Know Your Flooring: Concrete
Concrete floors have a raw and elegant beauty that can be surprisingly warm
Rebecca Gross
May 16, 2016
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
The days of concrete floors being banished to the basement or subfloor of a house are long gone. Today these floors offer a contemporary aesthetic that not only looks good but can contribute to the warmth of a house through thermal mass. Concrete also is durable, easy to care for and available in a range of textures, polishes and colors. This guide gives you the lowdown on concrete flooring.
What Is Concrete Flooring?
Concrete is a natural composite material made from an aggregate (rocks, river stones and granite chips) combined with a cement binder (such as limestone and calcium sulfate) and water. It is the most basic flooring material and generally forms the subfloor or base of a building that may be covered with wood or tile, or left exposed.
Concrete floors can be poured as part of a new build, or an existing floor can be stripped back to its concrete slab as part of a renovation. A series of treatments can then transform the slab into a smooth and decorative surface appropriate for flooring.
Concrete is a natural composite material made from an aggregate (rocks, river stones and granite chips) combined with a cement binder (such as limestone and calcium sulfate) and water. It is the most basic flooring material and generally forms the subfloor or base of a building that may be covered with wood or tile, or left exposed.
Concrete floors can be poured as part of a new build, or an existing floor can be stripped back to its concrete slab as part of a renovation. A series of treatments can then transform the slab into a smooth and decorative surface appropriate for flooring.
What to Consider When Choosing Concrete Flooring
- For a new build, concrete is poured early on in construction so aggregate mix, color, finishes and underfloor heating may need to be decided at this stage.
- When it comes to stripping back a floor to reveal the concrete slab, keep in mind the original pour was not intended to be exposed. So while it will function as a flooring surface after the necessary treatment, it may have an inconsistent look — for example, areas of little to no aggregate next to areas with a lot of aggregate.
- The level of polish will affect the overall aesthetic of the floor as well as the budget. A light polish or matte look is less expensive, gives a more natural look and doesn’t show many of the stones inside the substrate. In comparison, a heavy polish is more expensive and will expose the stones and provide a more colorful finish.
- Other finishes can include stamping, dyeing, embossing, staining and more.
The Pros of Concrete Flooring
- Concrete floors can be a cost-efficient option, but the finishes, treatments and installation will influence the final cost.
- An endless variety of color and texture effects is possible. Color can be mixed directly into the concrete before the pour, or existing floors can be stained, dyed or painted.
- Concrete is extremely tough and durable. While it is possible to chip or scratch a concrete surface, it is difficult to do so. Plus, it’s flood- and fire-resistant and will last a lifetime and beyond when polished and maintained.
- Concrete floors can work as a thermal mass when exposed to the sun, making a big difference in comfort and utility bills. It will absorb and store the heat of direct sunlight and slowly release it over the rest of the day and into the night.
The Cons of Concrete Flooring
- Concrete floors can look and feel cold without sun exposure, but a great rug can always help warm them up.
- Concrete floors can injure people and damage objects if they hit the surface hard, so they’re not recommended for areas frequented by children or elderly people.
- Concrete is susceptible to penetration by moisture if not properly sealed on both top and bottom surfaces, which can lead to the growth of mold or mildew.
- Because concrete floors have no give, they can be hard on joints and other body parts — backs and feet especially. Rubber mats or cork cushioning in areas such as the kitchen, where lots of time is spent standing, can help reduce this, as can slippers or soft-soled shoes.
- A lot of energy is used in the production of concrete flooring. However, this is offset by its ability to reduce future energy usage by acting as a thermal mass.
Maintaining Concrete Flooring
- Concrete floors are easy to look after — just sweep and mop with soapy water or a neutral cleaner.
- Seal or wax the floors regularly in high-traffic areas to maintain the protective layer over its surface.
- Repolish floors as needed to maintain the desired gloss.
Variety of Concrete Floors
Polished concrete flooring is measured by grade and finish — the higher the grade, the larger the exposed aggregates, and the higher the finish, the shinier the polish. This structural concrete slab has selected aggregates and a natural oxide color. It has been left exposed and polished to a level that makes the aggregates clearly visible.
Polished concrete flooring is measured by grade and finish — the higher the grade, the larger the exposed aggregates, and the higher the finish, the shinier the polish. This structural concrete slab has selected aggregates and a natural oxide color. It has been left exposed and polished to a level that makes the aggregates clearly visible.
Polished concrete flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways and kitchens. The shine on this floor is achieved by using a high-gloss polyurethane finish on top of the concrete slab.
The wide range of aggregates and colors available can easily change the look and feel of a room. This living space has white polished concrete floors that, matched with white walls and furniture, give a crisp, cool and glamorous look.
In comparison, these polished concrete floors have a great sense of warmth, due to the color added. It has a rich brown tone that works beautifully with the wooden beams and other decorative details. Color can be added to the pour in the initial stages and can also be added later as water-based dyes or acids.
Another way to add warmth is to lay down a rug. It also helps to define spaces or the functions of different areas in a large open space. Of the concrete in this house, designer Jasmine McClelland says, “The balance of textures and colors in the aggregate of the polished concrete flooring were chosen deliberately to soften the effect of the concrete.”
Burnishing is a type of finish that is applied to a new concrete pour before it is cured. A power trowel, or helicopter, is used to create a finish with a level of sheen, and the inconsistencies in color are intended to be part of its appeal.
As concrete is suitable for both interior and exterior spaces, it can be used to create an indoor-outdoor look. This floor is natural concrete with no additive and a fine aggregate. “It is almost burnished by the helicopter finish after it has been poured and while it is still wet,” says Shelley Indyk of Indyk Architects.
Holes and wear and tear on existing or covered-up concrete slabs can contribute to the final look of a room. This floor had been covered with tiles, and once they were pulled off and the grinding finished, the floor was pitted with holes. An amber-colored resin product was used to fill those holes before polishing. It adds a real point of interest to the finished floor.
Aged concrete floors or previously covered concrete slabs may have cracks. These can be hidden under a rug or taken advantage of as part of the aesthetic.
Tell us: Do you have concrete flooring? Share your photos in the Comments.
More
Objects of Desire: Beautifully Individual Concrete Floors
10 Cool Things to Do With Concrete in Your House
Tell us: Do you have concrete flooring? Share your photos in the Comments.
More
Objects of Desire: Beautifully Individual Concrete Floors
10 Cool Things to Do With Concrete in Your House
Dave Fox is a design/build remodeling firm with a customer focused process, an incredible staff and a close knit... Read More
Related Products
KA Builders is a dedicated and innovative remodeling company based in the heart of your city. With our years of... Read More
Related Stories
Materials
What’s New in Flooring for 2023
By Julie Sheer
See the trends in luxury vinyl, hardwood, and faux wood and stone flooring products debuting this year
Full Story
Events
What’s New in Tile for 2023
By Julie Sheer
Five trends in new tile collections were spotted at the recent International Surface Event 2023 trade show in Las Vegas
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Before and After: 3 Kitchens That Get Warmth From Wood Floors
See how wood floors add character and cohesion in these remodels
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
Pros Share 12 Wood Finish Secrets
By Becky Harris
Discover the wood-and-finish pairings professionals used to achieve beautiful looks for floors, cabinets and more
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
What to Ask When Considering Heated Floors
By tidgboutique
These questions can help you decide if radiant floor heating is right for you — and what your options are
Full Story
Kitchen Design
30 Kitchens With Checkered Floors
In classic black-and-white or cheerful color, checkerboard kitchen floors are anything but square
Full Story
Events
What’s New in Flooring for 2022
By Julie Sheer
See the trends in luxury vinyl, hardwood, and faux wood and stone flooring products debuting this year
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood flooring offers classic looks and durability. It can work with a range of subfloors, including concrete
Full Story
Organizing
How to Pare Down and Pack Up Before Installing New Flooring
The installation of new floors might be a great opportunity to winnow and organize your belongings
Full Story
Materials
What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring
By Julie Sheer
The flooring material has become increasingly popular. Here’s how to determine its quality and get it installed
Full Story
Love concrete floors and find that warm/ cold and hard/ soft have a lot more to do with how the material is used and finished and what it is paired with than the use of concrete itself. Excellent tip about insulating your floor or slab (actually regardless of what it is made from) in cooler or swing climates.
love the natural look and feel of concrete floor, both polished matt or gloss. the applicable areas are limitless. Very well written article to review and get a good insight into Concrete.
Excellent Info ,
- Thanks for very much effective idea for floor, with rich feel, colored appearance , rendering patterns, texture finishes, durability, fast work.
- what can be done for expansion cracks after age, can we provide some decorative expansion joints for large area ?
- How much minimum thickness of floor to be adopted on existing slabs in apartment as concern to high density weight ?
- Please explain if existing concrete slabs can be converted into new looks.
Thanks.