In recent years, concrete has become a more popular choice for flooring in the home and it’s easy to see why; concrete is easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing and hard wearing, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. In this article we explore the pros and cons of concrete flooring in the home, so you can decide whether or not it’s right for you.
Pro:
Hard Wearing
Concrete is a hard wearing, highly durable material and these qualities make it a good choice where a dependable floor covering is needed, such as flooring. Not only can concrete be used for commercial flooring such as in warehouses and garages but in the home too. Concrete flooring in the home is a popular choice for large, open plan houses but it can also be useful in smaller spaces too.
Con:
Hard Under Foot
The drawback to concrete being so hard wearing is that it’s also very hard and can be slightly uncomfortable under foot, meaning it may not be the most suitable option for a busy family home. However, many choose to overlook this con by placing large area rugs over their concrete flooring to improve the floorings comfort level.
Pro:
Very easy to clean
Like many hard floor coverings, concrete is very easy to keep clean. If you have a bust family home or pets then concrete may be an option to consider. Concrete floors can be easily swept clean and hygienically cleaned using a steam mop or standard soap and water.
Con:
Can be susceptible to moisture
If not laid and sealed properly, some concrete floors may be susceptible to damp problems. to avoid this, choose a concrete supplier you trust and discuss with them preventive measures to avoid future moisture issues. If the appropriate concrete is chosen and laid and sealed correctly, then damp should not be an issue.
Pro:
Good thermal properties
Contrary to popular belief, concrete actually has a high thermal mass. This means that concrete has the ability to absorb and retain heat when the room temperature is warm and release it during cooler periods such as overnight when the temperature drops. Concrete may feel cold to the touch but that is actually of the heat transfer: as you touch the concrete, if the concrete is colder than your body temperature it will start to absorb your body heat. If you aren’t a fan of this cold feeling under foot, be sure to cover the areas you walk with runners and your living spaces with area rugs, however in summer this cooling feeling can be particularly pleasant. Another way to combat this cool feeling is to install an under-floor heating system as your floor is laid.
Con:
Poor Acoustic Properties
Concrete flooring is certainly not the best material for sound absorption, however it is important to note that concrete is no worse at absorbing noise than a ceramic tiled floor. This flaw can also be easily rectified with plenty of soft furnishings and a large area rug.
Pro:
Aesthetically Pleasing
One obvious pro to concrete flooring is its clean, modern look. Concrete also offers many design options to suit a variety of styles and tastes. It can be left plain and sealed, polished, coloured or even laid in patterns and designs. Concretes design flexibility combined with its easy application and low price range makes it an excellent choice for most new buildings and contemporary homes.
