Concrete has snuck out of the garage and is making its way inside your house, where its durability will delight you. Concrete is the new workhorse of many home improvement projects. Although it’s been around a long time, it’s taken on a new life inside homes because of its several special properties:
- It’s durable, sustainable, fire-resistant, and affordable.
- It can be molded to fit any space and shape.
- It can be dyed, stamped, embossed, and polished to match your home’s design.
- It holds heat, which makes it great for bathtubs, floors, and sinks.
- It has a unique, one-of-a-kind look.
Concrete work inside the home
Where does concrete fit into your home? Check out these possibilities:
Kitchen countertops
A concrete countertop ($65-135/sq. ft.) is made in one pour, meaning it’s seamless — no worries about water seeping in cracks and joints. You’re not stuck with a rigid rectangle, either. You can pour concrete into a custom mold to make any shape you can imagine. The countertop and sink can work as one continuous element, and you can add a built-in dish drain, trivet, and soap dish.
Kitchen sink
A concrete kitchen sink (from $200) is long-wearing, low-maintenance, and blends well with just about every décor. Solid concrete sinks retain heat and dampen the noise of garbage disposals.
Fireplace hearth
A concrete fireplace hearth or mantle can be stamped to look like brick or stone or left as a solid piece and stained a dramatic color. Because it retains heat and then releases it slowly, it’ll help keep your family room warm long after the fire has died out. Costs vary widely and depend on style, size, and finish, but figure about $110/sq. ft.
Floors
Concrete floors are incredibly durable and practical. They’re super-easy to clean, needing only routine dusting and a wet mop, and they resist scuffs and scratches. Colored dyes and embedded materials add subtle colors, textures, and patterns that make each floor unique.
Expect to pay $2-4/sq. ft. for a basic stained floor; $4-10/sq. ft. with a stamped pattern and more than one color; $6-12 for a polished floor; and $18/sq. ft. for an etched or hand-stained finish.
Bathroom tubs
A concrete bathroom tub can be small. In the Japanese soaking style that requires little floor space, or it can be big enough for two concrete is customizable. Some manufacturers include embedded heat coils within the tubs themselves. Costs vary, but generally start around $3,000. Caution! A big tub might require beefier floor structure, so consult an architect or structural engineer.
Shower walls
A concrete shower means no grout to scrub! Troweled-on concrete creates seamless, waterproof shower walls and basins. Figure you’ll spend $1,200-$2,400 for a 36-by-36-inch show stall.
Floors
There is something truly special about polished concrete floors and their raw aesthetic. In addition to looking sleek and modern, they have so many advantages. Concrete floors are an affordable alternative to other modern flooring options such as hardwood or natural stone. It is the perfect fit if you want to make your home look high-end without blowing the budget. At the same time, longevity and durability are one of the top reasons why homeowners decide to hop on this trend in 2023.
Concrete work inside the home
Bare concrete is a signature feature of the industrial look. You don’t necessarily need to commit fully to this style, but you can take inspiration from it. Pairing polished concrete with exposed brick walls is the ultimate way to make an industrial statement. The cold concrete contrasts beautifully with the rough texture and adds an element of sophistication to the space. Another way to break down the sterile look of concrete is to use wooden accents. The wooden beams on the ceiling add a touch of warmth to the interior, balancing the gray concrete. Another alternative is painted or patterned concrete to add character to the floor.
Contact us
Our masonry, hardscape, and paving experts serve all central and northern New Jersey including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Passaic, and Union Counties. Address 55 Terrill Road, Plainfield, NJ 07062. https://junsproservices.com
Contact us at 908-322-1533.