Answering Some Common Questions About Concrete Home Flooring
Posted on: 13 November 2017
Homeowners don't often consider concrete when they need new flooring for their home, perhaps assuming that the material looks very industrial and dull. In truth, concrete can be painted or stained, buffed to a glass-like finish, or stamped so that it looks like stone. Concrete is also very durable and hygienic, as it doesn't hold dust and dirt and other irritants. If you've never thought about concrete flooring in your home, note a few questions you might have about the material, so you can then determine if it's the right choice in your home's interior space.
Are concrete floors expensive?
Concrete is a very affordable option for flooring, as it's made with readily available raw materials, including sand, gravel, and water. These materials are also typically available locally, wherever you live, so there is less cost in having them trucked to a concrete manufacturer's location.
Pouring and buffing the concrete is also typically easier than installing heavy stone tiles, which usually need specialty tools and skills to cut, or timber slats, which also need some expertise for installation. Because concrete is cheaper to make and easier to install, you may actually find it's one of the most affordable options available.
Can you polish a concrete floor yourself?
Over time, concrete floors need polishing, as they eventually show scuff marks and tiny cracks. A homeowner might actually be able to do this themselves, saving on the cost of maintaining the home's floors throughout the years. You would need to rent a professional polisher, and ensure it's one made for concrete, and first use a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any sealant, dirt and so on. A fine-grit polisher can then be used to create a high-gloss finish, and the job is done!
Are concrete floors slippery?
Even if you buff and polish the surface of concrete, it won't necessarily be slippery, as the material itself has many fine pores that create a slightly bumpy surface. However, concrete needs a sealant to make it waterproof, and this sealant, as well as any glossy finishes you add to concrete, can make the surface slippery, especially if it becomes wet. To avoid this, put down area rugs where you'll be walking, or use a sealant or gloss that has a denser, rougher surface, rather than one that is very slick. A concrete contractor can also note other options you have for adding traction, such as an aggregate that creates more of a bumpy surface on the concrete.
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