Concrete Flooring Guide

Concrete Flooring Basics

Previously relegated to your garage or patio, concrete flooring has become an increasingly popular option for interior floors. It's perhaps the most durable option out there for flooring, and, thanks to better and more sophisticated technology, concrete flooring can be made to look like just about anything your heart desires.

Pros of concrete flooring

If it's installed correctly and properly maintained, you probably won't ever have to replace the floor. It's super-durable, easy to clean and maintain, and doesn't have any of the environmental health problems presented by carpeting or adhesives in other flooring. It offers lots of thermal mass, which can be useful if you're set up for passive solar heating and cooling. There are tons of options for finishing, polishing, painting, stamping, engraving, and stenciling it, so you can design it to look most any way you want. It's also pretty easy to "replace" with carpeting or hardwood, if you (or the next person that owns your house) decide to change it.

Cons of concrete flooring

It's pretty expensive, though your investment can pay for itself over time, since you aren't likely to have to replace it. Installing concrete flooring is a major project, so it often only makes sense for residential structures on new construction or a major renovation. If you don't install radiant heating, or have another way to keep it warm, it can get mighty chilly underfoot, since it has great thermal mass but little insulation value; concrete is also very hard, so isn't ideal for surfaces where you'll be standing or sitting on it for long periods. And, though there are tons of options for finishing it, it's tough to change colors or finishes once they're installed. And, though it requires less maintenance than other floors, it isn't maintenance-free; you should plan to re-seal it ever few years.

How Green?

Concrete has a big embodied energy bill — the largest of any building material -- and usually a big carbon footprint to go along with it. The raw materials are often mined, which is usually a pretty nasty process, and it isn't readily recyclable if you have to get rid of it. All that said, it's tremendously durable, and will outlast any other flooring option if installed and maintained properly, so some of those negatives can balance out over a long period of time. It also won't trap dust and mold like carpet, or off-gas any harmful volatile organic compounds, so it's a good option from an environmental health point of view.

Where do I get it?

You'll have to consult with a contractor, since you can't really just go down to your local green building supply shop and pick it up.

Where do I use it?

Concrete is often used as subflooring, so it can really be used anywhere, though it's most suitable for really high traffic areas.

What does it cost?

It's on the high end of flooring when it comes to price. Every job is a bit different, so prices vary, though you can expect to pay in the same ballpark as tile.

Can I install it myself?

Nope; this is one flooring option that will absolutely require outside professional, unless you drive a concrete truck as your job every day.

More on concrete
Concrete: Can it be Green?
G Word Video: It's Concrete
You Can Recycle Concrete?