Concrete Flooring Idea
A Beautiful and Practical Option

Flooring idea in concrete - look at the stunning colors and designs available.

Why not go for something a little more unusual in your home? Take a look at a concrete flooring idea for a hard wearing, beautiful and original flooring .... yes, it is for inside too!

• Using concrete flooring inside is certainly a very up-and-coming trend in the home decorating world - especially in the USA. Currently it hasn't hit popularity yet, over here in the UK. Perhaps because the flooring would be very cold in our climate - although I do understand that concrete is said to be very good passive solar heating, for solar heated homes.
• There are several ways that you can use concrete flooring in your home - if you already have existing concrete flooring, it will be a much cheaper option for you. If you don't already have concrete flooring, you can have it installed (over a properly reinforced sub-floor), although this option will, naturally, put the price up.
• If you wanted to do it yourself, your best option would be paint. Make sure you use a paint designed specifically for concrete floors - there are several choices. To make your design more personal, use stencils or masking tape to create interesting and unusual designs - or simply a classic checkerboard pattern. Finally, make sure you protect your design with a sealant.
• A more expensive option is to use an acid stain - this uses a chemical reaction to create the color - usually shades of black, brown, blue or green. The finish for the stain is not even/uniform, but quite mottled (almost like marble) and quite attractive. Just take another look at the photo at the top of the page, to see for yourself.
• Patterns and designs can be added here too - this time by scoring into the concrete before the staining process.
• Again a protective finish or sealant should be added to protect the finish.
• As well as many colors and designs, there are many variations in texture too - smooth and shiny, or more rough.
• Concrete flooring, with acid staining and scoring, is exceptionally versatile, and you can get really creative too. You can actually get the look and effect of tiles, slates, brick or marble tiles - at a fraction of the cost.
• You can design the pattern, color and style of your own floor (or let the professionals design a stunning floor for you!), and come up with a very individual concept, which fits well with your individual home, which is always a bonus.
• If you go for the acid staining option, it is best to get a professional in, as it is very difficult to predict the end result.
• A concrete floor is hard wearing, and pretty easy to keep clean - just sweep and mop, just as you would for tiles.
• To maintain it properly, reapply a fresh coat of protective sealant every few years, and if any repairs are required, get a professional concrete floor installer to do the necessary.
• Do be aware that your concrete flooring will be very hard (you may prefer something a little softer underfoot?) and if your room gets chilly at all, your floor will be even more so!

I hope that this information has helped you with your flooring ideas and decisions.

Do you want more flooring ideas and options?

Consider tiling and flooring ideas for vinyl floors.

Read information on laminate vs wood flooring.

Go for the soft and warm option - read about carpet ratings.

Return to the main flooring information page.

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