Concrete has long been the preferred flooring material for industrial facilities, but in the past few years, it has found its way in modern homes and chic commercial establishments. With its unparalleled durability and practical charm, this trend is not surprising. Read on to learn why concrete is such a versatile flooring choice, and 13 concrete flooring ideas for some inspiration.
Cost: Concrete floor coverings are relatively cheap. According to ServiceSeeking, the average cost per square meter is approximately A$55. A basic floor project can be as low as AUD50/m2, and a decorative floor project can be as high as AUD60/m2.
Durability: One of the main advantages of concrete is its strength. It does not require much maintenance-as long as it is sealed and polished, it will remain attractive for many years. It also has the properties of fire resistance, stains, water and bacteria.
Appearance: Those who don’t think concrete is an attractive flooring material need to rethink their concept of concrete. It can be combined with natural materials such as stone, wood and bricks to create an industrially stylish design. It can also be matched with the soft, neutral tones of Scandinavian-style houses. But gray is not your only color choice-you can dye, paint or dye the concrete floor to produce a large number of desired effects.
Cracking: Concrete will crack due to changes in temperature, humidity and settlement. And you can’t ignore it when it happens. The cracks will spread and cause you to redo the entire floor.
Toughness: The hard surface of concrete is also a disadvantage. It is not the most comfortable material and you will get injured if you slip and fall. Placing rugs can soften the space, but if you want a clean, minimalist design, it may not be what you want.
Temperature: Concrete is not insulated. Your feet will feel cold, especially in winter. Ask your contractor to add floor heating to solve this problem.
The installation depends on the technology you use or the coating you want. The following are options for concrete floor finishes.
Polished concrete: Although the unprocessed concrete looks rough and unrefined, the polished concrete floor looks smooth and elegant. Don’t worry about learning how to polish concrete-the process is very simple. Rent a floor polisher and grind the concrete to a smooth surface. Apply concrete sealant to protect the surface.
Epoxy concrete: The epoxy resin is applied by preparing the concrete surface using a sander, and then rolling two parts of the epoxy resin. You can check the price of concrete paint in your local home improvement store, but the price of water-based epoxy resin is usually about AU$159.
Although using a roller to apply epoxy is a simple DIY solution, it produces a slightly rough texture. You can also use a self-leveling epoxy system, which will form a smooth and flat texture on the surface. It is best to hire a professional for self-leveling epoxy resin because its formula is different.
Concrete overlay: Polishing or painting involves refining existing concrete slabs, while concrete overlay involves pouring new cement. The application of cement or polymer overlays can add color and texture, and they can also be used as levelling agents for uneven floors.
If you want to know how to lay concrete floors correctly, get inspiration from the following ideas. Here, you will see the great potential of concrete floors.
Concrete is waterproof and easy to clean, making it ideal for bathrooms. Remember to add non-slip finishes or surface treatments.
Make your house look like a classic black and white movie by choosing gray shades for each corner.
Grind the top of the concrete to expose the aggregate, and you will get a multi-colored floor that is both beautiful and durable.
Obtain the appearance of weathered shingles with stamped concrete. This involves using a press mold on wet cement to create interesting textures such as wood grain.
Paint several interesting colors on the concrete to create gorgeous patterns. The sky is the limit you can create.
If you want a concrete floor, you don’t need to lay cement. You can buy polished concrete floors, just like installing tiles.
Play with bold colors by applying acid dyeing. You will never say that concrete is a boring flooring choice.
Compared with polishing, polishing is a lower-cost option that can produce the same smooth and delicate finish.
Epoxy resins can produce amazing gloss effects. It has a variety of colors to choose from and can be designed into different patterns.
There is nothing better than the original. The smooth gray finish is perfect for minimalist or industrial chic spaces.
Complete your industrial chic interior by pairing concrete floors with suspended concrete stairs.
Post time: Aug-29-2021