Polished concrete is a very accessible and practical flooring solution for a variety of spaces, whether it be commercial, industrial, or residential. It is well known in the industry as the most economical, durable, and sustainable option. However, before making your flooring system choice it´s always a good idea to do your research to make sure you´re making the right choice for your property. In this article, you’ll find variables to consider, what to expect, and both the pros and cons of polished concrete as a flooring option.
The pros of polished concrete flooring are:
- Long-lasting: Polished concrete is very strong and able to resist impact, wear and tear from constant vehicle and foot traffic, chemical and liquid spills, extreme temperature changes, you name it. It is extremely difficult to damage a polished concrete floor and even more difficult to scratch or crack it, in opposition to other common flooring materials. Concrete is so long-lasting that it can be expected to last several decades even in the harshest environments.
- Easy maintenance: Polished concrete is exceedingly easy to maintain. After its initial installation and coatings, you merely need to sweep or mop the floor as needed to remove any dust, smudging, or watermarks. Once done the floor’s glossy surface will shine through again. No other special maintenance is required.
- Cost-effective: Polished concrete is one of the most economical options when compared to other common flooring materials like wood, tile, marble, or other natural stone types. The general rule is that what you spend on materials alone for a wood or stone floor is the entire cost of a polished concrete floor from start to finish. Polished concrete is also very helpful for businesses because not only do you save on the installation and materials, you also save on maintenance and repair costs required by other materials.
- Versatile: Not only are polished concrete floors practical, easy, and cost-effective, they are also beautiful. Depending on the finish, color, and design you choose, polished concrete can rival a natural stone floor any day. There are an infinite number of stains and dyes available, textures, aggregates and more to ensure that your floor fits both your personal taste and your design needs.
- Safe: One final essential pro of polished concrete is its resistance to mold growth and anti-allergenic and no-slip properties. Because the surface is waterproof and smooth, dust, dirt, and pollen do not stick to the flooring and water cannot gather in pools to attract bacteria or mold. And the no-slip properties might seem counterintuitive, however, there are several non-slip epoxy coatings that can be applied to add texture and prevent injuries or falls.
The cons of polished concrete flooring are:
- Hard: The pro of durability can also be seen as a con in some situations. There is little give if you drop your phone or device on the floor. Similarly, concrete can be less comfortable to stand on for extended periods as opposed to carpet or wood.
- Cold: Polished concrete does not retain heat well, although this is useful in the Summer, in places with colder climates this can be a definite drawback. Clearly, we don’t have this problem in South Florida!
- Vulnerable to moisture: If concrete isn’t finished and properly sealed, you could experience problems with water making its way into the pores of the concrete floor and growing mildew or mold. That´s why it’s extremely important to ensure you’ve hired an experienced professional, like Concrete Polishing Miami.
- Noisy: Again, due to the hardness of concrete, it can be loud to walk on like tile or natural stone. In order to reduce the noise, we suggest rugs, drapes, or acoustic wall panels.
Would you like to learn more about how you could benefit from polished concrete floors? Or are you ready to get started on your next flooring project? Give us a call for a free consultation!
