Concrete, a mixture of cement, sand and gravel, was used in buildings to create that sturdy foundation. Since then, a few things have changed. What was once known to be the most basic flooring material no longer holds that reputation. Modern advancements have almost reinvented the concept of concrete. It went from being used as a common structural element used simply for its utility and durability to something more desirable, and even decorative in nature. Found in both commercial and residential spaces, concrete flooring, especially one that has been polished, comes with its own set of advantages.
High Performance
For starters, concrete is durable and resilient. Not only can it withstand heavy foot traffic, and large equipment, it also performs well against abrasions and nuisances like stains. Which makes this type of floor an ideal option for commercial spaces such as warehouses, restaurants, offices, retail stores, clinics – among many other places. Beyond its physical form, installing concrete floors has certain perks.
For example, if the polished concrete has been properly polished and sealed, it prevents contaminants from entering the concrete. Non-porous flooring resists bacteria – making it an ideal flooring selection for commercial spaces such as hospitals, hotels and clinics.
Another benefit of concrete floors is that they can be sealed with different types of epoxy to protect the floors against different types of situations. Take a laboratory or warehouse for example. By coating your concrete floors with a chemical-resistant epoxy, you can protect your floors against possible accidents like the spilling of harsh chemicals and solvents. By coating your concrete with non-slip epoxy, on the other hand, you can help prevent slips and falls – even while the concrete floor has a “high-gloss” finish.
Low Maintenance
In addition to being a safe and versatile flooring option, commercial concrete is also low maintenance compared to others. In fact, if it has been properly installed, sealed and maintained – a polished concrete floor can last indefinitely. The best part about the whole maintaining aspect – it is incredibly simple. Any type of debris can be easily wiped off, and mopping the floors once a week is all that is needed. Which makes this type of flooring ideal to install across large surface areas like in schools, grocery stores, or libraries. Another perk to using this flooring is that it increases ambient lighting. This is especially important in commercial buildings because it helps attract clients, customers and the rest. Moreover, polished commercial concrete floors reflect a clean, sleek and bright image – an important aesthetic to any professional setting.
Decorative Options
Speaking of aesthetics, commercial concrete floors can be incredibly versatile. In its natural state, concrete has a grayish colour. To most, it’s a bland appearance that they wouldn’t dare have installed in their establishment. Particularly not in a place where customers would frequent. However, now there are ways to install commercial concrete floors and still make their appearance appealing to the masses.
Concrete floors can be made to look three-dimensional by using an acid-staining treatment. This is where hydrochloric or phosphoric acid is mixed with salts and then applied to a hardened, cured concrete slab. The results depend on various factors, including the materials used in the mix, the age of the slab and the porosity of the concrete. So you’ll end up with a unique, one-of-a-kind, floor no matter what. In fact, since the outcome is so interesting that this treatment can even mimic other flooring types. By etching the concrete to add faux grout lines after it has undergone the staining process, you can easily give the floor a tile-like appearance.
As mentioned earlier, another way to spruce up concrete flooring is by staining and polishing it. By grounding the surface down with progressively finer abrasive pads, you will be able to achieve a high-gloss, mirror-like finish. Of course the amount of gloss on the floor is completely up to you. If you’re looking for a more uniform colour that stretches across the surface in a smooth manner – dyeing your concrete floors is your optimal solution.
Another excellent way to add a twist to concrete floors is by using epoxy treatments – floor epoxy to be exact. By combining a liquid catalyst and a liquid hardener, you can essentially paint your floors (or rather, use any colour you want on the floor as you normally would on a wall). The colours appear as they normally would, the only difference would be that instead of drying, the colours would harden on the floor. The best thing about this method is that you can use vibrant colours to create intricate patterns if you desire to. Making it perfect for areas like lobbies, centres, art galleries, and those alike.
Concrete Polishing
Cost effectiveness and their ease of repair are just additional benefits to this incredible flooring type. Depending on the treatment, concrete restoration is common and experts can easily assess and repair any type of damage. Although, one should always opt for professional help in any case. At Polished Floors, our team of experts are standing by to help you achieve your desired floor aesthetics. From concrete grinding, finishing and engravings, to hyper polish, decorative patterns and epoxy coating – among much else, we have got you fully covered. Contact us at (905) 731-7085 for an estimate, and allow us to tell you how we can be of service.