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Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction. In 2021, a typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 a square foot.
Are concrete floors cheaper than wood?
Yes, concrete floors are generally more affordable than hardwood floors. Generally, a concrete floor costs between $2 and $15 per square foot, while hardwood floors cost between $12 and $20 per square foot, according to Floor Critics.
Is it cheaper to have concrete floors?
Economical. The cost of concrete floors is very low, about $2 to $6 per square foot to polish a plain gray slab, giving it a lustrous sheen. The concrete’s tonal differences, subtle cracks and aggregates take on a stonelike, natural feel. More elaborate finishes cost around $5 to $8 per square foot.
Do concrete floors save money?
From the purchasing stage to maintaining the finished results, custom concrete floors are sure to save you every step of the way. See how concrete floors can save money in your home’s or commercial floor renovation. The cost of concrete floors is low when compared to traditional flooring like hardwood, tile and vinyl.
How deep does a concrete floor need to be?
As a rule of thumb, concrete slabs supporting lighter weights such as paths, patios and shed bases will need to be 75-100mm thick, while driveways and garages need to be at least 100mm thick. Slabs intended for commercial use should be at least 175mm thick and reinforced.
Do I need air bricks with a concrete floor?
If the suspended timber floor has been removed and replaced with a solid concrete floor, the void will also be filled in with concrete, so there’s nothing to ventilate. In this situation, the air bricks can either be blocked or replaced with regular bricks, but first check with a builder or surveyor before you do this.
Can you leave concrete floors bare?
If nothing else, bare concrete isn’t the best look. Concrete is porous and can be penetrated by moisture and contaminants. This can lead to bacteria build up and make it very difficult to achieve a high level of hygiene. Floors coated with a seamless, impervious surface are much easier to clean and maintain.
Do concrete floors crack?
As tough as it tends to be, concrete floors may develop tiny to reasonable cracks and chips. However, the cracks don’t mean there are serious structural inadequacies. Also, the cracks do not disqualify the fact that the concrete floor is resistant to wear and tear, pounding, scouring, and scraping.
Are concrete floors bad for your health?
According to experts, concrete floor systems can cause everything from bunions and ingrown toenails to shin splints, lumbar strain, and achilles tendonitis. It can also lead to lower back pain, stress fractures, knee pain, and worsening of arthritis symptoms.
Do concrete floors get cold?
Concrete can be cold, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring. Concrete floors won’t become damp unless they aren’t insulated properly or the slab is built on a poorly drained subgrade.
How long do concrete floors last?
Polished Concrete Floor Lifespans With professional concrete installation, a proactive polished concrete floor maintenance plan, and occasional deep cleaning, a polished concrete flooring system can last 20 years or more with minimal hassle.
Are polished concrete floors hard to maintain?
Although polished concrete floors are extremely durable, they still need to be properly cleaned and maintained. While polished concrete floors are not maintenance-free, they generally are easier to care for than other types of decorative concrete floors, since they require no waxing or sealing.
Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?
Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.
Should you put plastic under concrete?
A concrete vapor barrier is any material that prevents moisture from entering a concrete slab. Vapor barriers are used because while fresh concrete is poured wet, it’s not supposed to stay that way. It needs to dry and then stay dry to avoid flooring problems. This is why a vapor barrier under concrete is essential.
How strong is 4 inches of concrete?
A concrete patio slab should be at least 4 inches thick and have a compressive strength of 3,000 PSI.
Should air bricks be above or below damp course?
Air bricks may be located either above or below DPC level and where possible on all sides of the building. Ideally air bricks should be located at least 75 mm above hard and soft landscaped areas to reduce the risk of being obstructed or flooded (see diagram 1).
Why do old houses have air vents?
Moisture Control Static vents, positioned throughout older homes, controlled moisture. In some older homes, wall air vents helped remove moisture build-up between exterior and interior walls. This prevented mold from growing prior to the invention of sealants.
What happens if you cover air bricks?
If the air bricks are blocked or closed this will reduce the ventilation and the risk of serious rot and damp will be increased.
Can you live on a concrete floor?
A concrete floor is extremely strong and durable, and if it is properly installed and maintained, it can last for as long as you own the house. Since these floors on “on-grade”—directly contacting the soil—they can be susceptible to moisture migrating up from the ground into the living space.
How can I cover my concrete floor cheap?
Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. Linoleum or Vinyl. Ceramic Tile Flooring. Rubber and Foam Mats. Traditional Carpet Flooring. Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.
Why is my concrete floor Dusty?
Dusting is the white chalking and/or powdering of concrete at the surface. It is primarily caused by the slow disintegration of a weak top layer of concrete. It can range from poor mixing at the concrete plant, excess clay or silt in the concrete mix, old age of the concrete, or even insufficient curing.
