Why polished concrete outshines wooden floorboards guide, Home floor product, Property flooring

Why Polished Concrete Outshines Wooden Floorboards

19 June 2024

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Polished concrete is the latest trend in interior design, and for good reason. It has replaced the traditional wooden floorboards to become one of the modern homes’ most popular flooring options.

While wooden floorboards have been a classic choice for decades, polished concrete offers numerous advantages that make it stand out as the superior option. Let’s explore why polished concrete outshines wooden floorboards and why it should be your go-to flooring option.

Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors vs. Wooden Floorboards

If you are having second thoughts about choosing polished concrete over wooden floorboards, reading the following benefits may help make up your mind.

● Durability

Polished concrete floors are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens. Wooden floorboards, on the other hand, are prone to scratches, dents, and stains that can easily damage their appearance.

Furthermore, polished concrete is resistant to moisture and does not warp or rot like wooden floorboards when exposed to water. This makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms, basements or any other area where water may be present.

If you live in regions with wet and dry seasons, such as Australia, polished concrete floors might be your best choice. Designer Floors, a polished concrete flooring contractor based in Perth, WA, excels in commercial and residential projects. It recommends polished concrete in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, hallways, and commercial spaces.

● Low Maintenance

Polished concrete requires minimal maintenance compared to wooden floorboards. It does not require waxing or polishing and can be easily cleaned with a simple mop and mild soap. On the other hand, wooden floorboards need regular sanding, refinishing, and resealing to maintain their shine and protect them from damage.

● Versatility

Polished concrete offers endless design possibilities that are not possible with traditional wooden floorboards. It can be stained in various colours, stamped with patterns, or even embedded with objects like glass or stones to create a unique look. This versatility allows for more creativity and personalisation in home designs.

● Cost-effective

In terms of cost, polished concrete is more affordable than wooden floorboards. The installation cost is lower, and since it requires minimal maintenance and has a longer lifespan, it can save homeowners money in the long run.

● Eco-friendly

Polished concrete is an environmentally friendly option as it uses existing concrete flooring instead of new materials like wood. Additionally, its low maintenance requirements mean fewer chemicals are needed for cleaning, making it a safer choice for your home and the environment.

The Grinding Process for Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is achieved through a multi-step grinding process that uses specialised equipment and diamond tools to grind down the surface of the concrete. The result is a smooth, glossy finish that can replicate the appearance of marble or other high-end materials.

Starting with coarse grinding, any existing coatings or imperfections on the concrete are removed, laying the groundwork for subsequent polishing stages. This initial grind is essential in preparing the surface for further refinement.

Subsequently, finer grinding grits come into play, progressively smoothing out inconsistencies and creating a uniform surface texture. These finer grits enhance the concrete’s overall smoothness, paving the way for the polishing phase.

During polishing, resin-bonded diamond pads are utilised to achieve the desired level of sheen. These specialised pads are crucial in enhancing the concrete surface’s appearance and durability.

Implementing professional techniques, such as utilising varying grit sizes and maintaining consistent pressure during grinding, is crucial in attaining optimal results. These refined methods transform polished concrete floors into visually striking and long-lasting surfaces that elevate the aesthetics of any environment.

Considerations When Choosing Polished Concrete over Wooden Floorboards

Choosing between polished concrete and wooden floorboards ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. However, when considering the above mentioned factors, polished concrete offers numerous advantages that make it a more practical and desirable flooring option.

The modern and sleek appearance of polished concrete cannot be achieved with traditional wooden floorboards. Its glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication to any space, making it a popular choice for modern and industrial-style homes.

One potential drawback of polished concrete is its acoustics and noise levels. Due to its hard surface, sound can bounce off quickly, resulting in increased echo in larger rooms. However, this can be mitigated by incorporating area rugs or acoustic panels into the design.

In terms of texture and feeling underfoot, polished concrete may not be as comfortable as other flooring options like carpet or hardwood. It is harder and colder to walk on, making it less ideal for areas where people tend to stand for long periods, such as kitchens.

Safety and practical considerations should also be taken into account when choosing between polished concrete and wooden floorboards. Polished concrete can be slippery when wet, so cautionary measures should be taken, especially for families with young children or elderly individuals. Breakables may also pose a potential hazard on hard surfaces.

Despite these considerations, polished concrete offers unique design opportunities that are impossible with traditional flooring options. The possibilities for customisation are endless, from incorporating colours and patterns to embedding objects like glass or stones.

Why polished concrete outshines wooden floorboards – Takeaway

Polished concrete floors have become popular for residential and commercial spaces due to their many advantages. With proper techniques and maintenance, polished concrete floors can provide a sleek and modern look that enhances the overall ambience of any space.

While there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing between polished concrete and other flooring options, the unique design possibilities make it a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their interiors.

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