How to Choose the Right Type of Concrete Flooring for You

Improve your project with the right concrete flooring.

Concrete has been the number one choice so far when choosing a flooring type for most construction projects. Whether it’s an establishment, a pool, a house, or a driveway, concrete has proven to be one of the best building materials.

Choosing the right type of concrete flooring for your project is just as important. There are a few things to consider when you’re choosing concrete flooring for your project, such as:

Type of Traffic. Consider the type of traffic your floor will be subjected to. Will it be from foot traffic only? From vehicles? Or a mix of both? The concrete flooring you choose will depend on this factor if you go for a more durable concrete floor.

Aesthetics and Design. If you have a specific design in mind, you have to consider that when choosing the type of flooring. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Would you prefer to have a classy and polished look? Or will it have intricate and elaborate designs? Such questions can help you determine what flooring you’ll be going for.

Your Budget. One of the most important factors when picking your concrete flooring. It’s no use trying to choose one type when you know it’s way over your budget. Plenty of concrete floor types are available, with different prices. Your budget can help you narrow down the most suitable flooring from a bracket within your price range.

You now have the important factors down in choosing the right type of concrete flooring. The next step is identifying the different types of flooring. In this blog, we’ll help you differentiate them to help you pick the concrete flooring that’s perfect for your project.

Polished Concrete Flooring

Trowel finishes are known for their charming rustic, rough, and somewhat untamed look. Unfortunately, some don’t find it appealing. But with a polished concrete floor type, you can tame and turn that trowel finish into something classy and elegant. The polishing process involves a machine that contains abrasive pads. These pads will grind down the rough surface, turning the coarse surface smooth and shiny. This type of flooring is best for retail stores or warehouses and is also popular for homes with modern interior designs.

Stained Concrete Flooring

If you think your concrete floor looks so dull and plain, fear not! Stained concrete flooring is for you if you want some color and vibrancy to your floors. Staining the concrete lets you create striking designs or delicate colors for your floor. You can choose from an acid or water-based variety to stain your concrete floor with. Colors from stained concrete don’t fade or chip. So they are perfect even if your concrete floor receives much traffic.

Dyed Concrete Flooring

Unlike stained concrete, the colors you get for your floor are uniform and consistent. This flooring is done by dyeing the concrete instead of staining it with chemicals. Dyes have higher saturation than staining, making the colors brighter and more vibrant. Compared to other concrete finishes, dyed concrete dries much faster as well. Therefore, concrete contractors finish faster when working with dyed concrete flooring.

Epoxy Concrete Flooring

Epoxy concrete flooring is one of the most popular choices for garage flooring. Epoxy is also considered more durable than other concrete finishes. Unlike dyeing and staining, where color is usually mixed in with the concrete, epoxy is used as a coating over the concrete’s surface.

It consists of two elements, the catalyst and the hardener, which are usually mixed before application. Once mixed, both react to each other, causing the paint to harden before turning into a smooth and glossy surface. Epoxy is tough and can resist oil and grease stains and tire marks, making it a garage floor favorite.

Stenciled Concrete Flooring

If you want more than just color on your floor, the stenciled concrete floor might be right up your alley. Add intricate patterns and designs with your own custom design, or choose from hundreds of available template designs. You can also mix and match designs and patterns, giving you endless possibilities for your concrete floor’s appearance.

Not only that but there are plenty of ways to achieve a stenciled design. You can add dyes for color, skim coat over the stencil to create an embossed look, or perform a sandblast to etch the design. However, the more intricate the design, the more pricey and time-consuming it can be. So keep that in mind if you get stenciled concrete flooring for your project.

Choosing the right flooring type is essential to get the most out of your concrete floor. You don’t want to spend much time and money getting concrete flooring, only to find that it doesn’t fit your project. For example, if your plans involve high traffic, don’t choose embossed stenciled flooring, which can give vehicles a bumpy ride or cause tripping. The same goes for choosing a plain concrete floor on a project that needs an aesthetic appeal.

Ready to get your own concrete flooring plans in action? Call us now at Grand Rapids Concrete Pros! Our concrete contractors will gladly assist you with your concrete flooring needs.