Whether it’s in an office environment, industrial setting, airport, warehouse, retail store or other location, interior concrete flooring has become a highly popular option for businesses today. When it comes to commercial concrete flooring, there are several options to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. You need to consider how your floor will be used, the location, moisture level, amount of traffic, whether heavy equipment will be used and many other factors. Before deciding whether a commercial concrete flooring system is the right type for your business, it’s important to understand its pros and cons.
Pros of Concrete Floors
- Concrete flooring is incredibly hard and durable, meaning that it’s unlikely to get damaged, no matter what it comes up against. Able to withstand the weight of a large vehicle without sustaining damage, concrete floor can’t be scratched or marred by heavy furniture, foot traffic or high temperatures. This makes it the ideal surface for restaurant floors, schools and museums, as well as hard-working commercial areas such as garages and warehouses.
- A properly installed, sealed and maintained concrete floor can last many years—even in the harshest commercial environments or cases of high traffic. Its life-span far surpasses that of other floor coverings, such as carpeting, vinyl tile and wood laminates. This means you’ll end up saving money, while preventing the troubles of having to get new flooring periodically installed.
- Modern advances in concrete mixing and setting have allowed designers to achieve an endless variety of color and texture effects. This means that various dyes, sealers and pigments can be used to change the look of the concrete floor and can even simulate the look of dozens of different pricier materials. You can also add decorative engraving and stenciled graphics into the surface.
- Keeping a polished concrete floor looking its best will only require a minimum amount of maintenance. Properly sealed concrete floors shrug off dirt, grit, stains, spills and hard impacts. A little sweeping and damp mopping is all you need to keep your concrete floor looking like new. Additionally, by waxing or sealing the floor every three to nine months, you’ll keep it waterproof and free of cracks.
- Concrete floors have a zero carbon footprint rating. Concrete itself requires little energy to produce and can often be found and made locally. It also remains cool during the summer and absorbs heat in winter, helping to reduce your energy bills. Finally, polished concrete floors don’t contain harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) like hardwood floors, vinyl carpets and synthetic carpets.
Cons of Concrete Floors
- If not properly sealed on both top and bottom surfaces, concrete will be very susceptible to penetration by moisture. If liquid does manage to make its way into the pores of a concrete floor, it can lead to the growth of mold or mildew. Mold is a major health risk and removal is often time-consuming. Even worse, the water may freeze if it’s cold enough, which can cause further cracking or damage to the floor.
- The surface of a concrete floor is very hard, so standing on it for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. This also means objects can easily break if dropped on it and falls may result in more serious injuries. That’s why these floors aren’t recommended for areas frequented by children or elderly people. Area rugs can definitely help to alleviate concerns and anti-fatigue mats can be added to areas where employees spend hours on their feet.
- Polished concrete floors can be loud like ceramic tile, natural stone flooring and some hardwood or bamboo floors. To reduce the noise, you can furnish the space with rugs, heavy drapes, acoustic wall panels and other elements that absorb or block sound.
If you choose to go with concrete flooring, let the certified team of technicians at Cubix, Inc. transform it into a beautiful, glossy surface. Our professional polishing results in a floor that is stronger, prettier and more durable than traditional concrete flooring options.
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
