are going to pour concrete on uncovered soil. Seal it suitably on both ends to avoid seepage.
4. Can Get Slightly Uncomfortable!
Stepping on a warm, wooden floor or a plush carpet feels like heaven. With concrete, not so much. Standing on it for long hours can get uncomfortable. Adding on to the liability is that it gets freezing during winters, walking barefoot is not an option.
5. Prone To Moisture!
The one drawback of concrete that weighs heavily is its ability to absorb moisture. For homes next to water bodies or cities that witness a lot of rain, concrete might not be the right flooring material. Water penetrates easily in concrete and the seeping dampness damages the stain on it.
Regardless of the weaknesses of concrete (which are very much solvable), it has come a long way from being the material that merely paved utility areas. For modern apartments, it has become the most viable option. When all is said and done, it does offer a smorgasbord of choices – etched, stamped, stained or polished.
If you are still not sure about which material to use for flooring, get in touch with one of our experts!
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