The floor covering in an apartment makes a lot of difference and can make the respective room shine in a new splendor. Anyone looking for suggestions regarding modern floor coverings is probably a little confused by the endless possibilities and cannot decide. In today's article we would like to introduce you to concrete flooring, which has now established itself not only in architecture but also in interior design. In our image gallery you will find inspiration for an attractive concrete floor in the living area and kitchen as well as useful information regarding properties, costs, care and much more.
Advantages and positive properties of concrete floors
Concrete flooring in the living area and kitchen is a modern and aesthetic floor covering not only in industrial loft apartments, as the pictures below reveal. The fact that concrete flooring is often used in private living areas clearly speaks for its valuepositive characteristics.Concrete is a natural material in which cement made from limestone and clay is mixed with gravel or sand and water. In addition to the fact that concrete is sustainable, this flooring has a heat-insulating effect and keeps out both moisture and noise. It is precisely these properties that make it perfect for use in the living and dining areas.
The concrete flooring is also durable and hard-wearing. The floor ensures a healthy environment thanks to its smooth and closed surface. That's why it's suitable for anyone who is allergic to mites and dust. The bacteria cannot penetrate the soil and multiply there.
Another advantage of concrete flooring in the living area or kitchen that is undoubtedly worth mentioning is its ease of care. It is not susceptible to dirt and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Its color does not fade or change over time.
as a modern style and design element
The floor covering is often used as a contemporary style and design element. Careful treatment of its surface, such as waxing, polishing or grinding, gives this flooring a smooth and velvety look that is similar to polished marble. Concrete can appear reserved and cool as well as soft and warm. To achieve this softening effect, you can add colors to the still wet mass, which is originally light to dark gray.
The concrete floor fits many furnishing styles. It works best in a modern facility or in aindustrial loft apartmentto validity. Large glass fronts let in a lot of light and make the concrete floor in a loft stand out even more. Even a classically furnished living or dining area shines in a completely new light, as the floor covering is a modern highlight in the room. The combinations with other materials, especially iron, wood and plastics, also look excellent.
One of the most ideal partners for flooring is wood. The cool gray harmonizes perfectly with the brown tones. On the other hand, the two colors create a certain tension due to their contrast, which ensures more dynamism in the living room. Dark tones create more depth when combined with the light concrete flooring. The living area looks much more inviting and conveys a feeling of security.
The light floor covering also goes well with light colors. In oneFurnishings with Nordic flairhe seems absolutely at ease. The interior appears harmonious and calm thanks to the use of concrete as a floor covering. If you still don't find the living area cozy and inviting enough, various home accessories such as decorative pillows, cozy blankets or soft poufs can work wonders and fill the room with warmth.
Even if no pompous decoration would suit an exposed concrete floor, the cozy cushions or fur blankets can create a homely atmosphere. Underfloor heating is a great and worthwhile investment that contributes to a high level of living comfort. A great alternative would be a beautiful carpet in warm tones. The concrete floor acts as a kind of stage and allows this accessory to be in the spotlight.
Elegant and practical floor covering in the kitchen
Polished concrete floors are also undoubtedly a modern and design-conscious decision when choosing floor coverings in the kitchen. The kitchen is the area in an apartment that is cleaned quite often and where people spend a long time next to the living room. If you are a passionate chef at home, a practical decision would be to choose concrete flooring for this room too because, as already mentioned, it is extremely easy to maintain.
Here too, it is up to you whether you choose a light or dark color and whether you prefer a shiny or matt surface structure. Especially when choosing the color of the floor, you can use the colors of the existing furniture and appliances as a guide. The light concrete floor in the kitchen looks elegant and minimalist, while a darker shade looks warm and cozy.
The concrete floor in the living area and in the kitchen can be adapted to personal needs by using more or less of one or other of its components in the production. Since the material can be used variably and the production costs are comparatively low, concrete is considered very economical.
Prices per square meter
If a concrete floor is to be laid indoors, the costs are made up of the foundation, the floor itself and the work. The price of the material may vary and depends on the type of concrete used and its strength class. The size of the area and the floor plan also play a decisive role in the cost of the polished concrete floor.
If you would like to have the flooring sanded, you can expect to pay 60 euros per square meter for triple sanding. Coarse grain sanding costs around 75 euros per square meter. If you decide on a glossy finish that gives the concrete floor a terazzo-like surface, additional costs of around 5 euros per square meter may apply.
If you would like to have a floor with a reflective surface, you can expect to pay an additional 10 euros per square meter. If the concrete floor is subsequently sanded, the costs are between 70 and 95 per square meter. If you want to maximize the resistance to stains and the resilience of the surfaces, you should take into account the costs for impregnating and sealing the floor.
Although making concrete flooring may seem relatively expensive at first, it can save you a lot in the long run. In order to keep the costs for the polished floor in the living area and kitchen as low as possible, it is advisable to compare different offers from executing companies.
