Exposed Concrete Floors: How to Create and the Benefits

The use of exposed concrete floors is gaining popularity due to the industrial trend. These floors are made from plain concrete without additional tiles, highlighting a modern and aesthetic industrial look.

Despite their simplicity, exposed concrete floors have several advantages that make them worth considering for your home’s flooring design. This article details what exposed concrete floors are, how to create them, and the main benefits.

What are Exposed Concrete Floors?

An exposed concrete floor is a design where a mixture of cement is poured directly onto the floor surface, then smoothed and polished until the sand and gravel grains within are clearly visible. This process creates an aesthetically pleasing and attractive floor due to the unique textures and patterns produced by the cement mix.

Typically, exposed concrete floors are used for a house aiming for a modern industrial design. Not only do they look aesthetic, but the process is also relatively straightforward and offers many advantages.

How to Create Exposed Concrete Floors

Once you understand what exposed cement floors are, here are the steps to create them:

Clean the flat surface free from rocks or other obstructive materials.
Mix cement with water at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 to avoid an overly thick or runny mixture.
Pour the cement mixture onto the prepared surface, ensuring it covers the entire area.
Sprinkle gravel or sand into the wet cement mixture. Make sure the gravel or sand is well absorbed.
After the gravel or sand is absorbed, clean the floor surface to remove any remaining wet cement.
Start polishing the floor using a polishing tool to get the desired shine and smoothness until the sand and gravel grains are evenly distributed.

Following these steps carefully, you can create an aesthetically pleasing, durable exposed cement floor that matches your design style.

Benefits of Exposed Cement Floors

After learning how to create exposed cement floors, it’s important to know their main benefits to help you decide whether to use this design in your home. Here are the details:

1. Economical

Exposed cement floors offer a cost-effective solution. The installation process is relatively simple, allowing even beginners to do it. Additionally, the primary materials which are cement, sand, and gravel are far more affordable than ceramic tile or wood flooring.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

Another advantage is the unique and aesthetic appearance. The natural texture of visible sand and gravel grains creates an attractive and exclusive visual ambiance. If you are a fan of the industrial model, this flooring is an excellent choice.

3. Easy to Clean

Maintaining exposed cement floors is easy due to their smooth and compact surface, which doesn’t absorb stains or dirt easily. A regular broom or wet mop is sufficient for quick and easy cleaning.

4. Cool Temperature

Exposed cement floors effectively absorb heat, preventing them from becoming hot even under direct sunlight or high air temperatures. This helps maintain a stable and cool room temperature, making them ideal for warm climates or homes without air conditioning.

5. High Durability

The primary materials of exposed cement floors – cement, sand, and gravel – provide a strong and sturdy floor structure. This means less worry about intensive maintenance or frequent floor replacement.

6. Versatile Design

Exposed cement floors allow for various styles, textures, and colors to suit your taste. You can opt for plain concrete, natural stone patterns, or ceramic tile imitations, giving you the flexibility to create the desired aesthetic look.

How to Maintain Exposed Cement Floors

While exposed cement floors are highly durable, proper maintenance is necessary to keep them looking good for years. Here are some tips:

1. Clean Stains Promptly

Stains can come from various sources like oil, food, or other liquids. Use a non-acidic cleaner to remove stains without damaging the floor surface. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools like hard-bristle brushes or rough sponges to prevent scratches or damage.

2. Routine Care

Apply a protective coating regularly. This can be a penetrating seal that absorbs into the concrete pores or a surface seal for extra protection. Some protective products add a glossy finish, while others offer a matte look. Choose based on your aesthetic preference and desired protection level to maintain the floor’s quality for years.

3. Avoid Standing Water

Although cement floors are water-resistant, prolonged standing water can damage the surface, causing cracks or discoloration. Clean spills immediately with a soft cloth or sponge to prevent further damage.

These are the explanations of what exposed cement floors are, how to create them, and their main benefits. Considering these advantages, exposed cement floors are highly recommended, especially due to their affordability and suitability for hot climates like Indonesia.

If you are interested in purchasing high-quality cement, make sure to choose Semen Merah Putih. Their premium cement is available in major cities across Indonesia in 40 kg and 50 kg bags.

Contact us now and get a strong and durable building finish!