Concrete flooring is not a fleeting trend or fad. In fact, its widespread commercial popularity has seeped into the residential space, according to the Concrete Network’s Concrete Floors Survey. Over 82 percent of the survey’s respondents have known about concrete as a finished flooring surface for over five years, and have considered using it in their home or office. The idea of a plain, grey substrate is a thing of the past with all the advancements in technology allowing color, patterns and stenciled logos or emblems.

Keep reading for 3 interesting facts about concrete flooring that every homeowner needs to understand.

Fact #1: Concrete Flooring is Extremely Customizable

Over 73 percent of homeowners prefer concrete flooring due to the aesthetics and the ability for the flooring to be customized. Not only can concrete floor be installed in your basement, garage, kitchen, or living area, you can also choose the color, texture, and sheen to best fit with the style of your home. There are literally dozens of finishing options!

There are many other reasons to love this flooring material, including durability and ease of maintenance.

See the full list of reasons people love concrete floors:

  • Aesthetics ( 73.7%)
  • Durability (71.5%)
  • Ease of Maintenance (58.3%)
  • Ability to be Customized (57.4%)
  • Long-term Cost Savings (47.1%)
  • Health Benefits (28.8%)
  • Installation Price (20%)
  • Other (6.6%)

Fact #2: DIY Concrete Flooring Mistakes are Common

spreading concrete

There are many, often difficult, steps to ensure a concrete floor is installed correctly—from protecting surrounding materials and surface preparation to installation and sealing and protecting the floor. The experience and equipment of a professional company can save a ton of headaches and money by avoiding the following common DIY mistakes (trust us, these are only the tip of the iceberg):

  • Concrete doesn’t take stain
  • Sealer beads up
  • Stain beads up
  • Sealer peels off
  • Stain is very chalky
  • Using the wrong products to fill pin/bug holes
  • Not knowing what to do with the tack strip areas
  • Removing black glue incorrectly
  • Creating ugly start and stop points
  • Using acid on the concrete
  • Removing yellow glue incorrectly
  • Ghosting from past floors
  • Wrong sealer selection
  • Wrong stain selection
  • Not using the right tools
  • What to do with those control joints embedded in the concrete.
  • Inaccurate product estimates

Fact #3: Improperly Installed Concrete Leads to Cracks

old and cracked roof - before waterproofing

The largest concern (48%) about concrete flooring are the cracks that can inevitably occur—especially if the floors are used outside of a residential setting where they usually endure more weight. The second largest concern (25%) was the fact that concrete flooring can be slippery. This concern isn’t unfounded. One of the most common complaints about improperly installed (or DIY) concrete floors is almost immediate cracking.

Why does concrete crack?—It’s usually one of the following reasons:

  • Excess water in the mix
  • Wrong strength of concrete used
  • Rapid drying
  • Lack of control joints
  • Concrete poured on frozen ground

Durable, high strength, crack resistant concrete does not happen by accident—it’s a product of experience, the right equipment, and following well-established guidelines. When you work with a professional concrete flooring installation company like Rock Solid, you’ll not only achieve a better-looking floor, you’ll also drastically reduce the risk of cracks and other concrete flooring problem.

Ready to start exploring a variety of beautiful concrete flooring options for your home or business? Find out how our Portland flooring professionals can help.