Pros and Cons of Concrete Floors
How to decide if you’re con-crete or pro-crete for your home’s floors
Concrete floors offer a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional flooring materials.
Modern concrete floors come in a wide range of finishes and colors.
Concrete floors may not be ideal for homes with small children or in very cold areas.
You may associate concrete floors with garages and basements, but this long-lasting material is becoming a popular choice for floors throughout the home. With finish options to fit any design style, concrete floors are an affordable and easy-to-maintain choice for almost any room. Explore the pros and cons of concrete flooring so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
What Are Concrete Floors?
Concrete floors use this durable construction material to create functional flooring with a contemporary look. Concrete floors can be installed directly on top of a slab or installed over floor joists and subflooring with the help of a local concrete flooring contractor. If you’re picturing dull, gray, industrial-looking floors, you may be surprised to learn that concrete floors come in a variety of finishes and colors to suit any home.
| Pros of Concrete Floors | Cons of Concrete Floors |
|---|---|
| Durable | Prone to cracking |
| Low-maintenance | Hard surface |
| Various colors and finishes | Cold |
Pros of Concrete Floors
Concrete floors can work in your home beyond the garage or basement. While concrete may not be what first comes to mind when considering flooring options, this versatile material has much to offer.
Long-Lasting
Concrete is the most common foundation material for good reason—its durable, difficult-to-damage construction means it can stand up to heavy use without frequent repairs or replacement like many kinds of traditional flooring, such as hardwood, laminate, or carpeting. It won’t scratch from pets’ nails or furniture rearranging, and dropping something on it won’t leave dents or dings.
Easy to Maintain
Properly sealed concrete is extremely low-maintenance—just sweep and use a damp mop to keep it clean. Concrete floors resist stains and scratches and don’t trap allergens and dirt. Depending on the traffic level and your floor installer's recommendation, you’ll want to reseal or re-wax your floors every few years.
Varied Design Options
With various types of concrete floor finishes, this flooring can seamlessly mesh with your home’s design style. Dyes, concrete stains, paints, and washes can change the concrete color to add warmth, create subtle multicolored designs, and match your home’s color scheme. Finishes ranging from glossy, polished concrete floors to stamped designs that mimic tile or add intricate detailing allow you to customize your concrete floors to achieve exactly the look you want.
Cons of Concrete Floors
While concrete floors have numerous benefits, there are a few things you should consider before installing them in your home.
Prone to Cracks
All homes settle, and concrete is susceptible to developing cracks. Cracks in your basement floor or any other concrete floor in your home aren’t necessarily cause for concern—most minor cracks can be filled and sealed and don’t indicate any structural problems. In some cases, cracks may make your concrete floor more prone to moisture issues. It’s important to test your concrete floor’s moisture level to ensure there’s nothing to worry about.
Hard Surface
There’s no getting around it—concrete is a hard, unforgiving surface. Households with small children or elderly family members may want to avoid concrete floors since a fall onto concrete can be more serious than one on flooring with more give. Clumsy homeowners may also want to consider concrete’s tough exterior since dropped items are less likely to survive unharmed.
Cold in Winter
Concrete offers very little insulation, so when temperatures drop, concrete floors can hold in the cold. Area rugs can provide some heat retention, or homeowners can install radiant floor heating to take the chill out on cold winter days.
Alternatives to Concrete Floors
There’s no shortage of flooring options available when you’re trying to decide what’s best for your home. Hard flooring alternatives to concrete include tile, stone, hardwood, and laminate, all available in a nearly endless array of colors, styles, and finishes. For homeowners who prefer a softer feel underfoot, carpet, cork, and rubber flooring provide a little more bounce.
Are Concrete Floors Right for You?
If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-clean flooring material that stands up to a lot of abuse, concrete might be the right choice. Consult with a concrete flooring pro to discover what options are possible in your home and fit your lifestyle and design vision.
If your household includes young children or the elderly, or you prefer a warm, cozy feel for your flooring, you may want to explore other options that suit the specifics of your home and design style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete floors can last 50 to 75 years or more when properly sealed and maintained. Some concrete finishes, like polished concrete, will need to be refinished periodically—depending on the finish and foot traffic, you may need to refinish or reseal your concrete floors every five to 20 years. Keeping the concrete properly sealed will prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your concrete floors.
Concrete can take years to fully settle, but interior concrete floors are mostly settled after a year. Shifting and settling can occur throughout your home’s life, but most major settling happens the first few years after the concrete is poured. It’s not uncommon for minor cracks to appear in concrete floors over time—check with a concrete pro to ensure new cracks don’t indicate a structural issue in your home.
