POLISHED KITCHEN CONCRETE FLOORING

A GUIDE TO INSTALLING POLISHED CONCRETE KITCHEN FLOORING

Kitchen flooring trends have flirted with stone, vinyl, and wood finishes over the years. However, a trend that has proved its staying power for the 21st century is undoubtedly polished kitchen concrete flooring. The ingenious transformation of industrial concrete, into an elegantly minimalist aesthetic is appreciated for its practicality, sustainability, and unique organic design.

At DirectStone, our flooring specialists excel in creating stunning polished concrete floors for open plan living, patios and hallways, with kitchen installations being particularly popular. In this guide we explore why polished kitchen concrete flooring is particularly well suited to environments that are dual purpose, requiring good looks and easy maintenance.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE POLISHED KITCHEN CONCRETE FLOORING?

Every client we work with has their own particular reasons for having selected polished concrete kitchen flooring. But there are 5 key benefits that all our clients are guaranteed:

1. A Long-Lasting Floor. Kitchen concrete flooring is uniquely durable and will most probably outlast the house it stands in.
2. Sustainability. If you have an existing concrete slab in your kitchen, as many houses do, your new flooring will have zero carbon consequences for the planet
3. Multiple Design Options. Choose from a  variety of different ways that your kitchen concrete flooring can be finished, including high gloss/matte polishes, and colours.
4. Hands Off Maintenance. Once your polished concrete kitchen floor is installed is requires only regular sweeping and mopping to keep it looking good as new.
5. UFH Option. Concrete is an ideal conductor of heat, which makes polished concrete flooring a perfect partner for underfloor heating in your kitchen.

ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES TO CHOOSING POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORING?

Every flooring has its disadvantages, and a polished kitchen concrete flooring is no exception. However, the disadvantages are few, and easily surmountable. In order to minimise potential problems, kitchen concrete flooring should be laid by a professional installer, who will be able to advise on both the installation and the type of finish that would work best.

One of the industrial legacies of concrete is how it feels underfoot. It has an extremely hard surface – which may lead to more breakages than with a vinyl floor, and it can be cold to stand on. Luckily, concrete flooring works particularly well with underfloor heating. Finally, concrete is a porous material which means that it will stain easily, even after a stain resistant sealant has been added. We recommend that stains are always dealt with immediately if at all possible.

IF THE KITCHEN CONCRETE FLOORING IS NEWLY LAID

When polishing a newly poured concrete slab, the concrete must cure and dry for about 3-4 weeks before the grinding and polishing process begins. We use dry grinding to achieve the finish required, and a HEPA filter vacuum is used to minimise the dust created throughout.

IF A CONCRETE SLAB ALREADY EXISTS

For existing concrete slabs in kitchens covered with carpeting or tiles, DirectStone flooring specialists assess the condition and advise on achievable results. Repairs, if necessary, are incorporated into the overall process. HEPA filtered extraction is used to maintain good air quality whilst the work is carried out.

IF THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE CONCRETE SLAB

In cases where an existing concrete slab cannot be polished due to poor condition or extensive damage, a polished kitchen concrete overlay can be used instead. This involves removing the existing tiles or carpet, potentially re-profiling the concrete slab, and pouring a high-performance architectural topping and resurfacer known as an overlay. After the overlay dries (usually in 12 hours), the polishing process is applied to the desired finish.

CONCRETE KITCHEN FLOOR DESIGN OPTIONS

Whether you’re planning a kitchen makeover or want to update your existing design, concrete kitchen floors offer a wide range of stunning choices.

Polished concrete flooring offers various finishes, ranging from a subtle matte look to a glamorous high-gloss surface that cannot fail to impress your dinner guests. You can customise the concrete by colouring it to match your kitchen decor. Another option is to incorporate materials like glass or crystals into the concrete, creating a glossy, reflective shine that offers entirely different effects in sunlight and under electric lights in the evening.

ABOUT DIRECTSTONE

DirectStone is a family-run business with a passion for creating beautiful polished kitchen concrete flooring. We provide residential polished kitchen flooring, and commercial concrete floors for hotels, airports, offices and showrooms. We work throughout the UK mainly in London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

If you are interested in polished kitchen concrete flooring and have any questions, or would like a project priced please call us today on 01525 20863920