Perks And Setbacks Of Concrete Flooring: What You Should Know

Learn the beauty and flaws of concrete for your flooring.

Concrete is a popular construction material because of the wonderful perks that it can offer. It’s versatile, it’s easy to work with, it’s affordable, and more. Thanks to that, it’s a top pick when it comes to construction and structures such as driveways, pathways, and establishments.

Though, in the past, despite the amazing perks it comes with, concrete wasn’t a favorite for all because of its plain and drab appearance. However, thanks to new techniques and methods, it became possible for concrete to become colorful through dyeing and tainting. Concrete has once again become the favorite of most, even those who seek aesthetics and beauty.

Now that concrete doesn’t have to always be the boring gray, the list of how and where you can use it has grown. And one of those additions is flooring. If you want to have the perks of using concrete without the drab appearance, you can do so now!

However, before you get to finding a concrete contractor for the job, you should be aware of what you’re getting into. In this blog, we’ll be telling you the perks and drawbacks of concrete floors in your home!

The Perks

Low Maintenance

Concrete is well-known because you don’t need special tools or knowledge to keep structures made from it clean and maintained. It requires little to no maintenance, which gives you peace of mind and less work to add to your to-do list.

However, if you want to extend the lifespan of your concrete structure, you have to clean it once in a while. Fortunately, in most cases, you’ll only need a broom to sweep dirt and dust from the surface of your concrete floor to maintain it. For stains or mess in liquid form, a wipe from a rag can do the trick.

Heated Floors

The beauty of concrete floors is that you can create a new and fresh-looking one on top of your worn-out one. It’s a more affordable way to redo your worn-out concrete rather than replacing it altogether. But other than that, did you know that you can have more than a new look for your concrete floor? You’ll have the choice to get yourself heated floors by installing electrical wires or heated tubes to provide heat.

Unlimited Designs and Patterns

Thanks to tinting and dyeing, the issue that concrete is boring and plain is no more. Concrete finishes give homeowners the opportunity to style and design their floors however they like. Dyes and tints can be added to the wet concrete surface or added during the mixing process. Other than dyeing and tinting, stamping concrete with patterns and designs is also a thing, adding more options. With the choice of dyes, tints, colors, designs, and patterns, it’s up to you to mix and match the perfect combination that reflects your style.

The Setbacks

Prone to Cracks

Despite being well-known to be durable, concrete is also known for being susceptible to cracks. No matter if it's installed properly or not, cracks are inevitable. However, for concrete that is poured and processed properly, cracks that will appear are thinner and less noticeable. Colored cement pastes or similar materials to patch up the cracks can be used to solve the issue.

Moisture Issues

For rooms that are prone to moisture, such as the basement, your concrete floor might experience moisture issues. If your concrete becomes damp, surface treatments like paint or tint can be damaged. Not only that, but a damp concrete floor can be cold, and the risk of slipping is high. Proper sealing and waterproofing of the area is recommended to mitigate this problem.

Dangerously Hard

Concrete is naturally hard and can be quite uncomfortable for your feet. Without any heating installed underneath, it can get cold to the touch. Additionally, if one slips and hits the concrete floor, it can lead to injuries such as bruises, sprains, and sometimes fractures. It’s best to add rubber mats, rugs, or carpets on your floor to keep this from happening.

Concrete is a durable, affordable, and useful construction material. You can use it anywhere and in any form. Using it for your flooring will be more than beneficial for your needs and your wallet. However, no matter how impressive concrete is, nothing is perfect. Therefore, you have to weigh the pros and cons and see for yourself if a concrete floor is for you. With that said, we hope this post can help with your final decision.

Still, eyeing concrete flooring for your home? Then, give us a call at Grand Rapids Concrete Pros! Our reliable concrete contractors will answer any questions you have.