Concrete Flooring: Pros and Cons

Concrete is rigid and solid, which is why it is commonly used for streets and driveways. It has the power and toughness of a highway as a flooring material. A concrete floor cannot be scratched or dented. It can also be used as a fashion statement. Gray, uninteresting concrete can be transformed into the focal point of your home using dyes and etching techniques. The price varies from as low as $2 per square foot to as high as $30 per square foot, depending on the finishes. 

Concrete is, without a doubt, a rigid material. The weight won't be an issue if you're installing new concrete floors on grade. If you want to pour concrete over a joist-supported subfloor, you'll need to consult a structural engineer to see if your floor can withstand the weight. Concrete that is light in weight may be a viable option.

If you think concrete flooring is only suitable for industrial settings and basements, you're mistaken. Concrete flooring is sweeping the contemporary residential scene, thanks to its low maintenance, low cost, and minimalist aesthetic, which fits well with the new interior design philosophy of "less are more." Although you may not be ready for concrete floors in your living room if your home is cozy and traditional, many newer construction houses feature an industrial design that makes concrete flooring shine. Furthermore, you can truly personalize your concrete flooring with the numerous paints, stains, and stamps available to decorate concrete floors.

 Pros of Concrete Flooring

• Concrete is a very pet-friendly flooring solution due to its toughness. The paws of your dog are unlikely to harm sturdy cement. It also doesn't absorb odors as carpeting does, making it accident-proof.
• If you're reusing existing subfloors, concrete is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative than other flooring alternatives. Many floors have a concrete subfloor, so instead of chopping down trees for a new hardwood floor, you'd be exposing an existing floor. Concrete is a low-energy material that can also be found and manufactured locally.
• Concrete is a low-cost flooring alternative that will fit into most people's budgets.
• Concrete flooring is solid and resilient, ensuring that it cannot be compromised no matter what it is exposed to. Unlike hardwood floors, which can be scraped, scratched, and dented, the surface of concrete can withstand even the heaviest traffic. Even the heaviest objects will never tarnish concrete, unlike carpet, which can be crushed under heavy furniture.
• Concrete is a low-maintenance flooring choice, so cleaning enthusiasts will appreciate how little effort is required to keep it looking good. Sweeping and possibly resealing the concrete regularly should keep it looking fine.
• Concrete has a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. As previously said, there are many ways to dress up your concrete floors these days. Stamping allows you to add exclusive designs and patterns to your floors, giving them personality. You can paint or stain concrete if you don't like the natural gray color.
• The concrete is stain-resistant, so as long as spills are cleaned up quickly, it can last for a long time.
• Concrete flooring is fire and bacteria-resistant, making it a very safe choice for flooring.

Cons of Concrete Flooring

• Environmentally suspect: Although concrete is a non-toxic, biodegradable material, the process of producing cement uses a lot of energy and emits carbon dioxide. Concrete has the most embodied energy compared to other building materials like steel, wood, and glass.
• Hardness: There's no doubt that concrete is abrasive underfoot, which some people dislike. It's also unforgiving — a dropped glass would almost certainly shatter — which may be a problem if there are young children or older adults in the building. The use of area rugs can alleviate concerns.
• Cracking: Whether you like it or not, even professionally built concrete will crack over time. Because of the vast area of a slab, it must withstand temperature, moisture, and settling changes. Cracks can be hidden with colored cement paste and patching materials.
• Moisture: Moisture migrating up from underneath the slab in below-grade basements will render concrete unacceptably damp and destroy any surface treatments, such as paint. Concrete sealing is beneficial, as is addressing any exterior issues such as leaky gutters and low soil drainage. 

Is a Concrete Floor the Best Option for You?

If you have an existing slab base and a home style that complements the polished gleam of honed concrete, a concrete floor might be a good option. Many people appreciate the low cost of a concrete floor, mainly when you think how long it will last—you will never need to replace it. However, be prepared for a challenging and naturally cold base.