When considering flooring for a home, there is a lot to think about. With the constant shifts in technology and trends, it may be hard to decide on the perfect flooring material. While there are a number of things that make concrete flooring attractive, like any other material, it has both its pros and cons. The low cost and unique finish options make concrete flooring desirable, but it does have a few drawbacks. To learn more about concrete flooring, read on.
The Pros Of Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is the perfect combination of high durability and low maintenance. Properly sealed concrete floors are virtually dirt, grit, stain, spill, and hard impact proof. They only require sweeping and mopping. While you might think of concrete flooring as belonging to creepy basements, this is no longer the case. Modern techniques have elevated the concrete floor. It comes in a wide range of colors and can even be stamped to perfectly mimic more expensive materials, such as natural stone. When you install a concrete floor, you also have the option to add radiant heat, so you can have pleasantly warm floors all winter long.
The Cons Of Concrete Flooring
While concrete is exceptionally durable, its hardness may be a concern for some owners. It is not comfortable underfoot and is incredibly unforgiving. Slips and falls will be painful and almost anything that is dropped will break against it. Area rugs are suggested with concrete flooring. This material is also susceptible to the effects of moisture over time, which can creep up from beneath the slab, especially in basements. They are also prone to cracking over time due to unavoidable shifts in temperature and moisture. These can be easily disguised with colored cement and patching materials, however. The environmental friendliness of this material has also come into question. While concrete on its own is biodegradable, the way it is made may be less than green. This process requires a lot of energy and produces a lot of carbon dioxide.
Get In Touch With Fisher Lumber Today
Fisher Lumber and Hardware has served homeowners and contractors in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas since 1894. We have excellent lumber, all of the building materials you need, top-notch tools, and the expertise to help you pick the right supplies for your project. Give us a call at 301-424-6500 or visit us online for more information. To see more tips for your DIY project, visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Houzz, and Twitter!