When we talk about concrete, we actually talk about aggregates mixed with cement and water. And although these are the main elements constituting concrete, there’s not only one type of concrete. If you ask anyone in the construction business, from builders to companies that apply concrete floor coatings, the answer will be the same. There are plenty of concrete types, based on the elements that make up this building material, depending on the construction needed. And so, there’s no wonder that concrete is used indoors too.
Will concrete be a good choice for your bathroom floor?
We often see driveway concrete or concrete covering garage floors. But concrete is ideal for bathroom floors too. Overall, it’s an eco-friendly material due to its natural materials. Since it’s broadly used in the construction industry, it’s versatile. Due to the fact that it’s found at the top of the list of most used building materials, we can assume that it’s strong. But why on earth should we bring concrete to our bathroom?
When it’s time to consider whether or not concrete will be a good choice for the bathroom floor, it’s fair to take into account the main benefits of this building material. It’s not accidental that it’s used in most constructions. And since bathroom floors go through some hardships, it’s good to know that the material used for our bathroom is strong enough to take the heat. Right?
Advantages of a bathroom concrete floor
So, which ones of the plenty of concrete advantages would matter to all of us who consider using this construction material for our bathroom floor?
* Strength. Durability is one thing you need for your bathroom floor. And it’s something you definitely get when you install a concrete floor. It will withstand wear and tear for many years.
* Versatility. Depending on your needs, you can decide along with your concrete contractor about the proportions of the material’s elements. Thus, make the bathroom floor as strong as needs to be. Since concrete can be shaped in any form, it can be used for the creation of other structures too, like a shower base. Or, concrete can cover the wall too, making the points where walls and floors meet seamless. That’s important in bathrooms, where moisture rules and these hidden seams and corners become the hubs of bacteria.
* Waterproof. When properly sealed, concrete floors become waterproof, providing an extra layer of protection against water damage and moisture intrusion. This makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms since these rooms are prone to spills and splashes.
* Easy to clean. Unlike porous materials, concrete floors are seamless and easy to clean. A simple sweep and mop are all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh and hygienic, making them perfect for busy bathrooms.
* Seamless design. Concrete floors are as minimalistic as minimalistic can be. Due to the lack of seams, the eye travels without getting interrupted. There’s visual flow. Without grout and seams, the bathroom looks spacious and becomes sleek.
* Cost-effective. Concrete is a low-cost material. Compared to other bathroom flooring options, concrete is the most cost-effective choice. If you consider its longevity, you can understand that it goes easy on the wallet at the beginning and in the long run as well.
What’s the catch, you may wonder? Why don’t we often find bathroom concrete floors in home if this is such a good building material, you may ask?
A few bathroom concrete floor considerations
It’s true that tiles dominate in the bathroom flooring industry. As it’s true that concrete comes with some disadvantages too. And so, if you are serious about choosing concrete for your bathroom floor, it’s good to know the downsides too.
* Maintenance. To remain waterproof, the concrete floor should be sealed from time to time. It’s the sealants that protect.
* Stains. If the concrete floor is not well-sealed and if the water is hard in your area, there will be stains that will gradually create discolorations. That’s why it’s recommended opting for white or light grey colors that better conceal water stains.
* Hard surface. Concrete feels cold and hard underfoot. This is not necessary a disadvantage, especially in hot climates. But some want something softer underfoot.
* Experienced contractors. The concrete floor should be applied correctly from the start and be perfectly sealed to showcase its advantages. For this reason, it’s paramount that you find technicians with the necessary experience. Of course, this won’t be a problem if you already know experienced concrete contractors.
You need to remember that all materials come with their pros and cons. And so, you just need to consider if concrete’s downsides will be too much for you or not. Start with that since the material’s advantages are so great that they will make you think of choosing nothing else but a bathroom concrete floor.
