Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Glamorous Florida Polished Concrete Floors

By Gregory Wilson


Concrete floors are no longer regulated to basements and garages. Go online to see Florida polished concrete floors used in casual beach houses and the most magnificent mansions on and off the beach. If you haven't seen this kind of flooring, think of the beauty of granite counter tops. Who thought of stone counters years ago?

It's the same old construction material with a new twist. The color is blended in, not painted on, so chipping or wear doesn't make it patchy. Aggregates add pattern and variety. Stamped concrete has become popular, since you can imprint anything. A stamped floor will need sealers to protect it outdoors and wax if it's an indoor feature.

Polishing eliminates the need for wax. This many step process starts with grinding the surface smooth. Contrary to 'answers' in online forums, older floors can be revitalized by polishing. It's easier, however, to start with a newly poured surface, which gives the homeowner a wide choice of integrated colors and aggregates. Again, online photographs can let you see the possibilities.

Informative videos show you the entire process used by contractors to make a glorious decorating statement. Florida homes, with huge windows and floods of light, are perfect for a sweep of gleaming stone. There are also DIY videos and instructions, if you want to do your own remodeling. Equipment needed includes grinders, edgers, and polishers, as well as the chemicals that increase density and hardness and seal the finished surface.

People have used concrete for the floors of entrance ways, kitchens, and enclosed porches for years, especially at the beach. The smoothed surface is easy on bare feet, cool on hot days, and unaffected by sand that gets tracked in. Spills wipe right up, and the flooring can be painted, sealed, or coated. Mats or rugs can be used for cushioning where needed, like in front of the stove or the sink.

Bacteria and mold will not grow on a floor life this with routine cleaning. Unlike tile or linoleum, there are no cracks to allow microscopic organisms to proliferate, or sections to lift and let moisture and contaminants creep underneath. The floor is easily cleaned and durable.

The more beautiful high-gloss surfaces will not remain so indefinitely without proper maintenance. This is true for any flooring, whether wood, tile, or stone. A good contractor will protect the cement with stain-protectors and density-improving additives. However, like a granite countertop, the surface can be marred by abrasive dirt, acidic spills, and sharp objects. Care should be taken to sweep and mop often, wipe up food spills or brightly-colored juices quickly, and move furniture with care.

Easy to care for, a long service life, and absolutely glorious to look at, these floors are the trend today. The online photos will inspire you and show you how beautiful polished concrete can be.




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