FEATURE
Concrete now a popular choice for residential flooring
Cement & Concrete SA
Traditionally , concrete flooring has been used in locations where utility , durability , and ease of maintenance are more important than design and beauty but , because of the staggering design options now available , concrete floors are increasingly popular residentially , says Hanlie Turner , business development manager of Cement & Concrete SA .
Turner says , in housing , concrete offers both aesthetic and practical options for flooring of key areas such as foyers , patios , kitchens , bathrooms , hallways , and garages .
“ Concrete flooring is popular in kitchens because it is durable and easy to clean . It can be sealed against moisture damage and made virtually impervious to staining agents or food and drink spillage . Durability and water and moisture resistance are also making concrete popular as bathroom floors : textured techniques can be used to ensure that the surface is slipresistant . The various surface finish and colour options available allow for a concrete floor in a foyer or hallway that will be exceptionally stylish , while remaining functional for such high traffic areas .
Hanlie Turner , business development manager of Cement & Concrete SA ( CCSA ).
“ Designers and home-owners are increasingly using decorative concrete floors in residential foyers .”
ALL IMAGES : CCSA
Concrete floor made with coloured aggregates and polished to a smooth glossy surface .
“ Designers and home-owners are increasingly using decorative concrete floors in residential foyers , for maximum ‘ first impressions ’ and personalising this area to reflect a home ’ s overall style . Enhancements for foyer concrete floors include stencilled motifs , multi-colour tile-like patterns , and saw-cut designs ,” Turner adds .
“ Concrete floors are also being used to create ‘ fun garages ’ that are now no longer just a storage space for cars , but also a playroom or youngster ’ s den so much more attention is being paid to making garage floors both attractive and durable .”
She says one of the major benefits of basic concrete floors is affordability compared to other flooring such as vinyl or
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