Polished concrete floors are quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners and business owners alike. They can be aesthetically pleasing, durable, and easy to maintain. But before you commit to having concrete polishing in Melbourne, you should consider a few pros and cons. Let’s break down what you need to know about these unique floors.
Pros of Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are a great choice if you want to reduce costs and increase the value of your home. Polished concrete is a very attractive alternative to wood, ceramic tile, and stone because it’s a natural material that blends with the environment and has no upkeep requirements. You can install them in both new and existing homes, and they offer a variety of benefits that make them well worth the cost.
Durable and Long Lasting
Polished concrete floors are incredibly durable and long lasting, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas. The concrete is ground and polished to a smooth finish, which helps to protect the surface from scratches and other types of damage. Once installed correctly, they can last for decades.
Versatile and Customisable
The polished surfaces are incredibly versatile; they can be designed in any colour or pattern imaginable and even mimic the marble or granite look without the hefty price tag. This allows for a wide range of design options and makes it easy to match the flooring to the space’s aesthetic.
Requires Less Maintenance
Polished concrete floors are low maintenance because they do not require any special cleaning or sealing products. This makes them ideal for areas exposed to high dust and dirt levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Once a polished concrete floor is installed, it is easy to clean; all it takes is a mop, broom, or vacuum to keep them clean. Additionally, the polished surface is resistant to moisture and staining, so it will not absorb stains easily and will look good even after years of use.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
These floors can improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that can accumulate on surfaces. The smooth surface of the polished concrete floor makes it difficult for dust and other particles to accumulate, which can improve overall air quality.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
The cost of installing and maintaining polished concrete floors is considerably lower than other hard surfaces. The initial cost may be higher, but the lack of maintenance and the long lifespan of the floors can save money in the long run. The installation process can be done in one day, saving you time and money on labour. Also, you do not have to pay for expensive equipment like scaffolding or ladders when installing polished concrete floors.
Cons of Polished Concrete Floors
For all its beauty and durability, polished concrete does have its limitations. Let’s take a look at some of the major cons of polished concrete floors:
Initial Cost
The most significant con is that installation costs tend to be high due to the labour-intensive nature of the process; it often requires grinding down an existing surface before applying sealants and waxes to look smooth and shiny. The initial cost can also rise if you need to repair and level existing concrete before the polishing process can begin. Additionally, if you want to include any custom features, such as staining or colouring, that can add to the cost.
Noise
Polished concrete floors can be quite loud, especially in high-traffic areas. This can be a problem in commercial settings, such as offices or retail spaces, where noise levels need to be kept low. These floors can be noisy because of the high friction between the floor and the shoes that people walk on. This is because polished concrete floors do not absorb sound like vinyl floors.
Prone to UV sensitivity
Polished concrete floors can be sensitive to UV rays, which can cause discolouration over time. This can be an issue in areas with a lot of natural light or outdoor settings. They will become duller with time and wear, particularly if you choose a white finish for your floor material. To prevent discolouration, applying a sealer that provides UV protection is essential.
Requires Specialised Training
The process requires specialised training, so you will likely have difficulty finding qualified professionals who understand how to do the job correctly. As such, anyone installing polished concrete floors must have knowledge and experience before installing them in your home or business premises.
Coldness
Finally, polished concrete floors can be cold to the touch, which can make a space feel uninviting during cold weather. This can be an issue in residential settings, where people may look for a more comfortable flooring option. Since these floors tend to be cold when temperatures drop below freezing, heating may be necessary if you want your feet to remain warm during winter!
Final Words
Polished concrete floors offer many benefits for homeowners and business owners alike, but there are also some downsides that must be considered before making the leap. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing floor resistant to staining or cracking while being relatively low-maintenance, then polished concrete might be suitable for your space! Do your research carefully; make sure you find qualified professionals who understand how this type of flooring works and how much it will cost to get the best results possible in terms of aesthetics and longevity.
If you are looking for a professional concrete polishing contractor in Melbourne, get in touch with the experts at Excon Group. With over 20 years of experience, they are the best in the industry and have a reputation for reliability and affordability.
