Polished concrete was earlier limited to basements and commercial floors but it has now made a grand entry in residential properties as well. Due to its aesthetic appeal, it can compete with traditional flooring options like granite, marble and wood, at an unbelievable cost. If you are considering this flooring option for your home, read on to get some insights on its pros and cons:
Pros
1. Durability
In the construction world, concrete is considered as one of the most durable materials. If it is laid and installed correctly, it is scratch resistant and this makes it ideal for home flooring. If you maintain polished concrete properly, you won’t need to ever replace them.
2. Allergy-Free
For those who are highly allergic to dust or have asthma troubles, this is a great flooring option. The flooring prevents the build-up of dust, animal dander and mites as it can be swept and mopped whenever required. Compared to carpets, which is a home to allergens, concrete is highly beneficial to avoid allergies.
3. Environment-Friendly
If sustainability is on your mind, concrete should be on your floors. This is an environment-friendly solution as trees aren’t cut to make concrete and less energy is produced compared to other floor types. These floors also produce less waste products and don’t contain harmful compounds which may be found in carpets.
4. Value for Money
Polished concrete floors are a highly cost-effective solution in the long-run. The returns on investment are great as these floors rarely need a replacement. Plus, they offer a great visual appeal, at a much lower cost than natural stone floorings.
5. Low Maintenance
You might need to reseal your polished floors once in two or three years depending on the traffic on the flooring. Resealing increases the life of your floor at a minimal cost. Cleaning polished concrete flooring is also extremely easy and inexpensive.
Cons
1. Tough Installation
The installation of these floors should be done by expert professionals only as extra care needs to be taken of your furniture and walls.
2. Hard & Cold
Some home owners feel that the flooring is cold, especially in winters. So you might need to place a rug on it or use these floors outdoors where you always wear your shoes to prevent the cold. Also, the flooring is hard and tough so you might get tired if you stand on it for too long.
3. Resealing in Case of Higher Traffic
If you place these floors in high traffic commercial areas, you might need resealing every six months.
When thoughtfully placed, you can combat these cons and enjoy the pros of polished concrete floors in your homes as well as commercial spaces.
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