Common Questions about Concrete Floors
This page should help you evaluate if concrete floors are a good fit for your lifestyle and design tastes.
In the following videos, expert Bob Harris addresses the most commonly asked questions about interior decorative concrete floors.
Are Concrete Floors Loud and Hard on the Feet?
The truth:
Yes, concrete is a hard material and won't cushion or "give" under bare feet. And concrete floors can be loud and produce an echo effect, but no more so than ceramic tile, natural stone flooring, and some hardwood or bamboo floors.
The reality:
Concretes hardness also contributes to its durability and abrasion resistance. 
In a commercial or warehouse setting, hard is good. You need a hard surface that can stand up to forklift traffic and heavy foot traffic.
For a residential floor, you can help cushion concrete with area rugs, which are easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpet.
While concrete may be hard, it's not abrasive to the feet, especially if it's polished or has a smooth finish.
You can muffle the echo effect by using sound-absorptive materials in the room, such as area rugs, curtains, pillows and wall fabrics.
Are Concrete Floors Hard?
Yes, concrete is not a cushioned floor material, however there are many benefits to its hardness including durability and abrasion resistance.
Are Concrete Floors Cold?
Yes, they can be cold, but concrete floors do have the ability to store and radiate heat. There are other techniques to block moisture, take advantage of solar radiation, and in warmer climates, help lower air-conditioning costs.
Are Concrete Floors Loud?
The truth: Yes, concrete is a hard material and won't cushion or "give" under bare feet. And concrete floors can be loud and produce an echo effect, but no more so than ceramic tile, natural stone flooring, and some hardwood or bamboo floors.
Timeline for Basic Concrete Floor Installation
The timeline for applying a basic decorative concrete floor can differ greatly from job to job. On a small project, such as a basement floor, the timeline can range anywhere from two days to five or six days. Considerations include:
The need to protect surrounding surfaces, such as walls and baseboards - The length of dry times required between each step, such as after each stain coat and sealer coat - The condition of the existing floor. A floor in poor condition may require the use of an overlay, which will extend the installation time.
Are Decorative Concrete Floors Expensive?
The truth:
The initial outlay for decorative concrete may exceed the cost of a low- to mid-priced floor covering, such as carpeting, vinyl, tile and wood laminates.
The reality:
When compared with high-end floor coverings, such as ceramic tile, slate and marble, decorative concrete is often an economical alternative. Plus, skilled concrete artisans can duplicate the look of these pricier materials.
The life expectancy of a concrete floor will far surpass that of most floor covering materials. That means in the long run you can save money because you'll never need to rip out and replace worn or damaged flooring.
Is Decorative Concrete Maintenance Free?
The truth:
No type of flooring material is truly "maintenance free," no matter what the manufacturer may claim. While concrete floors are relatively easy to maintain, compared with other types of floor surfaces, they aren't completely maintenance free.
How much maintenance your floor will need largely depends on the amount of traffic it receives. The maintenance needs of a residential floor will be much different than those for a floor in a high-traffic commercial or retail environment.
The reality:
In most cases, residential concrete floors experience light foot traffic, and a simple cleaning regimen of occasional sweeping and damp mopping will keep concrete floors looking like new for many years.
When protected with a good sealer and a coat of floor finish or wax, concrete floors are highly resistant to staining, chemicals and abrasion.
If your concrete floor ever loses its luster or shine, cleaning of the floor and reapplying a coat or two of floor finish will normally bring it back to its original state.
In a non-aggressive environment such as a home, it's not uncommon to have a year or more go by with just light maintenance before it's necessary to buff and refinish the floor.
In areas of heavy traffic, such as entrances and foyers, you can reduce maintenance and wear and tear by using floor mats, both inside and outside of the entry ways.
How Long Does Concrete Flooring Last?
Concrete will last longer and eventually give you a better return on your investment.
Bob Harris explains that when you amortize the cost of a concrete floor over a lifetime, the price can be comparable or even lower than other high-end flooring materials.
Concrete floors rarely if ever need replacement, especially if properly installed and maintained.
