Look at your feet, it’s tile, it’s linoleum, no… it’s polished concrete; The ecological flooring choice of the 21st century! More and more companies are looking for ‘green’ solutions that are also cost effective and are discovering the benefits and beauty of polished concrete floors.
The next time you visit your local retail store, hospital, or restaurant, take a look at the floor. At first you might think it’s granite, stone, tile, or linoleum, but take a closer look and you might be surprised. Polished concrete can be customized and colored in a wide range of shades and colors. It has many advantages over other popular flooring options. It is easier and less expensive to maintain than carpet, wood, or tile. Polished concrete can be washed with just soap and water, so no expensive cleaners are needed. Business owners keep money in their pockets and toxic gases out of the air.
Ecological Floors
Using green terminology, polished concrete is a sustainable flooring option because it uses materials that are already part of the building or structure. Today, most buildings are built on a concrete slab or foundation. Unpolished concrete is porous, chips and cracks easily, and is difficult to keep clean and hygienic. However, once concrete is polished, the surface becomes dense, hard, and smooth. Epoxy or polyurea top coats can be added to improve the quality of the floor and add color and decoration to the concrete.
The polishing process begins with the repair of cracks and imperfections found in the concrete, after which the floor is leveled. The concrete is then treated with a chemical densifier and then ground using a series of abrasive wheels and buffing pads. Each round of polishing uses progressively finer grinding pads, usually starting with 400 or 800 grit pads and ending with 1500 or 3000 grit pads.
Design patterns can be added, creating individual looks and styles. Punctuation and grids can be carved into the floor creating a tile-like effect. Bands and borders can be created by adding tints and colors. Company logos and brand names can be placed on the floor and covered with a clear coat and then polished.
A brilliant alternative
Yet another benefit is attributed to the polished look of a concrete floor. Some ‘green’ advocates believe that floors are brighter and reflect existing light. This makes interior spaces appear brighter and could help reduce energy use by requiring less artificial light.
