Concrete floors are a popular option in modern homes, and it's possible to add a concrete floor if you're renovating your older home. These floors can be beautiful additions to any home, although they do lack the classic appearance of wood planks. If you like the look of marble or other stone, or if you want to design an artistic masterpiece, then concrete is an excellent choice. Here's an overview of how these floors are installed.
They Need A Strong Base
These floors are usually installed on a slab that already exists, such as the basement floor or the slab of a home built directly on the soil. The reason for this is the heavy weight of the concrete that is added to the slab.
It might be possible to install one of these floors over a wood frame floor, but you may need a structural engineer to determine if the floor frame is strong enough or if it needs additional support added.
An Overlay Is Usually Needed
Unless the slab is in excellent shape and ready to be used for flooring, the contractor will probably add an overlay to the slab. An overlay is a thin new layer of concrete that is spread over the slab. Colors and designs are then added to the overlay rather than the slab.
The Floors Take On Many Looks
Concrete is the most versatile flooring for residential use because it starts as a blank slate and can be transformed in so many ways. The contractor can stamp designs in the overlay that look like bricks, flagstones, or tiles. The floor can be a solid and uniform color, or it can have multiple colors added. It's even possible to create artistic designs such as multi-colored tile mosaics on the floor.
The final step in installing the floor is to seal it, and there are choices in sealants that can be used. If you like shiny floors, your contractor can choose a glossy sealer that leaves your floors with a deep shine that makes your home seem clean and bright.
Radiant Heating Can Be Installed Too
Concrete works well with radiant floor heating that can be installed along with the floors. Radiant heat warms up the floor without causing any damage as it might with other types of flooring. This makes your home more comfortable in the winter and eliminates cold feet when you walk on the floor barefooted.
The Floors Could Last A Lifetime
Once your concrete floor is installed, it could last for the life of your house because it's so durable. It shouldn't need many repairs, but if a crack develops, it can be filled in and blended in with the pattern on the overlay.
A concrete floor is easy to clean too since it's sealed and repels water and stains. You can wet mop and vacuum it. It's important to keep the floor sealed so it is protected and so the floor stays glossy. The contractor can recommend the frequency of applying a new top coating depending on how much foot traffic there is in your home.
