Comparative Installation and Maintenance Costs for Polished Concrete Floors
Decorative polished concrete offers a number of advantages that other flooring materials can’t match, particularly when it comes to durability, performance and sustainability. Here, we compare polished concrete floors with some of the alternatives.
Flooring Types
Wall to Wall Carpet
Ceramic Tile
Vinyl / Linoleum
Wood or Laminate
Natural Stone - Slate or Marble
Polished Concrete
Available in a wide spectrum of design options
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Unlimited
Longevity & performance
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Ease of maintenance
Poor**
Good
Good***
Good
Good***
Excellent
Can radiate heat & store solar energy
No
No
No
No
Yes****
Yes
Vulnerable to humidity & moisture damage
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Can harbor mold, mildew, dust mites & other allergens
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Is a sustainable flooring alternative
No
Yes
Maybe*****
Maybe
Yes
Yes
Average cost per square foot installed*
$3.38 - 6.61
$11 - 22
$2.64 - 5.64
$8 - 10
$20 - 50+
$3 - 7
Average life-cycle cost
High
Low
Intermediate
Intermediate
Low
Extremely Low
As you can see, Polished Concrete Floors offer a distinct advantage in lifetime costs when compared to other flooring types.
*Source: Old House Web (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/)
**Poor, needs frequent vacuuming; stains easily.
***May need occasional waxing.
****Depending on material.
*****Maybe, if using linoleum made from all natural materials.
For more information about polished concrete & resin flooring, call 816.356.6440