To lay or not to lay; floor is the question. For ground floors and basements, concrete is often the substance of choice for flooring. It’s tough, it’s durable and it doesn’t creak. Then again it can be cold, you can’t polish and varnish it, you need to make sure the concrete floor sealer is in good order and, unless you are very inventive in your interior design choices, you will stick a carpet over the top to hide it. Let’s look at the pros and cons of concrete floors, and where they really come into their own.
Pros
- It’s relatively cheap to lay a concrete floor compared to other flooring
- It’s very durable
- It’s easier to maintain than most other flooring surfaces
- There is a lot more design flexibility than there used to be
Cons
- Cold and hard
- Can be susceptible to moisture issues
- Can be slippery
On paper, a concrete floor may not seem like a great choice but it has been used for years and today’s floors are a world away from the grim, grey floors you probably associate with concrete. It is now considered to be a viable addition to interior design and can be etched, polished and even stained to create a floor that is not only durable but aesthetically very pleasing. Okay, so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but you might get a pleasant surprise if you check out the images online. Who knows, a painted concrete floor may be just what you are looking for to add a quirky touch to a room.
Where Only Concrete Will Do
There are, of course, areas of the home where only concrete will cut it. Can you imagine floorboards in a garage with all the abuse a floor gets in this space? Vehicles, tools, heavy appliances, bikes, kids, toys – only concrete could cope with all this. It’s low maintenance as well, and as long as you have used a good quality concrete sealer and reseal it when you see areas that are becoming worn, you will get years of service from your floor.
Extensions and conservatories are other places you will invariably find a concrete floor. These investments will add value to your home but why waste money? Everyone expects a concrete floor so it would be rude to disappoint them, plus it’s a lot kinder on the pocket. As opposed to the utilitarian grey we associate with garages, you can really go wild here. Exotic colours and carved areas around the edges can turn a humble concrete floor into a unique thing of beauty. Don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourselves.
Conclusion
It’s hard to beat the strength and stamina of a concrete floor, and if it is laid by a professional concrete pumping and concrete conveyor services and well maintained, it will last for years and years. Whether you choose to go all trendy with colours or simply want a solid base for your tiles etc, there is absolutely nothing not to like about concrete floors.
Featured Image Source: Pxfuel
