Previously confined to the garage or the back patio, concrete is also compatible with indoor uses. In fact, it’s become a major player in home interior remodeling.
The Ever-Increasing Popularity of Concrete in Today’s Homes
Long established as a reliable and durable outdoor product, it has been refined and developed to apply that strength to more elegant settings. Its ideal traits include being sustainable, fire-resistant, and affordable.
Also, it has the advantage of being able to be molded to any particulars. Also, it may be dyed, embossed, or even polished – it literally can be made to cater to your home design.
Concrete holds heat, making it ideal for bathtubs, floors, and sinks. Combine these factors with its unique appearance, and you’ll understand why concrete has become an in-demand substance.
Recently, countertops made of concrete have emerged as a competitor to other materials such as granite and marble. Part of the reason is that they’re easy to install—one pour and you have a seamless countertop that will not allow water in cracks and joints.
Contrary to some expectations, it’s not a rigid slab you get but a custom shape you choose!
You can include a concrete sink as part of one large piece and have fun adding elements such as a built-in drain and soap dish. The sink is low maintenance and blends well in nearly any environment. Since it is solid, it tends to dampen the loudness of the dishwasher.
Achieve the look of brick or stone with a concrete fireplace or hearth. You may prefer to keep it as one solid piece instead of choosing the favored faux brick pattern mold.
The concrete fireplace/hearth/mantle retains heat and releases it slowly, keeping your home warm long after the fire has gone the way of nonexistence.
More than ever before, folks are choosing concrete even for their kitchen floors. Concrete is a practical choice, easy to clean, and scratch—and scuff-resistant. All that’s needed for maintenance is regular dusting and a wet mop-over.
Also, they can be personalized by including colored dyes or embedded materials for subtle hues, textures, and patterns that give any floor a unique, customized appearance.
Not even bathroom tubs are immune to the concrete influence. They can be made to fit a very small or large space. You may even have them installed with heating coils embedded within.
Be mindful that the bigger the tub, the more weight your home needs to be prepared to accommodate. You should check with a structural engineer to ensure you will face no potential problems with including a concrete tub.
Of course, a shower is a little easier. Using concrete as the surface material literally means there’s no need to scrub grout. Concrete that has been meticulously troweled on creates seamless shower walls and basins that are waterproof.
Unless you are a seriously experienced do-it-yourselfer, hiring a contractor with plenty of interior concrete work under his belt is firmly recommended. He’ll help you achieve your desired look by recommending the right products and finishes.
Although concrete is waterproof, it is actually just porous enough to allow staining. But you can protect your product with a good stone sealer.
There are two types of concrete sealers: penetrating and topical.
Penetrating sealers will darken the surface slightly leaving it more rich and detailed. They must only be applied every two to three years, with carnauba wax applications in the interim.
Topical sealers form a protective coat over the concrete. Many types are available, including acrylic and epoxy, both of which provide tough, durable surfaces.
Be aware that even when sealed, you may still experience some chipping or cracking. It’s just a part of concrete’s character, the nature of the beast.
Additionally, concrete is appreciated for being an environmentally friendly substance. Not only are the sand and rock that comprise it renewable resources, it can last decades before being demolished and used again.
It’s a solid choice, and it’s earned its popularity. It looks great, and it’s extremely durable and user-friendly. If you choose it, you’ve made a concrete conclusion.
