Smooth concrete is a popular option for floors, especially on interior surfaces. It can be painted or stained to create a custom look that suits any design style.
However, smooth concrete isn’t suitable for every home. In fact, it’s best for high traffic areas, high temperature zones, and industrial environments.
1. High Traffic Areas
High traffic areas, or places where a lot of people are walking or running around on a daily basis, should be covered with floors that are durable and easy to clean. This includes entryways, mudrooms, main hallways and kitchens.
The best flooring options for these areas are those that are water-resistant and easy to clean, but they also need to be durable enough to resist scratches and stains. One of the most durable options is tile, which is great for heavy-duty floors such as mudrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
Porcelain tiles are especially sturdy and can withstand severe temperatures without cracking. They are also available in a variety of designs, so you can find the right look to fit your space.
Another type of floor that is ideal for high-traffic areas is polished concrete. This is a finished concrete that has been treated with a chemical densifier and then ground down with finer grinding tools. It is usually less expensive than other types of concrete and can be stained or dyed to create an array of different looks.
This type of finish is also abrasion resistant and resistant to pet stains. However, it may require a sealer to protect it from wear and tear.
In addition to being beautiful, polished concrete is extremely durable and is resistant to fading. It is also easy to maintain and is resistant to scratching and stains, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
The most common method of achieving a smooth finish on a concrete floor is to use a trowel or float. If you want to achieve a more textured floor, you can use a commercial feather finishing compound. This will leave behind a few ridges that are not as smooth as a trowel or float finish, but it’s still very attractive and can add to the overall aesthetic of a room.
If you have a concrete slab that is not looking its best, you can have it resurfaced with an overlay. This will rejuvenate the floor and give it a new look. It can be acid-stained, dyed or polished.
2. High Temperature Areas
Concrete is one of the most commonly used surfaces for commercial and residential flooring. It can be poured into different shapes and sizes, is easy to install and is generally resistant to mechanical shocks, chemicals, and frequent cleaning. It is also durable and can resist high temperature fluctuations, which makes it perfect for most industrial applications.
Polished concrete floors can be very attractive and can add value to your property. They are also incredibly durable, and can resist wear and tear from heavy traffic and abuse.
They are also easier to clean than ceramic tile and can resist scratches, dents, and stains better than wood. They can also be stained and colored to give your floor a unique look.
When installing a polished concrete floor, it is important to take precautions against moisture and water damage. It is a good idea to have an experienced contractor complete the work, and to have a moisture test performed before starting the project.
The first step in preparing the concrete is to remove the surface laitance from the slab using a vapor barrier, or other method of treatment that does not saturate the concrete with water. This should be done at least a day before laying the floor.
Once the concrete is dry, it can be honed with progressively finer abrasives to create a smooth and shiny finish. This process can be repeated until the desired look is achieved.
Another technique is to acid-stain the floor to create a mottled color effect that resembles marble. You can do this with a liquid colorizing agent, or you can apply a solid colorizer to the surface of the concrete.
In addition, if you want to improve the appearance of your concrete floor, you can add decorative elements such as stamped designs or a pattern. These can be done by hand or by machine.
You can also use a variety of sealers to help your floor look beautiful and protect it from environmental factors. A gloss sealer, for example, will make the floor look glossy and shiny, but it can be slippery.
3. Industrial Areas
When it comes to zoning laws, many cities and countries try to separate industrial areas from commercial zones. This is done in order to limit pollution, noise, and traffic from factories. It also helps to protect the underlying property values in these neighborhoods, which can be lower than those of residential areas.
However, in some cases, there is a need to have a mixture of commercial and industrial activities. This is the case when a business has multiple operations that require different locations to meet their needs.
One of the most common examples is the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers of products like machinery, electronics, automobiles, and food products need large tracts of land. They often use chemicals that require a strong environmental barrier. Consequently, they need a solid concrete floor that can stand up to these types of chemicals.
In these situations, a polished concrete floor can be an ideal solution. It is a durable, long-lasting surface that can withstand heavy equipment and foot traffic.
It is also safe for employees to walk on and it has a smooth, flat finish that makes it easier to move machinery and other materials around. Compared to other flooring solutions, a smooth concrete floor can also be easier to clean and disinfect because it does not trap dust and dirt.
Another good reason to use a smooth concrete floor is its aesthetic appeal. It can be used in a variety of settings, such as warehouses and garages, to create a modern look with a sleek, sophisticated style.
The appearance of a polished concrete floor can be customized in many ways to match the decor of the area. The surface can be sealed with a high-gloss epoxy coating to make the concrete shine, or it can be left without any finishing to add a decorative touch.
If you’re unsure about the best type of floor for your industrial facility, contact us to learn more about what options are available. We can help you choose the right flooring for your needs and provide an estimate for installation.
In some cases, a smooth concrete floor can be a cost-effective option to upgrade your industrial facility. The price can vary depending on how much grinding is needed to create a beautiful, shiny floor, the amount of aggregate exposed and whether or not you want to add stains or other special finish designs to your floors.
4. Basements
If your basement is an area that doesn’t receive much attention and you want to make the space more functional and beautiful, smooth concrete floors are a great choice. This type of flooring is easy to clean and comes in a wide range of colors, finishes, and styles.
It’s also a great option for people who live in areas that have high levels of moisture, as it can help prevent mold and mildew from developing. This flooring also gives your basement a finished appearance and can make it more attractive to buyers if you ever decide to sell your home.
Whether your basement is used for storage, a workout space, or a family room, smooth concrete floors are an excellent option that will last. They are resistant to water, so they’re easy to clean, and they’re highly durable.
You can install this type of flooring over a subfloor that’s specially designed for basements. The subfloor provides a layer of insulation and drainage, making it more comfortable to walk on.
Another benefit of smooth concrete floors is that they’re highly resistant to moisture damage and mold growth. This is important for homeowners who live in humid or storm-prone areas, as well as those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
In addition, a smooth basement floor won’t collect dirt and germs like wood or carpet does, so you don’t need to worry about them growing and spreading. This makes it easy to keep your basement looking fresh and new for years to come.
If you’re planning to install flooring over concrete, it’s important to choose a paint that’s specifically designed for this surface. You should also consider a finish that’s anti-slip and anti-microbial.
The best way to choose a paint or coating for your basement is to ask a professional for recommendations. They’ll be able to suggest the right product for your needs and explain how it will work with your specific situation.
Many homeowners prefer to bury their basements under carpeting or other floor coverings to increase the value of their homes. However, this approach can lead to more problems than it solves. This is because air conditioning tends to dry out the basement and carries moisture from the concrete back into the home. This moisture then leads to efflorescence on the floor, which can result in mold or mildew growth. It also increases your utility bills.