There are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before installing.
Read on to learn more about concrete flooring and its benefits and drawbacks.
Not surprisingly, the same drawbacks associated with ceramic tile also apply to concrete.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
With proper care, a concrete floor can easily last for the lifetime of the home.
Maintenance and Repair
Concrete scores very highly when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
Aside from periodic sealing of the surface to prevent stains, concrete is effectively maintenance-free.
Concrete is not like hardwood or carpet, which wear much faster without regular cleaning.
Just be careful with cleaning agents, as some cleaners may react chemically with the concrete and cause discoloration.
Regularly examine a concrete floor for cracks and patch them when they develop.
It can also be stamped with stencil patterns to give it texture.
This overlay can be paper-thin or an inch or two thick, depending on the needs.
Overlays are not possible, though, if the slab is in very poor condition or actively heaving.
Concrete flooring is not an option for DIYers.
Do the same if you’re grinding and polishing an old concrete slab to use as a finished floor.
The same characteristic that allows concrete to accept a decorative stain also makes it susceptible to discoloration from chemicals.
The best solution is to seal the concrete periodically with a film-forming sealer.
Concrete also has a high thermal mass.
Concrete Flooring vs.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile continues to offer greater aesthetic diversity than concrete as a flooring material.
But concrete wins hands-down when it comes to sheer durability.
Is a Concrete Bathroom Floor Right for You?
You’ll need to weigh these pros and cons to decide if this flooring material is appropriate for you.
No, a concrete bathroom floor does not need to be waterproofed.
Yes, concrete flooring is often cheaper than tile.
It is also more durable and won’t need to be replaced as often as tile.
Polished Concrete Floors Cost.
