When you think of concrete flooring, you may imagine a dull, gray floor with no character or shine. However, with proper concrete floor finishing techniques, concrete floors can be beautiful and durable flooring options for high-traffic areas.
Not only can a concrete floor shine, but they are low maintenance and water resistant. What other flooring can you choose that won’t become damaged by water, weight, foot traffic, heavy machinery, or spills?
ACT Restoration explains how concrete is the perfect solution for high-traffic areas like retail stores.
Things to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Retail Spaces
Retail spaces experience heavy foot traffic from employees, customers, and sometimes warehouse equipment. Choosing the right flooring for such areas is crucial, and concrete is an excellent option.
Concrete’s durability allows it to withstand both constant foot traffic and machinery like forklifts. It is also slip-resistant, which helps ensure the safety of employees and customers, especially on wet or snowy days.
As with any space, you need to consider the aesthetic appeal of your flooring choice. While carpet has many advantages, it is easily stained, holds onto dirt and dust, and can rip or tear, requiring replacement.
Concrete is a budget-friendly way to improve your retail space’s aesthetic appeal, particularly by adding stains or dyes to color the floor.
Best Concrete Finishes for High-Traffic Retail Spaces
A few ways to finish a concrete floor can provide many benefits and beauty. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular choices.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is a beautiful, reflective, and long-lasting solution for concrete floors. Its glossy finish reflects both natural and artificial light, brightening up the area and creating a more inviting atmosphere. It’s a very affordable floor choice for retail spaces, giving it an upscale and modern look.
Some benefits of polished concrete include:
- Able to be dyed or stained for custom looks
- Low-maintenance
- Moisture-resistant and hypoallergenic
- Economic and environmentally friendly
- Durable and slip-resistant
Sealed Concrete
Sealed concrete differs from polished concrete in several ways. A seal coating on a concrete floor provides better resistance to oils and other liquids, preventing stains and etching. The finished appearance is similar to polished concrete, low-maintenance, and easy to clean.
Sealed concrete is a great option if moisture is a concern in your retail space. It can protect areas such as kitchens, storerooms, and bathrooms. Sealing also helps prolong the life of your concrete, reducing the need for frequent refinishing. However, sealed concrete does require resealing every few years, depending on the amount of traffic it experiences.
Epoxy Coatings
Another method for protecting concrete floors and creating a professional and beautiful aesthetic is by choosing epoxy concrete floors. Epoxy coatings help keep moisture and liquids out of the concrete and add a layer of protection against harsh chemicals. With proper maintenance, your epoxy floor could last anywhere from 10 to 20 years!
Concrete Floor Maintenance Tips
Concrete floor maintenance is relatively straightforward. The first thing to do is keep the floors clean. A dry or dust mop can easily clean up dust and dirt from your concrete floors.
If your floor requires a deeper cleaning, make sure to use the appropriate cleaners. Harsh or abrasive chemicals can damage concrete, so it's best to avoid them. Acidic cleaners should never be used on concrete floors, especially those containing citrus or vinegar.
Always clean up spills right away using a mild soap and water.
Consider using rugs or floor mats to provide extra protection in high-traffic areas. This is especially useful for sealed concrete, as mats can help preserve the seal and extend its lifespan.
Contact ACT Restoration Today for Concrete Floors in Brooklyn Park, MN
If you are in the Twin Cities area, call ACT Restoration today for professional concrete floor finishing services. Our team has decades of experience restoring concrete floors for high-traffic areas and retail spaces, always ensuring complete customer satisfaction.
Check out our reviews from some of our previous clients.
Call ACT Restoration today at 763-432-3966 or request a free estimate online!