You might not have ever considered it — or even thought it was possible — but concrete flooring can be installed in areas of the home aside from the garage and basement.
Photo by Decorative Concrete King on Flickr
Starting around 5600 BC, the ancient Romans began using a material that was very similar in composition to modern concrete. They used this form of concrete to build the Colosseum, the Parthenon, and other structures.
Concrete is typically composed of ground up rocks, sand, and fly ash that is then mixed and held together with a binding agent. Don’t think that concrete flooring will resemble and feel like the sidewalk in front of your house. Because it is man-made, concrete can be customized. It is available in multiple colors, textures, and patterns. It can also be polished, stamped, or painted. Decorative items like stones, tiles, or glass chips can be embedded into the surface for an even more distinctive look.
Photo by
Decorative Concrete King on Flickr
Like all other types of flooring, there are both pros and cons to using concrete.
Pros of Concrete:
Concrete floors are durable, easy to clean, and can last almost forever as long as it is properly maintained. A basic concrete design can also be relatively inexpensive. It is also compatible with radiant heat. While it is possible to chip or scratch the surface, it takes a lot of force to do so. Concrete will hold up under everyday wear and tear for years.
Cons of Concrete:
Concrete is porous and will need to be periodically sealed. It can also be uncomfortable to stand on. Without a radiant heat system installed, the concrete will be cold. It can also be slippery. A high end design can also be expensive — especially if it covers a large area.
Other Types of Flooring:
If you’re not sure if concrete is right for you, you can learn about other types of flooring here.