What are the Advantages of Polished Concrete Flooring? Home Decoration Home Improvement by Brittany Thorley - May 13, 2014May 13, 2014 Let Us Check Out On Some Of The Advantages of Polished Concrete Flooring When you think of concrete flooring…. a few words spring to mind – grey, dull, cold and industrial being a few! However, unbeknown to many, polished concrete floors can add a contemporary look and feel to any kitchen, bathroom or living space. In fact, polished concrete floors are becoming THE trend from season to season with its array of advantages enticing individuals with properties of all sizes to consider this low maintenance flooring alternative. Here we explore the five benefits every homeowner can look forward to when giving the green light to polished concrete flooring ideas… Image Credit – http://pixabay.com/ The sustainable alternative Due to its wide use and industrial appearance many people overlook concrete’s green credentials, however, this wondrous product is actually one of the most sustainable building materials around! The production and installation of a polished concrete floor requires no new materials, in fact dull concrete slabs previously used as paving can become the composite material for your beautifully finished concrete floor. Many polished concrete flooring specialists use reclaimed concrete from buildings and garages to create a polished product, and with some careful sanding, sealing and buffing, these otherwise unattractive materials can become a seamless and shiny floor envied by many householders. Low maintenance Polished concrete flooring is known for its easy care, and whilst some maintenance is required to retain its sheen and sparkle, compared with other flooring types, polished concrete is perfect for those who want a beautiful finish without the hassle. Regular sweeping and mopping is needed to prevent damage, whilst spillages should be cleaned up immediately to stop stains from developing. In addition to this, your polished concrete floor must be sealed every 3 to 5 years to ensure optimum protection against wear and tear. A cost effective solution Whilst engineered wood, tiles and other stone flooring can command a high price, polished concrete can be applied relatively cheaply thanks to its sustainability. Polished concrete flooring is perfect for homeowners that want to take an economical approach to home improvement and installation could just mean you have more money left in the kitty to pursue other home upgrades. Fully customisable finish Concrete flooring specialists undertake a variety of techniques to finish polished concrete beautifully, and a series of tactics can also be used to customise the look of your installation. Stains, tinted sealants, dyes and stencils can all be used to create a finish that is as unique as you are. Tinted sealants in particular offer a cost effective and stunning finish for concrete floors. Available in a range of colours, tinted sealants provide all the protection a standard sealant ensures and adds a subtle hint of colour. Metallic coatings can also be added to polished concrete to add an impressive guild of nickel, aged bronze, copper or silver. Made to last Concrete flooring is extremely durable and as a result polished concrete is particularly long lasting. Polished concrete floors are expected to last in excess of 100 years, providing a low maintenance flooring option that is built to last. This post was written by Brittany Thorley from ReadyMix Concrete Online, the UK’s leading supplier of quality assured concrete.