Are you searching for a kitchen flooring option that is as durable as it is beautiful? It might be time to consider concrete flooring.
Understanding Concrete Floors
There are two main types of concrete flooring. If your home has an existing concrete slab, this slab can be stained and polished to create a floor that matches your decor style.
The other type of concrete floor is a decorative overlay. A concrete overlay can be placed over existing flooring for a new look. Overlays can also be used to resurface existing concrete floors.
Why Choose Concrete
Concrete flooring is ideal for custom kitchens because it’s fire resistant, waterproof, and stain-proof. Pet owners love concrete floors because they don’t scratch like wood floors do. Concrete floors are also resistant to odors and bacteria, something for parents and pet owners to keep in mind.
Concrete floors are better for the environment than other types of flooring. Concrete is not manufactured from any natural resources, making it more eco-friendly than wood or stone floors. There is also less energy required to produce concrete floors compared to other types of flooring and, if you ever decide to replace your concrete floors, they are recyclable.
Concrete Floors In Colder Climates
You may have heard that concrete floors are a poor choice when you live in a colder climate, like Toronto. While it’s true that concrete is cold to the touch, installing a radiant floor heating system solves this problem. Radiant heating systems are efficient, cost-effective, and will ensure your concrete floors are kept at a comfortable temperature.
Customizing Concrete Floors
When most people think of concrete, they think of a drab gray driveway. The reality is, when it comes to customizing this material, the possibilities are endless. Concrete floors can be stained, dyed, or even painted.
Color isn’t the only customizable option. Homeowners can choose the texture of their floors as well. It can be polished, troweled, or smooth. For a trendier look, consider having wet concrete stamped to give the appearance of a wood or stone finish.
The Cost Of Concrete
Concrete floors can cost as little as two dollars a square foot or as much as 20 dollars a square foot. Like with every other type of flooring available, the cost is dependant on the type of finish you choose.
Caring For Concrete Floors
Clean your custom kitchen floors with a vinegar solution or soapy water. Aside from regular cleaning, consider having your floors resealed every 10 years.
Disadvantages Of Concrete Floors
There are some disadvantages concerning concrete floors. This is a hard material; if you drop a glass on your floor, it is going to break. Some people with joint problems might prefer carpet or cork flooring instead of concrete or solid hardwood floors.
Another possible disadvantage is the weight of this material. If your kitchen is not on the ground floor of your home, you may need to add a support beam to hold the extra weight.
Choosing a qualified installer will ensure you get the most out of your concrete floors. Alair Homes Toronto builds high-quality custom homes, along with renovating existing homes, in the greater Toronto area. Contact us to discuss your dream home during a no-cost consultation.