Concrete is a material made up of cement-bonded aggregates that hardens over time. That’s the boring part. What people have used concrete over the centuries is perhaps most interesting, using it to build our cities and most frequented event spaces. Today, however, concrete has a whole new look that has become increasingly popular for both commercial and domestic purposes, and is used to create a stylish and unique finish for interior spaces.

This new look is the result of advanced technology and products that allow us to start grinding and polishing concrete to create a very smooth and shiny surface with a professional finish. No longer simply used for structural purposes, concrete is now a desired aesthetic aspect that many now want for their developments.

Benefits

Concrete is a very durable material. This is why it is used so much in developments in any major city or town: stadiums, housing developments, roads and infrastructure all use concrete as an integral part of their design for its strength and durability. In addition to this, the polishing process initiates a densification of the material, hardening the concrete slab and maximizing its durability. The appeal of a flooring surface that has an extremely long lifespan and resistance to scratches, cracks, water damage and stains is evident.

Aesthetic appeal is an important factor in the increasingly common use of the material. Far from being just plain gray flooring, polished concrete can be unique and elegant depending on the process and ingredients used to create it. Various colors and patterns are also available, making this a surprisingly versatile flooring option. By using different variations of aggregate, sand, stain, stain, decorative print and stencil graphics, a beautiful floor finish can be achieved.

Maintenance of this surface is incredibly easy. As a single solid unit, there are no areas where dirt or corrosive material can hide. This means there is no need to deal with unwanted areas of dirt with time consuming and expensive cleaning methods. Mild cleaning products applied directly to the surface are all that is needed to keep polished concrete looking fresh and clean. Other materials like wood may need a lot more care and attention when it comes to long-term maintenance. To achieve a desirable finish, constant waxing and cleaning treatments are sometimes necessary, but not with polished concrete floors.

As a consequence of the easy maintenance of this product, hygiene levels are usually much higher in the developments that integrate them into their designs. The cleaning process is much quicker in the first place, but also the material does not harbor any bacteria that can be passed on to humans if left unattended. This is especially useful in kitchen layouts.

Disadvantages

While there are many benefits to using polished concrete flooring, there are, of course, some drawbacks that may not make it the perfect choice for your home or development. Ironically, the largest is also one of its greatest attributes: due to the high strength and durability of the material, dropping something delicate or expensive on this surface is likely to cause damage. Unlike carpet or linoleum, a phone, laptop, vase, or china may not survive a fall to the floor.

Another drawback is that it can be cold to the touch when not in direct sunlight or inside a heated room. Those who like to walk barefoot in their houses may find it uncomfortable. Also, the consistency of the finish across the surface may vary slightly, especially in large-scale spaces. The changes may not be drastic, as the flooring is probably only slightly lighter around the perimeter, but if you’re a perfectionist or designing a development where attention to detail needs to be exact, then you may want to think twice. before using polished concrete floor.

Our best advice is to go and experience it for yourself. Take a look at any new developments that have integrated the material into their floor space and consider how it could be used on your own. There are also plenty of examples online that you can also explore to get a better idea of ​​patterns, colors, and textures.