New Types of Concrete Flooring

Some people may think about concrete flooring and picture a plain expanse of gray which looks like it belongs in a warehouse, but concrete has moved on considerably in recent years.

Today, concrete flooring is available in a vast range of options, and each is as stylish as any carpet, vinyl or hardwood floor. You can choose different colors, textures, stains and durable finishes that can be used both inside and outside the home. If you’re considering a concrete floor for your home but are not sure which is the best choice for your project, here are some of the new types of concrete finishes available today.

Examples of New Concrete Flooring

When it comes to choosing the type of concrete flooring for your home, there are plenty of options available to suit whatever look you want. You first need to consider how much you want to spend, whether you want it textured, the color of it, and more, as this will all impact your final decision. To get you started on your decision making here are just a few options that you could choose from.

Acid Stain

For a bold finish, an acid stain is the best choice as it reacts with the concrete and creates a finish which will not fade or chip. It gives a mottled look, giving extra depth and is available in a wide range of colors.

Water-Based Stain

A water-based stain delivers a subtle and classy finish for concrete floors as it’s not as intense as an acid stain. It also provides a consistent finish and, as it is low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), it is safer to apply than an acid stain.

Fast Stain

The fast stain does what you would expect it to do as it will dry faster than other types. It’s also a more eco-friendly option in many cases and works well with polished concrete or alongside water or acid-based stains.

Standard Epoxy

If the flooring is being placed in a high traffic area inside your home, then an epoxy finish could be ideal as it provides a high level of durability to abrasion and chemicals. The look of epoxy is very glossy and usually in a single color.

Metallic Epoxy

Epoxy is also available with a slight metallic sheen which can provide an extra level of dimension and can make a room appear brighter.

Granite Epoxy

Granite epoxy (also known as terrazzo) involve decorative chips of color in the liquid epoxy which provides a lot of options in terms of pattern and color combinations, but the surface is still smooth, glossy and durable.

Quartz Sand Epoxy

Quartz sand epoxy is incredibly strong and is, therefore, a great choice in garages or workshops. It is available in a choice of colors and offers great durability from water, chemicals, wear and is also slip-resistant.

Acrylic Sealer

A concrete floor can also be sealed in acrylic which provides a layer of protection and a matte finish, but it will need to be waxed regularly to maintain its durability.

Concrete Flooring: The Benefits

No matter which type of concrete flooring you choose you, there are some key benefits which you’ll enjoy in your home for many years to come. Concrete is a great choice for both internal and external flooring. It’s clear that there are plenty of options to choose from, meaning you will be able to find the perfect finish to suit your home and garden, but it’s also an incredibly resilient and durable choice. It will withstand damage and pressure from footwear, pets, furniture, and moisture from the weather or a swimming pool.

Concrete is also incredibly low maintenance. Some finishes may require waxing or re-sealing from time to time, but generally, they can be wiped clean and will resist chemicals and water.