Concrete floors are in style. With their smooth, shiny surface and colorful options, they offer that fresh, cool modern style. Whether you are a business owner looking to revamp your floors or a homeowner wanting new, polished concrete, these are the trendy concrete flooring finishes you must have.
Acid Stains
Acid stains are one of the most common concrete staining options. Reactive concrete stains utilize acid to break down the concrete’s top layer and chemically alter its appearance. The resulting color change is permanent and deep within the structure of the floor. Due to this structural alteration, acid stains are great for high foot traffic areas, as this stain will not chip or peel. If you need a new stain for your restaurant floor, for example, you should consider an acid stain that will give your concrete a unique natural color with a marbled look.
Water Stains
Water-based stains work like acid stains but with a much wider variety. Since the acid isn’t part of the equation, the stain will not change the concrete surface, but it will cover it uniformly. Because there are more options and more consistent coloring, water stains are great for any logos or art you want to put on your floor. You will need to coat water stains with a clear concrete sealer so the paint doesn’t chip or wear away. Yet, these are perfect for anyone wanting to add a flair of hue to their home.
Metallic Epoxies
Epoxy is a kind of concrete floor finish that presents a shiny, smooth surface. This finish results in hard, durable flooring but with a flair. Metallic epoxies are known for their colorful patterns and reflective nature. As the name implies, the epoxy will mimic the look of a shiny sheet of metal but on your floor. Metallic epoxy is perfect for basements and game rooms where you want a vibrant and bright look to accompany the cool, cave-like atmosphere. Metallics come in all colors of the rainbow, and you can even try two-tone, two-color, and same-color variants.
Concrete Dyes
If you want a translucent solution with fine pigments mixed in, then concrete dyes are for you. Unlike stains that alter the concrete chemically, the pigments in concrete dyes settle into the concrete surface, providing smooth coloring. Concrete dyes come in all hues, and the final product is much more brilliant than an acid solution alone. Like water stains, concrete dyes can chip and crack without protection. So, you will need an added layer of concrete sealer to finish the job and add that beautiful high gloss.
Check out these trendy concrete flooring finishes and find which one is right for you. Though there are many indoor applications, you should also investigate outdoor options like concrete paving slabs and concrete patios. Take stock of your concrete surfaces and research the colors and aftereffects you want on your floors. Then, all it takes is a quick call to a concrete stainer, and you have a shiny new floor.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
