Concrete Floors: Solid as a Rock

Concrete is a construction material that consists of cement (commonly Portland cement) as well as other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate and chemical admixtures. Concrete solidifies and hardens after mixing and placement due to a chemical process known as hydration.The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together, eventually creating a stone-like material. It is used to make pavements, architectural structures etc.

If you have a home, chances are you've got at least one concrete floor. There is something to be said for a material that can withstand all types of traffic, as well as weather, concrete floor has in durability.

Concrete floors are quickly growing in popularity. Of course, we're used to seeing concrete in finished basements and garages. However, in some new properties, concrete is replacing tile in kitchens, laundry rooms, and even bathrooms. It's well known that concrete is longer lasting, and requires less maintenance than other flooring options, but with the right treatment, a concrete floor can look just as beautiful, too.

Concrete Floor Paint

The most simple and most direct method to un-drab your slab is to paint it. There are a variety of specially formulated concrete floor paints available. One-part epoxy concrete floor paint is cost-effective and easy to apply. The result will brighten up the surface in a short amount of time, though garages might need an annual touch up due to tire traffic. A more durable, more expensive 100% epoxy paint kit will take more time in the application, but will be more resistant to harsh conditions. Depending on how well it is initially applied and how well the cement itself is prepped, this kind of concrete floor paint can look spectacular and last a very long time. Consult with a concrete contractor, and you'll discover a rainbow of colors beyond basic gray. Pigmented powders can be mixed into the concrete, or broadcast and worked into the surface. Water-based solutions of metallic salts create mottled colors that have a translucent patina

Concrete Staining

Concrete floors can be stained, sanded, and sealed much like hardwood. Staining concrete is done using a special chemical pigment that reacts with the minerals in the concrete itself, permanently changing the concrete's color. Since the chemical reacts differently depending on the age of the concrete and the natural variations in mineral deposits on the surface of the floor, mottling and patchiness will occur that create a varied and unique effect.

Pros & Cons

Because concrete floors tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, expansion joints must be cut or tooled into the surface to reduce the chance for cracks. These joints should be about a quarter of the depth of the floor. Strips of wood can help to absorb the expansion pressure, as well as serve a decorative role.

Though cost effective and extremely durable, certain aspects of a concrete floor may not be what some homeowners are looking for. When a glass falls onto concrete, it is likely to shatter. When a person falls on concrete it hurts. This should be considered before installing a concrete floor in an area where young children will spend a lot of time, such as a kitchen.

Concrete is often cold underfoot. Many people with concrete floors find a rug not only helps with this discomfort, but can also really tie a room together. However, cold feet shouldn't keep you from installing a concrete floor; radiant heating and improved insulation can make the surface much more hospitable.

Summary : If you want to have nice flooring in your house then you should consider getting concrete flooring. There are a lot of nice things about concrete flooring. First, there are many designs to choose from. The most basic way of designing concrete flooring is by staining it. Second, the cost of concrete flooring is not so expensive. You do not have to spend an arm and a leg to get concrete flooring. Last but not the least Easy to install and maintain.