Concrete flooring - Nina Daniels

Concrete is an affordable, hardwearing and easy to clean flooring option. Made from natural materials, it has a unique characteristic, producing variable results. In an interior, concrete flooring is most effective when it is positioned in a north facing location with double glazed windows. This is due to its high thermal mass, soaking in the heat during the day and releasing it in the evening, contributing to an energy efficient home. Concrete can assist to improved allergy management, as it does not harbour live organisms, such as dust mites. It also provides a high fire resistance compared with other building materials.
 
Concrete is ideal for flooring in living spaces and kitchens. It can create a seamless indoor, outdoor flow and cater for areas where non-slip is required. The acoustic performance of concrete is dictated by its mass and damping qualities.

Concrete can be an adaptable architectural material, as it can be coloured or stained, can be cut into patterns (e.g. to look like tiles), different colour and sized aggregate can be added and glass or crushed shells can be added to create a unique finish.

 
Peter Fell (www.peterfell.co.nz) are specialists in coloured concrete and offer a variety of options when it comes to colouring and applying textures to interior concrete flooring. With a selection of 80 colours, they offer a cost effective flooring finish (approximately $50 per square metre). The colour pigment is mixed through the concrete before being laid. This prevents a chipped or worn appearance.

(http://www.peterfell.co.nz/inspiration/details/floors.html)

Concrete is porous so can easily be stained. During construction, concrete must be protected from staining and marks with a polythene cover. After the concrete is cured (at least 28 days) sealing can be applied. Sealers protect the concrete from staining, reduces the risk of organic matter growing, reduces the transfer of moisture and stops concrete dust occurring. It also adds a shine to the concrete, giving it a vibrant look and preserves the colour. Due to iron oxides, the colour will not fade. Sealing lasts around 3-5 years, depending on the area’s traffic and exposure to sun. It requires little maintenance.

 
Allied Concrete (www.alliedconcrete.co.nz) have a variety of high quality New Zealand river pebbles for use as exposed aggregate. They have developed a range of colours to suit any home. Exposed aggregates have become a popular choice for patios and paths. It is a durable and easy to maintain option. Aggregates are natural products, so some colour variation will occur depending on placement, weather and site conditions.

Allied Concrete also offers coloured concrete options and READY Glow. READY Glow is a non-toxic, photo luminescent aggregate. It is a unique flooring option, which uses powerful glow stones to produce a long, bring glow. It is a self-powering, renewable light source. Fifteen minutes of exposure to natural light will produce over 12 hours of glow time. Stones are 19-25mm in size and come in Sky Blue and Yellow Green colours. READY Glow can be applied to both indoor and outdoor areas, such as flooring, stairs, walls, patios and more. READY Glow stones are sold per 100g.

(http://www.alliedconcrete.co.nz/solutions/decorative/readyglow)

 
Concrete has endless possibilities, from decorative to structural. Because most foundations are made from concrete there is no extra flooring cost other than its finishing.