The polished concrete floor has been gaining momentum among renovators and home builders in recent years. Many individuals like it because of its modern yet rustic look. Its reflective surface also adds ambient light to any home.
However, renovators and homebuilders now have an alternative; tiled floors. Basically, floor tiles closely emulate the look of real concrete flooring. The inkjet technology enables manufacturers to make patterns and design colors, which are perfect. This simply means you might enjoy the raw beauty of the concrete look in porcelain tiles. Polished concrete is different from tiled floors in terms of:
- Durability
Polished concrete floors like grind and seal finishes are durable, and with the right maintenance services, they can last a lifetime. Tiles are also durable, though they are somehow fragile when compared to concrete.
In case you drop something heavy on your tiled floor, it can easily have chips and cracks. Though with proper maintenance, your tiles can also last for a long time.
- Versatility
The methods used to polish and grind concrete means homeowners, designers, and architects have many options to change the beauty of the flooring. You may also choose how much to grind, and every design option you choose may depend on personal needs and preferences. Though different options have dissimilar functional benefits.
For instance, high-gloss concrete can be suitable to reflect light, so it might be perfect for spaces requiring bright lighting, like supermarkets and factories. Unlike concrete, tiled flooring limits you to add different aesthetics types, making it unsuitable to use in prominent industrial spaces and commercial kitchens.
- Appearance
With a professional’s help, strained concrete materials might look like terra cotta, marble, travertine, or slate. Staining concrete and increasing its popularity have resulted in the manufacturing of rainbow concrete paints and stains, offering you the similar versatility that porcelain or ceramic tiles provide.
By including stamped designs, concrete will also replicate the same look of tiles. However, if you prefer the appearance of conventional tiles and still need the durability of concrete, go for a concrete tile.
- Cost
Tiles are a pretty affordable option for many individuals. If you can find tiles marked down and handle the installation yourself, you will incur less than $5 per square foot. This cost is realistic and affordable for many individuals searching for new flooring.
Though if you need luxurious, durable, and beautiful tiles, the cost can be higher than that, especially when you’re unable to install the flooring yourself.
- Energy Efficiency
The polished concrete surface is energy-efficient due to its ability to absorb a lot of heat during day time. For shaded surfaces, concrete can stay cool for a long time so as to influence the temperature of rooms, allowing you to save on their air conditioner expenses.
Like polished concrete, tiles can also stay cool underfoot, though they will remain that way throughout the day.
The Bottom Line – Which is Flooring Material is Better?
Because the price is not the same, the answer depends on personal preference.
Concrete is more durable outdoors, especially in a high-traffic place, and staining an existing slab might seem like a less labor-intensive option to homeowners.
