The best way to be sure you maintain your polished concrete floor well is to create a regular schedule of maintenance. In addition, light-colored concrete will absorb less solar radiation during the day, keeping concrete patios and pool decks cooler during the summer. Please have a look at the gallery to view some of our quality work. The concrete floors complement the most striking design elementslike the skylight and modern setup of the kitchen island and countertopswithout stealing all the thunder. Copyright 2008-2022 - All Rights Reserved, An In-Depth Guide To Polished Concrete Floors. The team at DS Grinding are fully trained and qualified concrete polishing specialists. Concrete Coffee Table Customizes Urban Living. This will also give people somewhere to warm up the feet on colder days, as well as keep the echoing to a minimum. The cost of using a white concrete mix, in contrast to a gray mix, means that something beyond functionality is necessary to warrant its use. You should work in small sections to make it easier to clean up all the cleaner. Burnished- this is similar to the trowel method, but with a few more steps. Read what the Portland Cements Association says about the sustainable benefits of white concrete: White Cement Concrete Reflects Sustainability. In general, however, polished concrete flooring is one of the most cost-effective flooring options, on average similar to (slightly less than) vinyl or linoleum or wall-to-wall carpet. Paste polish- the aggregate will end up being invisible and the color will be consistent. Fake tiles by painting concrete if you don't want to embark on a total renovation project. Or at least some of them. One consideration is that the quality of the sealing may have to be more precise, as any imperfections will seem more obvious on the bright white surface. Stains and dyes can not only alter the color of the concrete itself, but they will inevitably enhance the polished look and feel of the concrete itself. Theyre also liable to show up as your house settles. A polished concrete floor is incredibly durable, according to. Polished concrete is not as comfortable under your feet as carpet, or even wood and tile flooring. Polished concrete can fit right into a domestic setting. Concrete is a great material for bathroom floors since it can also be the base in the shower. Concrete is incredibly easy to clean since there are no cracks or crevices for dirt to hide in. As seen in this Wabi Sabi-esque space designed by Arent & Pyke, it's just as effective and stylish, but it won't be as much as an overhaul as replacing the floors would be. If you have gray or neutral concrete floors, make sure theres enough color in the room to keep it from being depressing. A dropped glass is certainly gone, as are most dropped ceramics. BN12 4HJ, Western Area Office When laying a white concrete slab the process is also much the same. People sometimes refer to white concrete as white Portland cement. The beauty of concrete is, when its wet, the surface is a blank slate and can be worked into nearly any shape, design, or pattern. We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional concrete polishing services. Our experts keep up with current industry standards and practices, using the latest equipment and techniques. It can really make the room feel like it's floating on a cloud. This is different than the stain itself and is added after youve applied and allowed your concrete stain to dry. Concrete floors cause rooms to echo quite a bit. Polished concrete flooring is simply a concrete floor that has been treated with a chemical densifier (to fill in the holes/pores) and ground down (similar to sanding wood) with progressively finer grinding tools. As with anything, the costs of polished concrete flooring are directly linked to the complexity of the project, whether its a new floor or not, and how much customization youre after. They look greatminimalist and sleek. Brittney is a wife, a mom of four young children, a writer and editor (B.S. Concrete gets a lot of flack for making a space not feel homey enough. You apply concrete sealer the same way you apply the stain; with a sprayer. Regular brooms may scratch it up or cause it go dull. Water-based concrete stain is often reserved for floors that have stains (soiled like grease and oil) or have already been previously sealed. Polished concrete flooring is a couple step away from being a warehouse floor. Youll want to hire a professional to put it in. A custom blend of white/creme cements to grout additive was used to achieve a correct colour match before grouting commenced. It has a clean and sharp look that can be nicely softened with the right furniture and dcor. The team is flexible and work according to your schedule. This modern California family home designed by Amber Interiors proves otherwise. You need to seriously think about using this option before you start spending money on it. You can customize the color, texture, and even choose concrete with shells or other materials mixed in. You can also get all sorts of shapes stenciled into concrete, including logos and patterns. Compare this to a tile floors life expectancy of 10-20 years, and thats quite a difference. Plus, it's one of the easiest materials to clean and maintain, making it a surprisingly great pick for a home where spills and messes occur regularly. The stream of concrete floor ensures this flow, and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and walls accentuate it even further. The canvas was installed with the pour and finish and the polish can be done on an open slab or once the walls are up. You dont want to spread damaging particles across the floor as you try to clean it. This kitchen designed by Robson Rak is a serious stunner. Wax builds up over time and needs to be routinely stripped away. By polishing the exposed concrete, you eliminate both the materials and energy required in putting in a floor in the traditional sense. It is a beautiful look for a concrete floor, as slabs for a patio or in a garden path. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Designer-Approve Blue Green Paint Colors, The Prettiest Colors to Paint Your Front Door, The Best Paint Colors for Your Kids' Rooms, 35 Failproof Paint Color Ideas For Every Room, The Best Blue Color Palettes to Decorate Your Home, 20 Unexpected Colors that Go with Purple Perfectly, Our 28 Favorite Designer Green Living Rooms, 20 Concrete Floors Ideas That'll Make Every Room Cooler (and Easier to Clean), Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast. The checkerboard patio was poured with an uncolored concrete mix and stained with a solid white stain. View in gallerySimply mop with warm soapy water once a week to keep things clean. Gheorghe Titeica 202-204, 020305, Bucharest. Please have a look at the gallery to view the completed job and see the results for yourself. Just remember that you cant make any changes after the stencil or stamping is done. But leave it up to designer Briony Fitzgerald to prove all the nonbelievers wrong. You can also get patterns stamped into the concrete to make it look like brick, stone, or wood. degree in English/Technical Writing), and a lover of interior design. The handy thing about white concrete is that it can remove the need for painting or finishing. Polished concrete floors have become increasingly common in many homes. Modern, sleek, and bright, this family home by Arent & Pyke veers away from the beach house design formula while still giving it a strong sense of place. Theres a lot of variation in the color and texture of standard cleaning pads. It can even last longer than that on occasion. The wheels on your equipment should be made of rubber or similar materials to avoid scratching, as well. This is useful in customizing the look to make it fit the space better for example, to provide geometry to the floor in a space where such an addition makes all the difference in style. Avoid applying tape to the floor. Concrete is tough, but its also porous. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Download an interior design eBook for free! Image source: Warren House Construction Ltd. In this dining room designed by Studio Razavi, the concrete floors work within the neutral color scheme and marry the stark contrast between the black details and glossy dining table with the crisp whites and warm wood tones. No job is too big or too small for our team and unique or custom jobs are our specialty. A laboratory is a place which must conform to rigorous hygiene standards. Concrete floors are a minimalists dream. You need space and time to make sure everything is done correctly. Polished concrete floors certainly have a lot to offer, both in form and function. Once the stain is dry, wipe away any excess and then apply your sealer the same way. Manual cleaning is done by sweeping to remove dust and grime. A dropped phone may only bounce off a carpeted floor, but its liable to shatter if dropped onto a polished concrete floor. The method used for retrofitting a polished concrete floor is either to (a) cut or sand the existing floor slab to be hardened and polished, or (b) apply a topping slab of polished concrete flooring, at least 50 mm thick, over the existing slab. Clear out the space and make sure theres no debris. This might make concrete a poor choice of flooring for young families or habitually clumsy homeowners. Liquid stains like red wine will soak easily into it and leave a permanent stain. The concrete floors fit in with the raw, natural surroundings, like the stone wall and boulder. See the spectacular results. They are some great options, though, and can offer you just the look you want. Staining and colouring a white cement mix provides a brighter appearance in comparison to gray cement. Deep polish- the aggregate will be exposed. Theyre sanded with industrial-strength abrasives. White Concrete Countertop MixConcrete Satisfies Lofty Design GoalsThe White Whale: A Concrete Countertop Captain Ahab Would Love. The benefits of white concrete are largely in terms of appearance, the cost is the only major drawback. High trafficked areas on a polished concrete floor dont become discolored like they do with wood or carpeted floors. Youll need to let the sealer cure for a few days, so schedule the sealing process wisely. The appearance of ordinary gray concrete can be drab, albeit functional, so people use a white mix for a brighter appearance. Concrete Flooring Solutions Ltd One particular type of concrete that people use is white concrete. Opt for a super large rug that stretches from wall to wall to cover up the concrete floors entirely. Though concrete may seem too gritty a material for a family home, hear us out. All external slab-ends were seamlessly polished and a 4mm rebated cut made to isolate all joints from holding brickwork. Decorative touches, like stenciling, will add to the cost. Since concrete has soil as an ingredient, which will attract dust particles. In sunnier spaces, the concrete will help lighten the space. Designed with by Optimise Online. Concrete is easy to personalize these days thanks to recent technological developments. Use a microfiber dust mop to help protect the polished finish. Its a good idea to sleep on the idea, especially if its very dramatic and/or unusual. Look for ones that are made for high gloss polished concrete floors. Concrete gets pretty cold in the winter. One more step is needed. Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. But enough of us fan-girling over concrete floors To learn all about this pared down design trend and how the pros make them pop at home, read on for twenty stylish concrete floor ideas. Goring by Sea If you want to make it clear who owns this room, have your initials stenciled into the concrete. Since concrete is a great material for both indoor and outdoor spaces, it's the perfect choice for the ground level of a modern home with a backyard. The cleaner should sit on the polished concrete floor just long enough to loosen dirt and grime. After stamping, the joints were filled with a white grout, creating the white-on-white effect. Salt and pepper finish- this finish erases the top layer of concrete, exposing large pieces of sand aggregate. Architects are increasingly turning to white concrete in their designs thanks in large part to customizable color and design, a long life cycle, limited maintenance and high slip resistance standard to architectural concrete. In a project seeking to make a visual impact, the vivid nature of white cement is capable of absorbing bright reds, pinks, yellows and other vibrant colours. Whats more, this type of flooring is great for allergy sensitivities, as it reduces dust mites and allergens. The beautiful blue artwork is evocative of the sea while the warm tones and casual colors (that Moroccan rug, leather sling chair, and sandy-hued cushion collection on the built bench) keep things grounds. The sealers need time to cure properly so that they can provide the best possible protection to the polished concrete from the very start. Artificial light also provides this sense of glowing, but to a lesser extent. Southampton Telephone +40 751 842 790, contact@homedit.com. After the concrete has been hardened and polished, the floor could last more than 100 years if maintained. White concrete does not work, in an economic sense, for foundations or structural aspects of a building. 2022 DSGrinding. It is also a very responsive form of concrete in terms of further decoration and finishing. House Beautiful participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. It opens the door for custom designs and patterns, such as seeded aggregate or other objects into the top, exposed layer of the concrete. If you decide to wet mop, make sure that the mop and water are both clean. Sun-filled, inviting, and pared down with neutral hues, this room designed by Atelier Akin is a true testament to the whole less is more colloquialism. Regan Baker Design freshened up this room with bright white walls and a cozy reading nook. Here is an overview of polished concrete as well as some great polished concrete solutions for your floor. 20 Gorgeous Concrete Houses With Unexpected Designs, How to Stain Wood: A Basic Step By Step Process, Beautiful Polished Concrete Floors In The Context Of Extraordinary Houses, What Are The Best Flooring For Basement In Homes, gray-interior-design-polished-concrete-floor, bedroom-with-concrete-ceiling-and-polished-floor, minimalist-black-gray-room-concrete-floor. These are not pH neutral cleaners. And concrete will be easy to maintain should any hooligans track sand in. Copyright 2008-2022 - All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy and Disclosure Update Privacy Settings. The arched frame also softens up it up and the interior glass allows the two spaces to share light. You want to use ones that are as pH neutral as possible. Concrete finishing services in residential and commercial projects may cover a large surface area. Beyond simply a change in color White concrete is a premium material, specified in Architectural Concrete applications where appearance is a high priority. Polished concrete floors can certainly be retrofitted, although new floors require less work and are therefore less expensive. If youre dealing with brand new unfinished floors, go with acid-based. Polished concrete has a stark look that makes small spaces seem large. Never apply wax to a concrete floor. 07131251, How Long Does Concrete Take to Set? Allow in a lot of sunlight. As the number of grit increases, so does its fineness; that is, a polished concrete floor that works its way to a higher finish (over 400 grit, for example, is considered the bare minimum of being polished, although other polished grits range from 800 on up to 3,000) will be smoother than one with a lower finish. We are courteous, professional and on time. No need to wait for the proper moisture conditions to install a coating or covering over the floor. It can work for modern kitchens, sophisticated living rooms, and gritty man caves. Polished concrete floors can look great, but it does have a very harsh and cold look. Tight rebated sections to door frames, precise falls and ceiling setbacks etc were paramount in the designer and owners vision to create the overall finished look of clean crisp lines and the clear understanding of the attention to detail taken on this build. White concrete requires chemical modification during manufacturing to create its colour. You should also avoid using degreasers. Polished concrete flooring is one of the most versatile floor options out there. People can use white concrete for a variety of projects. Concrete floors work particularly well in spaces that get plenty of natural light. Indoors, applications for white concrete include: Outdoors, white concrete is often used for: See these examples of what can be done with white concrete, whether for aesthetic reasons or to save energy and reduce lighting needs. Generally speaking, the steps necessary to make a white concrete mix are the same as any other form of concrete. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. While it once was expected and appropriate to cover the concrete foundation of ones home with some suitable flooring material, those days are gone. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Get some plastic tarps or sheeting and cover your walls to save them from the concrete stain. Everything you need to know about white concrete. People will pour the concrete over a subbase of gravel or sand to make the foundation and it will harden and cure in the same way as other types of concrete. info@concreteflooringsolutions.co.uk, Please note that concrete flooring prices start at 10,000 for 100m2. Whats more, this type of floor cannot even harbor mold, mildew, dust mites, or other allergens. Any damage related to humidity or caused by moisture is a moot point for polished concrete floors. So while it may feel modern and manmade, concrete can actually blend in with nature quite seamlessly. Not all cement used in concrete is gray. If you want to go tonal and bright but still love the idea of polished concrete, consider working with a professional who can paint the floors white. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program, The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines, 60 Backyard Ideas to Turn Your Space Into Paradise, Get Inspired by These 18 Fresh Summer Paint Colors, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The good news is, concrete in any form (even that of flooring) can be stained or dyed to work into any design or color palette. Here are some tips to warm up your cold concrete floor: A polished concrete floor is a great option with a lot of opportunities for personalization. This project specified polished white concrete on the upper and lower floors, which included two external areas (ground floor alfresco/loggia and top floor balcony). The walls are painted in a chalky sheen to reflect the raw material and edgy look of the floors, setting the scene even further. Provide some balance in your polished concrete floored space with some warmer elements, such as wood or (faux) animal skins. Sooner or later youll have to remove it and the warranty will not cover it. Instead of polished concrete or classic hardwood floors, consider laying concrete tiles. Find decorative concrete contractors near me. Speak with a professional contractor to determine which method is best, as some options apply to new concrete pours, while others work on existing surfaces. What is the Best Lab Flooring? This turns the space into something airier and less intimidating. For this project, a white-on-white color scheme was selected for a distinctive look and for its coolness factor. White concrete is also very reflective, which gives it a warmth and shimmer when it is sunlight. The removal process will dull your finish across the entire floor. Soft beige pads also have a very soft texture and will help keep the polished concrete floors from dulling. In this open floor plan home designed by Studio Razavi, the multi-level windows lighten the space, giving it an open, light, and airy feel as opposed to a humid dark basement, which obviously isn't a great way to get the most design potential out of concrete floors. This can make even small uncrowded rooms seem cavernous and loud. Soften the look or break up the expanse just a bit with a plush rug. The wrong kinds can actually damage the finish over time. This is, Why Concrete Resin is the Best High Traffic Flooring Type High traffic flooring needs to be able to endure constant, The Professional Guide to Hospital Flooring When it comes to hospital flooring, exceptional levels of hygiene are paramount. Consider these decorative techniques for making concrete white: If your concrete has a white film, powder, or mold developing on the surface, it might be efflorescence. We at DS Grinding have over 12 years experience across hundreds of residential and commercial projects. If youre looking to get a unique look, youre going to end up spending quite a bit of money. The only significant difference is the colour. If polished concrete floors are feeling too stark, bring in soft fabrics, mix fun prints, and don't be shy about introducing cheerful colors. This is a great option for an industrial-style space. Head Office/Eastern Area It can also be very hard on bare feet. The color penetration of the dyes means that the end result is much more vivid than stained concrete. Expert Advice from Concrete Specialists, All You Need to Know About Concrete Floor Finishes, Why Concrete Resin is the Best High Traffic Flooring Type, The Professional Guide to Hospital Flooring.