Common Misconceptions About Residential Concrete Floors

Concrete may not be the most commonly used residential flooring material, but stained concrete is a very a good substitute for heavy and costly stone flooring. Concrete also doesn't hold dust, germs and allergens, so it's also a good choice to consider if you have pets who shed or live in an area with lots of dust in the air.

While concrete can be a good option for your home no matter its style and no matter your overall needs for flooring, you may have some misconceptions about this material and its installation, some of which might be holding you back from considering concrete as a flooring option. Note a few of those common misconceptions here so you know what to discuss with a residential concrete contractor and can make the best decision about flooring for your home.

Concrete is loud

The thick fibres of carpeting insulate floors and a room itself, so they actually work to dampen sound. Virtually any other flooring surface will then be louder than carpeting, and this includes concrete, stone, linoleum and the like; concrete itself isn't necessarily any louder than these other materials.

If you're concerned about the noise that may come from concrete tiles, you can compensate for its lack of sound-dampening fibres by adding extra fabric in a room, including area rugs, thick and layered drapes, toss pillows and a fabric ottoman. There is even artwork you can purchase that helps to absorb sound and keep a room quieter!

Concrete tiles take a long time to cut and install

Residential concrete floors aren't always installed in actual tiles; the concrete surface may be poured in one long span and then stamped. This stamping creates indentations that make the surface look like it's made of tiles. Not only does pouring and stamping concrete then mean a faster installation than installing single tiles of any material, but poured concrete can also be easily worked around columns and other such obstructions. Your contractor can tell you if poured and stamped concrete would be a good option for your home, versus individual concrete pieces or tiles.

Concrete is too expensive

Concrete flooring may cost more than low-quality carpet or certain types of linoleum tiles, but consider the long-term costs of your chosen home flooring. That low-quality carpet may need to be replaced in a few years after it gets worn down and can't be restored. Cheaper tiles may be more prone to chipping and cracking. The durability of concrete can mean that it will far outlast any cheaper flooring option, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.