Concrete is a composite material of cement bonded aggregates that hardens over time. That’s the boring part. What people have used concrete over the centuries is perhaps more interesting, using it to build our cities and the most frequented event spaces. However, today, concrete has a completely new look that has become increasingly popular for both commercial and domestic purposes, used to create a unique and elegant finish for interior spaces.
This new look is the result of advanced technology and products that allow us to embark on the grinding and polishing of concrete that creates a highly smooth and shiny surface with a professional finish. No longer used simply for structural purposes, concrete is now a desired aesthetic aspect that many now desire for their developments.
Profits
Concrete is a very durable material. This is the reason 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 attraction of a floor surface that has an extremely long life and resistance to scratches, cracks, water damage and imperfections is clear.
Aesthetic appeal is an important factor in the increasingly common use of the material. Far from being just a gray floor space, 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 aggregates, sand, stains, stains, decorative etchings, and stencil graphics, a beautiful floor finish can be achieved.
Maintaining this surface is incredibly easy. As a single solid unit, there are no areas where dirt or corrosive material can hide. This means that there is no need to handle unwanted areas of dirt with expensive 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. Waxing treatments and constant cleaning are sometimes necessary to achieve a desirable finish, but not with polished concrete floors.
As a consequence of the easy maintenance of this product, hygiene levels tend to be much higher in developments that integrate them into their designs. In the first place, the cleaning process is much faster, but also the material does not harbor any bacteria that can be transmitted to humans if it is not taken care of. This is especially useful in kitchen designs.
Disadvantages
While using polished concrete flooring has many benefits, of course, there are some downsides 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 will likely result in damage. Unlike carpet or linoleum, a phone, laptop, vase, or tableware 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 in a heated room. Those who like to walk barefoot in their homes may find it uncomfortable. Additionally, the consistency of the finish across the entire 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 are a perfectionist or are designing a development where attention to detail needs to be exact, then you may want to think twice before using Polished Concrete Floors.
Our best advice is to experience it for yourself. Look at any new development that has integrated the material into your floor space and consider how it could be used in yours. There are also many examples online that you can also explore to get a better idea of the patterns, colors, and textures.