Concrete’s versatility lets it serve many functions

“The ultimate success of any project is how well it fits in composition, form, color and proportion to the space that it resides.” Fu-Tung Cheng (1948- ), American designer and author, “Concrete at Home” (2002)

Q: Tell me about concrete floors. I have seen mention of them in decorating magazines, but I don’t personally know anybody who has them. Concrete in the house just doesn’t sound right. How does the price compare to carpet? Can you do it yourself? I look forward to your reply. Thanks.

A: Actually concrete in the house is quite popular, not only as floors but also as countertops.

Concrete probably came on the scene for indoor decorating two or three years ago and became the “sweetheart” finish for many designers. While some folks like you are leery of the finish, many more are thoroughly enjoying its versatility.

Several years ago, I met a writer and designer named Fu-Tung Cheng. He has written two books, along with Eric Olsen, about using concrete indoors: “Concrete at Home” and “Concrete Countertops” (The Taunton Press, 2002).

In its description of “Concrete at Home,” The Taunton Press says: “Cheng shows that, with concrete’s flexibility, the loom is limited only by the imagination. Finished concrete can resemble marble, glass, granite or sculpture. You can tint it, grind it, polish it and stamp it with patterns. You can imbed it with ammonites or other decorative inlays, insert aggregates such as jadeite or glass; and you can mold it into virtually any shape you can imagine.”

Cheng refers to concrete as liquid stone.

So, as you can see, concrete can take on many looks, and fit into almost any space — if you’re willing to take a chance. I would not recommend, however, that you take on this project yourself. Pouring a concrete floor requires more precision than installing hardwood or tile floors.

My friend and former co-worker Claire deJesus shared her experience in having concrete floors installed in her home. And, as you will see, with any construction project or any project that involves moving all of your possessions, be prepared for a lot of upheaval.

DeJesus wrote, “The entire process took 10 days, six days longer than we were told. The addition of the hotel stay inflated the total cost to just over $11,000 for our 1,900-square-foot house.

“On the whole, the cost was definitely worth it. Both floors of the house were done. If you plan to have an upstairs done, it is imperative that the floors have a mesh under-treatment. If this step is missed, you will suffer terminal cracking.

“The original top coat faded after about a year. We went back and simply repainted the floors with a paint that was made for steel. The results were fantastic. We now have a very high-gloss shine that is easy to clean and maintain. We just mop weekly and repaint the entire surface every other year. We simply section off a room to keep the dogs out and paint the floor with a roller.

“My advice to anyone seeking this type of surface is to be sure that when you have to redo it, that you can do it yourself rather than call in a crew again. You can do it at your own pace with little disruption. Be sure there is plenty of ventilation!”

So there you have it. The price is a little higher than carpet or tile, but if you want the look and durability of concrete, be prepared to pay for it.

After you decide that, ‘Yes, we’re doing this,’ do your homework by talking to several installers. I also would suggest that you read Cheng’s books, or others you might find at the library. And as deJesus said, be prepared for a total disruption of your life for a few days — even possibly moving out during the process.

Carolyn Muse Grant is the founding president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.