Polished concrete floors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many living spaces thanks to their durability and versatility, creating gorgeous surfaces that make any room seem more sophisticated. The expert designers at Triad Associates have been elevating the homes and businesses of the Haverhill, MA area with concrete floors for many years, and they are ready to help you get the same stunning results.
What is Polished Concrete?
If you have ever made anything with wood, you know that the natural surface is very rough, even if it looks fairly smooth. To really bring out the potential of the wood, you have to sand it and smooth it and polish it, making it shiny and beautiful. The same is true of concrete. The natural finish of concrete is quite rough and dull. But when it is ground and polished through multiple layers, it attains a smooth and brilliant surface. A protectant can also be applied to the surface to maintain the results or give it added gloss.
Where Can Polished Concrete be Used?
Polished concrete floors are versatile and durable, and therefore, they can be used anywhere, both inside and out. However, because the floors have a slick surface, it is generally not recommended to use them in places that would get heavy water. For example, you would not want to use polished concrete for your pool decking, as that would increase the likelihood of someone slipping and becoming seriously hurt. However, you can use polished concrete in a variety of other places, including:
Living Areas
Forget about hardwood floors. You can enjoy the same benefits they offer with a much more sophisticated look by choosing polished concrete floors for your living areas. The neutral tones are right on trend, and the glossy surface adds a pop to the space, making it feel more put together.
Kitchen Areas
Polished concrete floors look great in kitchen areas and dining spaces. The floors can be cut to look like tile, or they can be left in their natural, beautiful state. Stain can also be added to give them a finish that matches your aesthetic.
Retail Stores
Polished concrete floors achieve the perfect look for retail establishments and other commercial establishments, combining professionalism with style and sophistication. The base they provide creates an ambience that is both welcoming and authoritative – inviting customers in and assuring them that the business is run by experts who care about every detail.
Pros of Polished Concrete Floors
When you are considering your options for designing or remodeling your personal or professional space, there will be pros and cons of each building material or application that you must weigh. Fortunately, there are many advantages to using concrete floors. Some of them include:
Durability
Polished concrete floors, like their unpolished counterparts, will last for decades if they are cared for properly. These floors can stand up to heavy traffic, spills, and other abuses, and still look great. They do not easily scratch, crack, or chip. They will resist stains and damage, and they’ll keep looking good, year after year.
Cost-Savings
Polished concrete floors tend to be a much more affordable option than other flooring types. Tile can have a similar look, but it also costs much more. With concrete floors, you get a luxury look without the luxury price. Prices will vary depending on the contractor and the decorative elements you choose, but you can be sure that you will pay much less for cement floors than you would for many other flooring types.
Easy to Clean
Concrete floors are some of the easiest to clean and maintain. Because they aren’t prone to staining, concrete floors really only need a regular sweep or dust mop to keep them looking good. You won’t need any harsh cleansers, and you certainly won’t need to put in any elbow grease to keep these floors clean.
Eco-Friendly
Concrete is an environmentally friendly material. To start, if your home or commercial building is built on a slab, it will become the base for the polished floors, eliminating the need to add any other flooring on top of it. You’ll save materials and energy expenditures to create a nice-looking floor.
Polished concrete floors are also better for the environment for two more reasons: 1) They are durable and do not require regular upgrading or replacement, and 2) They absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping you to reduce your energy costs.
Cons of Polished Concrete Floors
There are few drawbacks to choosing concrete floors, though there are a couple to consider:
Colder Temperatures
For the same reason that polished concrete floors are eco-friendly, they can also be slightly uncomfortable to the touch for some. Their high thermal mass means that they absorb heat and release it steadily when the temperatures drop. However, when the concrete is absorbing that heat, it is doing it deep within its structure. The surface of the concrete will feel cool to the touch. If you’re the type of person who wants to walk around your home barefoot and still feel cozy, these floors may not be the right choice for you.
Slippery When Wet
The slick surface of polished concrete floors may look beautiful, but it doesn’t provide much grip. Add water to the floors, and they become very slippery. If you are thinking of using polished concrete floors in an area that is likely to get a lot of water, you should reconsider. Otherwise, you could end up with some serious injuries on your hands.
Styles of Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete is not the monolith that traditional concrete surfaces can be. You have many options for the design to suit the aesthetic you want to create. Consider these popular options for polished concrete floors:
Stained Polished Concrete
Concrete can be given many colors through the application of stain. Stains can be mixed, or different stains can be applied to different parts of the concrete to achieve unique looks. Combine the stained color with the polished gloss of the concrete, and you’ll really get something special for your floors.
Dyed Polished Concrete
Concrete can be given color through either a dye or a stain. A dye has larger molecules, and it penetrates deeper into the structure of the concrete. Meanwhile, a stain rests on top. You can achieve different looks with dyed polished concrete, but the results will be just as stunning as with a stain.
High Gloss Concrete
Polished concrete floors have a glossy surface, but there are techniques that can give the floors even more shine and make them really pop.
Tips for Choosing the Right Style
You have so many options for creating the style for your polished concrete floors. Working with a designer like the ones at Triad Associates can help you think through all your options to ensure that you get a design that will serve you for many years. Some issues you’ll need to consider include:
Existing Decor and Architecture
Before you add any element to your home or business, the first thing you should do is consider the existing decor and architecture. Whatever elements you add should match or complement them. The exception would be if you are planning to remodel the entire space and give everything an entirely new look. But even in that scenario, you need to consider what kind of decor you want to create and how the elements all work together in harmony with each other and with the architectural style of the building.
Lighting Conditions
The lighting in any space will change the look and ambience. Before deciding on the style for your polished concrete floors, consider how the lighting in the space will make them look. Low lighting conditions will make the floors look darker or will hide any of their finer details. Either design your floors to accommodate the conditions, or plan to upgrade your lighting at the same time you upgrade your floors.
Hire Triad Associates’ Concrete Experts Today
The hardscaping experts at Triad Associates have been designing and installing concrete surfaces of all types across the Haverhill area for decades. Our designers are experts in the design and installation of concrete floors, and they are ready to help you design new floors to upgrade and revitalize your space. We offer polished concrete floor design for both homes and businesses, and our designers will help you create something that brings out the best in your space.
Call us today to schedule a consultation and start discussing your options for your new polished concrete floors today. Our designers will meet with you to discuss your design vision and will assess your space to determine if there are any special needs and to give you tailored recommendations to make the most impact with your design upgrades.
