Interior Concrete Flooring vs. Traditional Flooring Systems
A Comparison Chart To Help You Decide
The following guide is to selecting a floor finish, followed by some explanatory notes.
Cleanability |
Durability |
Hygiene |
Repairability |
Aesthetic Value |
Lifespan |
Versatility |
Cost Effective |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Resin Flooring | High | High | High | Medium | High | High | High | Medium |
Polished Concrete | High | High | High | Low | High | High | High | Low |
Natural Stone Tiles | Low | Low | Medium | Low | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Ceramic Tiles | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low | High | Low | High |
Vinyl | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | High | High |
Carpet | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low - High | Low | Medium | Low |
Floorboards | High | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | Medium | Low |
Notes:
While the author may be somewhat biased, the resin flooring has scored well on most categories, the areas of repairability and cost-effectiveness were scored only as medium. The Stone Resin system would have scored high on both these criteria also, however there are some decorative resin floors which are difficult to repair seamlessly. All other categories prove resin flooring to be an exceptional flooring choice.
A great choice for most criteria, once again repairability is an issue if major damage was to occur; versatility is fairly low β you either like the qualities of polished concrete or you donβt; cost-effectiveness is also low; other than that, they are beautiful floors, durable, clean, and hygienic.
A popular decorative flooring option with high aesthetic value; possibly should have scored HIGH for lifespan except that natural stone is highly susceptible to staining from acidic foods, losing original gloss levels and a range mystery problems unique to stone. As with all tiles you have to compete with grout lines to keep your floor clean and hygienic. Those few things aside, natural stone is a real feature.
Ceramic Tiles:
Scored LOW for aesthetic value as ceramic tiles have a cheap feel about them. That aside, ceramic tiles are cheap, extremely tough, easy to clean (except grout lines), and can last a lifetime and beyond.
Carpet:
Carpet is great in the right scenario β warm, soft, inviting. Scores low points for hygiene and ease of cleaning.
Floorboards:
Fantastic flooring option, unique aesthetic appeal, does require regular maintenance and cleaning, and quite expensive.