Residential Polished Concrete Floors

When it comes to new flooring, many homeowners are considering polished concrete floors. They’re durable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

They can have a high sheen (polished concrete) or a low sheen (grind and seal). Whether you choose to polish the new floor or grind/seal it depends on your aesthetic preferences and budget.

Versatility

There are a wide variety of designs that can be achieved on polished concrete floors, so homeowners and businesses can find the perfect aesthetic to complement their space. Floors can reflect a brand’s logo or colors, or they can be designed to showcase an individual’s artistic taste. Consult with design professionals and review samples and portfolios to get a sense of what options are available.

The glossy surface of a polished concrete floor resists scuffing and scratching from forklift trucks and oil or chemical spills, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also eliminates the need for waxes or coatings, saving on labor and maintenance costs.

When used in residential spaces, polished concrete reflects light and brightens rooms, making them feel airier and more welcoming. However, it can be cold underfoot and may require rugs or underfloor heating for comfort. Its hardness can also make it less comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time.

Durability

Concrete floors are incredibly durable and resist scratching, scuffing, and staining, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. They are also resistant to moisture and do not harbor dust, dirt and other allergens like tile or carpet.

They don’t require regular refinishing like hardwood or linoleum floors, and a mop and periodic burnish are usually all that is needed to keep a concrete floor looking great. In addition, polished concrete does not trap harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like vinyl flooring.

For new construction, an additional option is to install radiant heating in the concrete slab before it gets poured. This adds comfort to a space and saves on energy costs. The concrete will naturally warm throughout the day and radiate that heat into a room in the evening. This is a very cool option and can look really nice with area rugs to soften the hardness of the concrete floor.

Low Maintenance

The beauty of polished concrete floors is that they require very little maintenance. When mopped regularly with the correct cleaner, these floors can stand up to high traffic for years to come.

They also don’t require the hazardous coatings and cleaning chemicals that are often used on other flooring types, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. As an added bonus, they are incredibly slip resistant compared to other smooth flooring options, making them ideal for areas where safety is a priority.

There are many types of stones and additives that can be put into the concrete when it is poured to create an interesting look. For example, one of our clients collected blue Bombay Sapphire bottles and crushed them to sprinkle into the concrete to achieve a fantastic speckling effect that is a nice alternative to aggregate exposed finishes. This is a great option if you’re looking for something completely unique.

Installation Cost

Concrete flooring is typically associated with basements and garages, but it can be used throughout the home for a modern look. It is also very durable and cost-effective.

The cost of a concrete floor can vary significantly depending on where you live and what level of finish you want. Adding extra additives like slip resistance or water-repellent finishes can increase the cost of a polish. Likewise, if you need to repair and prep your concrete floor before polishing it, that can add a significant amount of time and materials to the project.

It is always best to consult with a professional floor specialist before deciding to DIY your concrete floors. Grinding the concrete to the correct level of smoothness can be very dangerous, and hiring a professional can save you from costly mistakes that could require additional repairs or replacements down the line. In addition, removing old carpet or tile can be expensive, so that will need to be factored in as well.

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