5 surprising things about concrete floors

I’ve always loved concrete floors. Even while traveling I notice they’re everywhere from eco-chic bungalows in Tulum to AirBnBs in Austin. Concrete was never a question because we knew from the start we wanted in-floor radiant heating (we’ve got some long, cold winters in Montana). But initially, we considered concrete because we simply liked the look of it, later learning it would also be a much better material for in-floor heating.

Besides loving the aesthetic, I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of concrete floors. Some obvious, some surprising!

1. They make your house super WARM.

Concrete is a very efficient heat conduit. And with in-floor heating they produce a nice even heat, providing a cozier atmosphere and warmer feeling for the home overall. And in the summer, they keep the house staying nice and cool.

I just love this gallery wall! source - coco lapine design

2. Concrete floors really aren’t cheaper – but they will probably save you money in the long run.

source - EVERYTHING about concreteWhen the thermal mass of the concrete is heated, the warm slab acts as a radiator distributing even heat throughout the structure. When the concrete floor is heated the heat rises warming everything in the room. — source - EVERYTHING about concrete
When the thermal mass of the concrete is heated, the warm slab acts as a radiator distributing even heat throughout the structure. When the concrete floor is heated the heat rises warming everything in the room.

While you’ll save money by not putting hardwood flooring on top of the concrete, in a new build when you intend to use concrete as your main flooring material, it’s actually fairly pricey. This is because a lot of work goes into the slab prep. However, a sealed and properly maintained concrete floor can last indefinitely, so I suppose over the long run this can save a considerable amount of money from needing replacing flooring every few years. Concrete floors will also have lower energy costs – you can operate a hydronic system (in-floor) at a lower thermostat setting than an HVAC — and they have lower heating costs. The heat is concentrated in lower half of room resulting in less heat loss.

A case for a more environmentally friendly option?

That is, if you are using an already existing concrete slab as your floor surface. In this case there is no need for new materials. Also, most homes have an existing concrete subfloor already beneath another flooring material. So, in the case of a remodel, you are really just “uninstalling” the flooring material to achieve a concrete floor look.

3. They’re probably a way cleaner option than tile.

Concrete is super easy to clean. Plus, you also don’t have to worry about scratching or staining. For bathrooms and showers, there isn’t any grout to worry about getting dirty and grimy like you’d deal with for tile floors. And unlike wood floors, you don’t have to be careful about concrete floors getting wet from shoes or spills.

4. Air quality and allergies. (Big win here!)

This was one that is really a no-brainer, but I had never thought about it before. Turns out, concrete floors are your secret ally against allergies. Even with regular cleaning, forced air heating systems can kick up and circulate allergens throughout your home. Moving air means moving allergens. If you’ve got mold, spores, or pet dander lying around, the blast of air from the heating system will set it in motion. Also, hot air causes dryness and irritation. The air in your home needs to have the right amount of moisture in it to be comfortable and healthy. Moving air systems dry you out! – source

5. The artistic options are endless

Who knew! You can paint or dye concrete floors, mix in a colored stain with the sealant, or just polish them up. Also rugs! The options are really endless. I’ve seen concrete floors in homes of all price ranges. They really allow for a lot of design freedom.