At first glance, outdoor uses for polished concrete seem few and far between.
It seems like a somewhat dismal addition to a garden, for example. However, there are outdoor uses for polished concrete, and more of them than you might think.
A garage will look and keep much better with a polished concrete floor. That fine layer of accumulating dust makes for an uncomfortable sweeping routine, but concrete polish does away with that. Even more, however, surprisingly outdoor uses for polished concrete extend beyond industrial-style applications. For example, a faux slate concrete floor can even add depth and attractiveness to patios and gardens – concrete polish is quite versatile and can mimic other flooring types with uncanny accuracy.
There are a variety of other flooring options. For example, wooden floors offer a natural look, especially with the more expensive timbers. Stone attempts to look natural, but often the aesthetic seems forced, especially if shipping costs restrict options to locally sourced stone. Tiles can offer creative options, but have practical issues with heat, cold, and grip. Concrete is cheaper than almost all wooden floors, can simulate tiles, and requires little maintenance. Plain concrete floors can look dreary, but concrete polish options exist that can lift the mood of an outdoor area considerably.
Finally, acid etch makes a practical flooring solution even more practical, because it can increase grip underfoot. A polished concrete floor around a swimming pool would be a bad idea, especially with young children or older adults around, but acid edge solves this grip dilemma. It involves allowing an acid coating to react with the concrete before neutralising it and washing it away. This gives it a textured finish, perfect for increasing grip underfoot. It is the variety of concrete finishing products that gives concrete the edge on other outdoor flooring solutions.
For more information on outdoor flooring solutions for your home, contact us at EcoGrind.