There are some questions about concrete floors that we at California Custom Coatings hear on a fairly regular basis. When a customer is thinking about using a color stained concrete floor in the kitchen, for example, they are usually comparing it to what they might experience with a tile or vinyl floor. So here are some answers to these common questions about concrete in the kitchen that we hear in the Sacramento area.
Is a Concrete Floor Cold on the Feet?
Concrete is never cold on the feet if you install a radiant heating system in advance. This is an option you seldom see with other flooring types, and it’s the ultimate for eliminating chilly floors. Even without radiant heating, your concrete floor is no colder than a tile floor, and may not even feel that much different from a vinyl or hardwood floor. The only exception might be a cork floor, but that’s still a fairly uncommon flooring material that requires close attention to keep the surface sealed and protected.
Are Concrete Floors Too Hard?
Again, the comparison between a concrete floor and the other flooring types reveals minimal difference in the kitchen. You’re certainly not putting carpet in this room, and rugs are present in some designs, but usually are avoided due to the potential for trips and falls due to bumps, wrinkles or sliding. Hardwood, laminates and vinyl may seem slightly more forgiving, but the difference is ultimately minimal. Cork is again the best option if you want a floor with give, but as mentioned, durability will be an issue.
Is Concrete Easy to Maintain?
A color stained concrete floor features a polyurethane sealer that is essentially just as strong as the sealers we put on garage floors and business areas with heavy traffic. Pets won’t scatch it. Children won’t damage it. Falling implents won’t leave a dent. When it comes to strength, durability and ease of maintenance, concrete usually comes out on top.
Is Concrete Too Slippery?
The topcoat on any concrete floor can be adapted to improve the traction. Certainly, a high gloss concrete floor like you see in an office building or retail store may be slippery and dangerous when wet, but in kitchens we don’t install the same coatings as we use in locations that prioritize looks over traction. That doesn’t mean that your floor looks industrial or feels like it’s made with grit. The science behind epoxy sealers is far beyond that and provides us with many beautiful methods of avoiding slippery floors that are approved by experienced interior designers.
Is Concrete Too Dull?
Concrete is never dull when you ask California Custom Coatings to color your kitchen floors. Whether you need a safe and practical work kitchen or a beautifully complementary floor for your kitchen remodel, color stained concrete can match your needs with an appealing look that competes very well with hardwood, laminate, tile, cork or vinyl.
If you have other questions about concrete in the kitchen, contact California Custom Coatings for more information. We look forward to helping you find the benefits of concrete flooring with interior design.