When many people think of concrete flooring, they picture ugly, grey, rough surfaces with little aesthetic appeal. It’s generally acknowledged that concrete is a durable and easy-to-maintain floor surface, but its unappealing appearance is enough to put many people off. However, there is a lot more to concrete than that, and there are actually a multitude of attractive styles and finishes available, which can add a touch of class to any interior. Here are just a few of the choices available:

Polished Concrete

The dull, grey, lifeless concrete many people imagine is not as common as it seems. In fact, it’s very easy to install polished concrete flooring, which is very easy on the eye. Polished concrete is made from natural materials, and its shiny, smooth surface ensures it’s low maintenance, easy to clean and very durable – which means it rarely needs replacing! As a bonus, it’s also repellent to dust, so there won’t be many dust bunnies lurking around, and it can even be non-slip!

Floor Sealers & Coatings

Floor sealers and coatings are an excellent way to add a little extra life to concrete flooring that has already been installed. It’s possible to colour code areas, which can be useful for huge buildings such as hospitals or the offices of corporations. The sealers not only protect the floor, prolonging its life and increasing its hardness –they’re also highly light reflective, adding a bright and airy atmosphere to any room.

Different types of sealers and coatings can be applied, each with their own unique selling points: some offer increased resistance to dust and dirt, others are highly resistant to chemicals, meaning flooring won’t become discoloured or fade easily. Almost all of them increase the hardness of a floor, further improving its resistance to heavy foot traffic too.

Spray on Paving

Spray on paving is generally easier and cheaper to apply to concrete flooring than other sealers and coatings, yet it still offers numerous benefits. Spray on paving is most commonly used to apply a moisture barrier, which can protect the concrete from future problems such as cracking and warping. Food grade systems are an important type of spray on paving for any kitchen or food environment, as they are incredibly hygienic, being solvent free, non-tainting and very easy to clean. There are also anti-slip options, chemical resistant coatings and anti-graffiti coatings.

Designer Finishes

Designer finishes are probably the most sought after type of concrete flooring, as they can add a real touch of glamour, and can improve the appearance of a room many times over. Designer finishes are highly customisable, and so can suit a wide range of styles and tastes. Almost any colour, texture, design or pattern a person could want is available, making it a highly desirable option, both in terms of style and durability. As with any other concrete surface, designer finishes are still highly durable, easy to maintain and easy to clean.

Anyone who has previously had doubts about concrete flooring may change their mind when they realise what a wide variety of options are available!

Laura Heinz is a reputed name in the interior designing business. She is also a part time blogger who likes blogging about things that would help you to make your house look beautiful. She believes that polished concrete surfaces adds a kind of finesse to your house.