PROS:
Design Options: There are literally endless design options. Modern advances in concrete mixing and setting have allowed designers to achieve an endless variety of colors and textures. Color can be mixed into the concrete before the slab is placed or for already installed floors, an acid stain can be used on the surface. Dyes and staining agents can also be applied to the concrete and painted over with waterproof latex paint. The texture of concrete can be made smooth during installation or, decorative textural patters can be carved on the surface while it’s setting. The concrete floor can be polished to a smooth sheen or etched to create a faux tile effect. With the right stain and pattern, decorative concrete can even resemble natural stone. Staining allows for any look the homeowner desires and is an opportunity for the homeowner to utilize patterns and designs to make it more intricate.
Durable: Concrete is extremely strong, tough, and resilient Concrete can easily withstand pressure and heavy weight upon it so you do not need to worry about damaging it with heavy furniture or heavy traffic. It is difficult to damage concrete and high heels, furniture legs, and pets are not a concern like with other flooring options. Dropped items will not damage it and while it is possible to chip or scratch concrete floors, it would be quite difficult to do.
Easy Maintenance: Keeping concrete looking its best takes minimum amount of maintenance Depending on the level of traffic it may need to be sealed or waxed every 3-9 months to maintain the protective layer. The only other maintenance it requires is cleaning periodically using a natural cleaning agent and mop and for any stubborn stains, a blue utility pad.
Environmentally Friendly: Concrete sub-floors typically are already beneath the existing flooring area in grade and below grade locations. So really just installing a concrete floor is removing the existing flooring and maybe applying a stain, color, or finish. Because there is no new material produced, there is no carbon footprint or depletion of resources. Furthermore, no trees need to be cut down to produce concrete and it does not contain any harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) like most synthetic carpets do.
Versatile: Concrete that is smooth, free of holes, bumps, and defects leaves the opportunity to install any floor surface on top of it at a later date. This provides you with a lot of design freedom in the future.
Long Lasting: When properly sealed and maintained a concrete floor can last indefinitely which saves you money and the inconvenience of having to install new flooring periodically.
Cooling: Concrete is a great conductor of heat therefor it gets both hot and cold very fast when exposed to different levels of thermal energy. Due to this, concrete is generally cold to the touch because heat leaves it so rapidly. This can make your home naturally cooler in the summer and save you money on air conditioning bills.
Recyclable: When concrete flooring is demolished it does not necessitate being sent to a landfill. There is a process that entails grinding and breaking down those materials to allow them to be used in commercial grade ground installations. Additionally, smaller pieces can be used for residential construction products or as the sub base for gravel roads. Larger pieces can be used to combat the erosion of shores.
Air Quality: Unlike carpet and other flooring types, concrete does not retain dust, debris, or dirt particles. They can accumulate on the surface however, but because the surface is hard and non-porous, they will stay on the surface where it can be easily swept away. This alleviates any concern about harmful dust entering the air when the surface is walked on. Concrete floors can be the best choice for those with allergies.
Economical: Concrete flooring saves money because it does not require an additional floor covering. The floor slab IS the floor covering. And although the average cost of decorative concrete can be more than other residential flooring types, the return is higher because it will never need replaced. While you will pay more for installation, because it will never be replaced, the savings come in the form of a long-term investment. Furthermore, if you are using an existing concrete sub-floor, decorative concrete can be a very cost-effective choice.
CONS:
Hardness: Although the hardness of concrete makes it strong and durable, it also has a downside The surface is very hard so if anyone trips and falls onto it there is a good chance they will get hurt. Items dropped onto concrete are likely to shatter. Concrete floors are not recommended for areas with a lot of young children or elderly people.
Uncomfortable: Again, due to the hardness of concrete, when standing on it for long periods of time it can become tiring on your feet, hips, and back. Concrete is not yielding so standing on it for hours of a time can be uncomfortable.
Cold: Concrete does not retain heat well so in cold, winter climates the surface will be chilly on bare feet. To offset this problem, you can utilize carpets and throw rugs.
Moisture: If the concrete is not sealed on both top and bottom surfaces, it is susceptible to penetration by moisture. When liquid finds its way into pores on concrete flooring, it will stay there and can instigate the growth of mold or mildew. For cold climates where moisture may freeze, any moisture in the concrete pore will expand when frozen which can crack the floor slab.
Environmentally Unfriendly: While using an existing concrete slab as in a sub-floor is environmentally friendly because it does not use any new materials, the manufacture of a new concrete floor can have a negative ecological impact. Cement makes up a portion of concrete which requires a significant amount of both energy and carbon dioxide to manufacture.
Loud: Concrete floors can be loud to walk on and some homeowners complain they transmit too much sound and create echos.
Structural Issues: An experienced concrete contractor can tell you if your home is suited for concrete floors. Some homes require extra preparation to the subsurface and the addition of structural support.
Cost: Custom designed decorative concrete can be very expensive. If you are using several designs and colors, the price can get as high as $30+ per square foot.
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