If you are thinking about remodelling your bathroom, one of the most important considerations you will have to make is choosing the type of flooring to install. Doing some research will give you plenty of options, including tile, wood, vinyl, and laminate. But there is one that easily outdoes those mentioned choices, especially in terms of durability, longevity, and affordability. We’re talking about concrete.
Concrete for bathroom flooring offers several benefits, and some of them cannot be matched by other flooring materials. In this blog, you will find six reasons concrete is superior for your bathroom floor. Let’s start.
1. Concrete is Undeniably Durable
Durability pertains to the ability of a material to last without significant deterioration. Concrete is known for its durability, which allows it to resist weathering action. It’s a great bathroom flooring material because it does not easily succumb to abrasion, chemical attacks, and weathering.
Concrete does not have many organic ingredients, which means it is impervious to rotting and rusting. This special quality is useful in bathroom floors. Moisture, though, can enter through joints, so inspecting the floors at least annually is necessary. If there are cracks, repair them immediately to minimise joint damage.
In these critical times, selecting durable materials, such as concrete, is important to help conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. This brings us to our next benefit…
2. Concrete is Environmentally-Friendly
Concrete is a sustainable material. It’s easily recyclable and does not usually require special packaging. Concrete can contain limestone, one of Earth’s most abundant minerals. Limestone makes the moulding of concrete surfaces and structures so much easier. Manufacturers create powders for limestone out of power plants and steel mill by-products. Old concrete from demolished buildings, for example, can be reused as an additive for new flooring mixtures.
Concrete is also porous, meaning it allows water to pass through it. The absorbent quality helps control water build-up.
3. It Has High Skid Resistance
Bathrooms have one of the highest risks of accidents in a home. That’s why, as much as possible, you should make sure the bathroom floor is not too slippery, especially when wet. A professional concrete installer will know what to do, so you can walk around the bathroom without worrying about dangerous slips and trips.
Typically, a sealer or a non-slip coating is applied, which helps increase traction. This sealer is also valuable for making concrete more waterproof and abrasion-resistant.
Many people are apprehensive about using concrete for their bathroom floors, particularly polished concrete. Whilst it looks smooth and shiny, it is safe to walk on. A few studies, including one performed by the American Society of Concrete Contractors, demonstrated that polished concrete is significantly slip-resistant even at very high gloss levels.
4. Concrete is Better than Tile
Many homes choose tile for their bathroom. However, if you want to get the most out of your budget, we highly recommend concrete. It is more durable than tile and does not require a lot of maintenance. Some homeowners opt for tile because it is affordable, but so is concrete. Plus, you can have a bathroom floor that is not only shiny and seamless but also uninterrupted by ugly tile grout lines.
The tile is easy to install. You can lay it on your own, especially if you are a skilled DIYer. Concrete is much more complex, especially if you’re thinking about polishing it. Polished concrete does require extra training, experience, and equipment.
However, all that hard work is well worth it because concrete, when done right, can last for much longer than tile. If you drop something, your tile floor can easily crack and chip. With a properly sealed concrete bathroom floor, you will never have to worry about damage, even if you drop a heavy object.
Another reason why concrete is better than tile is the design options. Sure, the selections are virtually limitless with tile; however, you cannot tailor the material according to your specifications. Concrete lets you choose whatever pattern, colour, and texture you want. You can even customise it to look like a different material, which is not possible with tile flooring.
5. Concrete is So Easy to Maintain
Bathrooms are probably the most labour-intensive when it comes to cleaning. Thankfully, concrete does not demand heavy maintenance, unlike most materials. That’s because concrete, even plain or grey, does not look grimy easily. White concrete floors can stay clean and bright, whilst decorative concrete can preserve its beauty for several years.
The best steps towards a well-maintained concrete bathroom floor are:
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- Cleaning: Remove everyday dirt and grime at least once a year. You can use a pH-neutral cleaning product, specifically if you have a decorative concrete floor. We advise you to stay away from bleach, vinegar, and other harsh chemicals, as they can etch and react with the surface. Damp mopping is also helpful. If you don’t want to use cleaning products, a steam mop can be a good option. Make sure to ask your installer to figure out how to clean your bathroom floor.
- Repairing: It’s always better to fix a small crack than to replace the whole floor. Quickly repair any hairline fractures to prevent water intrusion. Otherwise, it can become a serious problem if water enters the subgrade.
- Sealing: Finally, you need to seal the bathroom floor, specifically the joints. This step is crucial in eliminating dirt, repelling water, and maintaining slip resistance of the surface.
Although your concrete bathroom floor is durable and can withstand the abuse, ensure you clean and maintain it to extend its life. For more maintenance advice, please check here.
6. You Can Incorporate Many Styles
Without a doubt, concrete is considered a bold flooring choice, but it is the right one for your bathroom. This cool-grey material can add the drama and sophistication you want to achieve for the space. It offers a suitable tone for a rustic style and is versatile for mixing and matching bold and subtle patterns.
Concrete is also the best material to pair with metal details, such as luxe brass fixtures. Or, if you want to veer away from a minimalist bathroom, concrete can also complement a bohemian style or a glitzy and glamorous art deco vibe.
Don’t settle for cheap concrete if you want the benefits above. Look for a concrete supplier you can trust with high-quality material for your bathroom floor. CoastCrete is your best choice for decorative concrete, such as polished, honed, and exposed. Give us a call to get a quote.
