Why you should consider concrete in your new home

Building the house of your dreams? It's no doubt you've got plenty of options to consider, from location, size and then all the nitty gritty details like furnishings and paint colours.

When it comes to flooring, you might be tossing up between carpet, wood and tiles for different areas of your home. You may be neglecting one of the best flooring options of all - concrete!

We're not talking about the gritty pavement you find on footpaths, however. The version is sleek and sophisticated, making it the perfect flooring option for modern homes wanting to add a bit of industrial flair to their decor.

Many people don't know that when you polish concrete it can completely transform from drab to fab. Levelling the concrete will bring out its natural sheen. Concrete grinders will make this job easier and more effective, then all you need to do is clean the surface occasionally and your home's floor will look sensational for years to come.

Concrete flooring is an extremely cost effective option, as it eliminates the need for expensive timber, carpet or tile overlays. Their durable and long-lasting nature means you will continue to save money on your flooring as time goes by. Unlike carpet and tiles that can become worn and discoloured, properly-finished concrete is incredibly difficult to damage.

This floor option won't scratch, crack or rip like others do, and its durability means it's perfect for anyone with a rough-and-tumble lifestyle. Heavy furniture items are perfectly safe on this surface, unlike softer floors where they can do damage when shifted around the room.

The maintenance of concrete is practically non-existent - the occasional sweep and mop every now and then will quickly and easily keep floors looking brand new.

Concrete also has the advantage of retaining heat. Utilise this in the winter by installing underfloor heating, as concrete responds to this extremely well to keep your feet toasty warm. In summer, turn the heat off and let the cool concrete naturally keep your home at a lower temperature.

If the idea of concrete floors doesn't tempt you, how about a sleek concrete benchtop? When properly sealed it's extremely practical, as it won't stain like wood, scratch like stainless steel or burn like wood. Pour it in liquid form to create any shape you want!