Polished cement floors are taking the interior design world by storm – they’re stunning, functional and renewable. Once thought of as only appropriate for industrial buildings, they are now sought after in contemporary homes for their sleek aesthetic and versatility. If you are considering a stylish update for your floors, consider polished cement floors. This blog will add in some fascinating facts about polished cement floors, including their benefits, inspiring designs, maintenance tips, and cost analysis— to help you decide.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What are Polished Cement Floors?
Polished cement floors (more commonly called polished concrete floors) are made by grinding down and polishing a concrete surface until it is smooth and shiny. The process is multi-staged, running like so:
Surface Preparation: The first step is cleaning the existing concrete slab to eliminate dust or coatings.
Grinding: The surface is ground to a smooth finish with industrial-grade diamond polishing machines.
Polishing meaning the aggregate pieces are polished with progressively finer diamond abrasives to achieve a shiny or satin appearance.
Sealing: A clear sealant is applied to the top of the surface for protection and improved look.
Polished cement floors can be stained, and they can have materials embedded in them (e.g., colorful aggregates), or they can have custom patterns, providing unique and custom designs.
Why Do People Use Polished Cement Floors?
Polished cement floors are not only popular in living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, they’re also great for open-plan spaces. Their multifunctionality allows them to complement a range of different interiors, from minimalism to industrial chic.
Advantages of Polished Cement Floors
There is more than just the practicality of polished cement floors; something that also beautifies the household. Here’s why this type of flooring is becoming more popular in homes:
Durability
Polished cement floors are durable and long-lasting, able to handle high foot traffic, pets, and furniture without showing signs of wear. With careful maintenance, they can endure for decades without requiring repairs or replacement.
Sustainability
Polished cement floors are an eco-friendly option for environmentally caring homeowners. They allow for the use of the existing concrete slab, minimizing extra materials. They can also serve the purpose of regulating the indoor temperature due to their thermal mass properties, ultimately contributing to lower bills for heating and cooling.
Design Flexibility
From sleek modern aesthetics to rustic charm, polished cement floors suit a multitude of style preferences. High-gloss, matte and stained finish options are customisable. You can also play with colors, textures, and embedded materials to create stunning visuals.
Low Maintenance
Unlike carpets or wood floors that need regular cleaning and refinishing, polished concrete is low-maintenance. Dirt and stains are easy to wipe off, and its non-porous surface does not allow allergens build-up.
Cost Efficiency
The initial cost may be substantial, but the long life and low maintenance make polished cement floors an economical long-term option.
Moisture Resistance
This means that polished cement floors are great choices in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Unlike wood, if properly sealed, water spills won’t seep through the surface, preventing mold and mildew growth.
Polished cement flooring has evolved to become a practical yet classy flooring solution for contemporary homes while striking a perfect balance between cost effectiveness, longevity and unmatched design flexibility.
Polished Cement Floors: Inspiration and Design Tips
With polished cement floors, you have a blank canvas to create a beautiful and creative interior. Here are some tips for how to use them effectively:
Industrial Minimalism
Pair polished cement floors with exposed brick walls, black metals, and neutral furnishings for a timeless industrial aesthetic. The reflective surface creates a lighted space, so even small areas can appear bigger and more illuminated.
Modern Kitchen Refinement
A high-gloss polished concrete floor pairs well with sleek kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances and minimalist cabinetry. Staining or matte finish can add depth and interest.
Warm Rustic Aesthetic
Pair polished cement floors in a warm tone with natural materials such as wood beams, or woven textiles. “The combination of textures creates a cozy yet modern look that’s ideal for living rooms,” he said.
Outdoor-Indoor Connection
Extend polished cement floors out onto outdoor patios for seamless transitions. Coupled with oversized sliding glass doors, it makes for a seamless and open area — perfect for entertaining.
Monochrome Magic
Embrace a monochromatic scheme by carrying tones of gray from the polished concrete to the walls to the furniture. Introduce accents such as plush rugs or colorful art pieces for contrast and character.
The polished cement floors open up a realm of creative possibilities with only your imagination as your limit.
Polished Cement Floor Maintenance Tips
The low-maintenance nature of polished cement floors also requires a few basic guidelines to keep them looking pristine for years:
Clean Regularly: Regularly sweep or vacuum to avoid dirt dulling the surface. Use a damp mop weekly with a pH-neutral, mild cleaner. Steer clear of caustic chemicals, which can eat through the finish.
Apply a Protective Sealer: Reapply a sealer every couple of years to keep the floor’s shine and avoid stains.
Use Rugs and Mats: Putting rugs in high-traffic areas and mats at entry points will help protect the floor from premature wear and damage.
Wipe up spills quickly: Although it’s resistant to stains, you’ll want to clean up spills like coffee or wine to avoid any discoloration.
These tips can help your polished cement floors shine beautifully for decades.
Costtaking for Polished Cement Floors
Cost is a primary consideration when selecting flooring. Here’s how polished cement floors stack up against other options:
Polished Cement Floors: $3 and up per square foot for installation (for basic finishes). Custom designs, colors or embedded materials can range from $10 to $15 a square foot.
Carpet: Costs, on average, $2 to $5 per square foot to install but must be replaced and cleaned often, which cumulatively increases long-term costs.
Hardwood: $6 and $12 a square foot, plus the cost of refinishing over time.
Tile: Material dependent — $1.50 per square foot for ceramic tile and $5 per square foot for porcelain tiles
Vinyl: A more affordable option at $2 to $6 per square foot, but less durable than polished concrete.
Polished cement floors may boast a higher installation price tag in the beginning, but their durability and low maintenance requirements make them a wise investment for the long-term.
Advantages of Polished Cement Floors In Modern Homes
Concrete floors are not merely a flooring solution. They symbolize durability, sustainability, and unending design potential all in one pretty package. Whether you want to create an industrial living room or a continuous in-and-out experience, polished cement floors adapt elegantly to any style. Low-maintenance and long-lived, they’re ideal for today’s homeowners.
If you’re tempted to add this chic look to your home, begin by speaking with a flooring expert. They can assist you with laying out a finished cement floor customized to your artistic plan and practical needs. Start your journey to an amazing space today!
