One of the most popular options these days for kitchen flooring is concrete flooring. Whatever the look of your kitchen, this type of floor enhances the appeal. Do not think that a concrete floor is not interesting – you will be amazed by the range of options available. The designs, patterns and colors are all fabulous and the concrete floor is as good as marble or granite. The geometric designs that can be created on such a floor give it a certain zing. You can get a wood or ceramic finish on such floors.
This floor is ideal if you are using solar energy to light up your home. The concrete floor absorbs heat and keeps the room warm during the cooler days. And during the summer, if the ground is not exposed to sunlight, you can make the area cool.
Whenever you are choosing any flooring, you need to look at the durability and maintenance issues that come with it. With a concrete floor, you don’t have to spend extra on floor coverings. Even if you have to replace the floor, you can simply get the new floor and install it over the old one. The maintenance cost involved in concrete flooring is low and you don’t have to worry about replacing it often.
If you have a floor heating system, then the concrete floor is great as it ensures that the heat is distributed evenly. Do you have someone in your family who is sensitive to mold or other allergens? Then you need to consider getting a concrete floor. Because the kitchen area is more likely to see spills, fires and moisture than any other room in the house, concrete flooring is ideal as it is resistant to such attacks.
The problem with concrete flooring is that it can be cold during the winter. It also produces a distinct echo. But these are issues that can arise even with natural stone or ceramic floor tiles. Carpets can minimize these problems. You have to walk carefully as the ground can become slippery when wet. What makes this land so durable is that it is hard. But this is also why objects that fall on the concrete floor will probably break.
Cost of concrete floor
Typically, concrete flooring will cost you between $3 and $15 per square foot. Depending on how complex you want the design to be and how much creativity is involved, it may cost you more. It is relatively expensive compared to wood laminate, carpets or vinyl tiles, but you can get a classy look just as you would in the case of a marble floor. With a good concrete floor artist, you can achieve a floor that is functional and yet elegant. The return on investment of this land is high.
Tips for buying a concrete floor
1. It is essential to know exactly what you want so that you can easily explain your requirements to the land professional. Acid-stained or painted floors require detailed knowledge to ensure the job doesn’t go wrong. Check finished floor samples to get an idea about the different patterns and shades.
2. Interior design magazines or an interior decorator can help you create the right atmosphere in your kitchen.
3. The dimension of your room can determine the type of model – a larger design will not be so great in a smaller kitchen and vice versa.
Installation of concrete floor
In case you have the slightest doubt about your ability to lay the floor, get a professional to do the job for you. It might cost you a bit more than doing it yourself, but you’re better off this way as any small mistakes you make may not be noticed until it’s too late.
You may also have to get a vapor barrier under the concrete floor to ensure that the floor is not damaged by the moisture below. Sealer improves durability as the surface is protected from any spills and stains.
Maintenance of concrete floor
You will be doing the right thing by doing exactly what the manufacturer asks you to do to maintain the concrete floor.
If your floor sees a lot of traffic, it will need to be maintained that way better and more often.
A sealing agent ensures that the floor is protected from minor accidents such as spills and stains. Regular mopping and sweeping is all that is required.
The floor finish should be applied on the concrete floor when you think it is losing its luster. This makes the floor look as good as new.
