Concrete has many uses beyond building construction – there are many ways to include it inside your home. Commonly seen as flooring within residential as well as commercial and industrial buildings, concrete can also be used for furniture and benchtops. Polished or honed concrete is ideal for indoor flooring, and can create a bespoke look that is beautiful and elegant, giving your home a high-end vibe.
Polished concrete can be customised for your interiors by adding a warm tone pigment with lighter aggregates for a soft look. Alternatively, you could choose a combination of charcoal pigment and aggregate for a bold statement floor. With so many colours and aggregates to add to your concrete mix, you have endless options to create a look that’s visually tuned to the design theme of your home interiors.
You can also choose the level of sheen on your polished concrete floor. If a super high gloss doesn’t match with the décor, go for a low or mid-sheen. Concrete floors indoors are easy to clean and maintain, and also extremely durable and long-wearing in performance.
Planning the colour, finish and floorplan of your concrete floor right from the beginning is really important. Removing and re-pouring concrete is a costly exercise, so avoid any room for mistakes from the start.
Which rooms are ideal for concrete floors?
Bathrooms
Concrete is often considered an impractical choice for a bathroom floor as it could turn slippery when wet, creating a physical hazard for the user. However, concrete floors in bathrooms can be installed with a slip-resistant finish, making the final surface safe and comfortable to use.
If you are convinced about having a concrete floor in your bathroom, you need to consider moisture prevention during installation. Make sure the concrete floor is properly waterproofed to prevent water transfer and water retention in the sub floor and wall joints.
From an aesthetic perspective, a concrete floor delivers a grout-free surface. Additionally, concrete floors in bathrooms are easy to maintain since they only need mopping to keep clean and dry.
A honed concrete floor will bring beautiful aesthetics and versatility to your design. The long life and durability of concrete floors can also lead to greater returns when you put your home on the market.
Laundries
Given the exposure to moisture, laundries have the same practical considerations as bathrooms, and require a slip-resistant finish as well as waterproofing. A concrete floor in your laundry is a hardwearing solution that will serve you well for years.
Did you know polished or honed concrete floors absorb and release thermal energy? This means your home will be kept at a comfortable temperature all year round.
Kitchens
A polished concrete floor in your kitchen is a cost-effective and beautiful choice. Being waterproof, the floor can be quickly cleaned up in the event of spills. Concrete is a durable option that reduces the cost of repairs and maintenance over the years.
Polished or honed concrete looks great on other surfaces too – create a custom benchtop that matches with your kitchen design scheme. Streamline the look throughout the whole house and incorporate a custom bench in the bathroom and laundry as well. Concrete can be polished to any sheen, so you will be able to find the perfect look and finish for your home.
Living areas
Concrete floors are a versatile option for the most active room of the house. Honed or polished, they are family-friendly and perfect for children and pets. A durable and functional option that also looks amazing, concrete floors are allergen-free, skid- and scratch-resistant, and super easy to clean, making them the ideal alternative to carpet flooring.
