Concrete is more than just a material for foundations and support structures, it can also be used for flooring. While some think that concrete flooring looks a little bare, it does come with its own great benefits that have made it a top pick among many homeowners and establishments. Find out more about why (or why not) concrete flooring should be your floor of choice with this list of pros and cons.
List of Pros of Concrete Flooring
1. Durability
Let’s not forget that concrete is the same material that they use to create buildings’ foundations and supporting structures. That said, it takes a lot of power to be able to put a nick or a crack in a solid concrete structure, and the same concept applies to concrete flooring. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more permanent than your other options, concrete is the choice for you.
2. Maintenance
Concrete is water resistant, fir resistant, and for the most part, stain resistant. This makes it the ideal flooring for people who don’t want to spend too much time taking care of their floors. An occasional sweep every few weeks should do the trick.
3. Versatility
The beauty of concrete flooring is that if you’re unhappy with the way it looks, you can simply install different flooring over it. The smooth, blemish free surface makes it the ideal installing surface for any other type of floor.
List of Cons of Concrete Flooring
1. Hard and Uncomfortable
While they are durable, they can be uncomfortable to walk on especially because they’re hard. Another thing to consider is that aside from the hardness, concrete flooring can conduct heat or cold very well, which makes them particularly uncomfortable when environmental temperatures are not maintained.
2. Moist
When temperatures around your floor are too cold, condensation can cause moisture to seep through the floor. This causes a moist surface that could cause slipping and accidents for bare feet and smooth soled shoes.
3. Bad for the Environment
Unless you were planning on using an already existing concrete slab, crafting a new concrete floor does have some negative ecological impact. This is because manufacturing it takes a lot of energy and emits a lot of carbon dioxide. If you want to limit your impact on the environment, choose instead to recycle a used concrete slab for your floor instead of manufacturing one from scratch.