Concrete Flooring – Cheap and Durable Option

Concrete flooring was limited to use in basements for many years. It may have been poured to provide a stable surface for laundry purposes, or a kids playroom, or it may have been an extension of the foundation it's self. For a number of reasons, concrete flooring has now made its way into the rest of the house.

In addition to being ultra-durable, concrete flooring can be polished to a very smooth and attractive finish. Their durability makes them ideal for areas that are high traffic or entry areas that see a lot of mud and snow. They can be an attractive addition to any room.

This type of flooring can be finished to resemble anything from marble to ceramic to slate. The surface can also be etched using various types of acids. This is how the many designs can be blended into the concrete. The surface can also be dyed or painted to create just about any color combination you want.

The surface effects are created by preparing the top layer with metallic salts. The acid and chemical stain then reacts with the lime deposits in the concrete. This is what creates the various designs and surface effects. These alterations are permanent, so choose carefully. A good amount of the surface would have to be removed to replace or redo the design. It would also be quite costly.

However, the cost of installing a concrete floor can be considerably less than that of other styles. Hardwood, for example, can cost anywhere from $6-$10 per square foot or more. Even finished concrete can come in for as little as half of that when installed properly.

Concrete floorings are extremely durable and easy to clean, even if they have surface effects or custom designs. Dirt is easily mopped up and they are very stain resistant. Unless you spill automotive oil inside your house, you shouldn't have any staining problems. Even this can be avoided with the use of various surface treatments.

Concrete flooring also reduces some of the health risks associated with certain other flooring, such as carpets and throw rugs. Dust mites are not a problem since dust does not get trapped in the surface. Smoke, pet dander, and other allergens are not a problem either. You can even treat your concrete floor with a mild disinfectant to make it even healthier.

One problem with concrete flooring is that it can crack, even if it's treated. Cracks are ideal spots for moisture and mildew buildup. If at all possible, avoid long term exposure to moisture. A small spill or water laying around from melted snow should not be a problem if wiped up in a reasonable amount of time. When it lays for days or weeks, that's when you may run into problems.

It's also possible to end up with different result than you wanted when staining. This is because of variations in temperature and lime content.

Concrete flooring will give you a combination of beauty and durability when installed and cared for properly.

         

Types of Flooring Options