Lacquered concrete floor as a new design trend
Over the years, interior design has seen a significant shift in its choice of materials, with a clear movement towards incorporating more unconventional and industrial materials into homes and workspaces. One of the standout materials in this shift is concrete, and more specifically, lacquered concrete flooring. This particular style of flooring has witnessed a surge in interest and popularity, and for good reasons.
One of the primary reasons people are drawn to lacquered concrete floors is the increasing popularity of industrial and minimalistic design aesthetics. The simplicity and raw appeal of concrete, enhanced by the glossy finish of lacquer, align perfectly with these design philosophies. The marriage of rawness and refinement offers a unique aesthetic that is both understated and elegant.
Additionally, the durability of lacquered concrete floors is a key factor in their rising popularity. These floors are hard-wearing and resistant to the rigors of daily life, including stains, water, and heavy traffic. The ease of maintenance, requiring just regular cleaning and occasional resealing, further enhances their appeal, especially for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish flooring option.
Concrete flooring also opens up vast possibilities for customization. Unlike traditional flooring options, the texture, color, and finish of concrete can be manipulated to suit individual tastes and needs. Each concrete floor has a unique character due to slight variations in texture and color, which can add depth and interest to a space. This level of customization offers an appealing prospect for those looking to create a truly personalized space.
In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is a pressing concern, the eco-friendly nature of concrete is another significant reason why it is garnering attention. As a material, concrete is incredibly sustainable, with its primary component, limestone, being abundantly available. Moreover, the thermal mass properties of concrete make it an excellent choice for energy-efficient homes.
Cost-effectiveness is another aspect that can’t be overlooked. While the initial cost of installing a concrete floor may be higher than other flooring options, the long-term benefits prove to be cost-effective. Given their durability, lacquered concrete floors can last for many years, significantly reducing the costs associated with repair or replacement of less durable flooring options.
Beauty of lacquered concrete floor
Let’s explore what contributes to the aesthetic appeal of a lacquered concrete floor:
1. Texture and Color:
Concrete on its own has a very distinctive texture and color. Its natural gray hue provides a neutral canvas that can complement a variety of design styles and color schemes. The texture of the concrete can add visual interest to a room, providing a subtle contrast to smoother or softer materials in the space.
2. Glossy Finish:
One of the key factors that makes lacquered concrete floors visually appealing is the glossy finish. The lacquer coating gives the floor a high-gloss appearance, which reflects light and adds a level of sophistication to the space. This reflective quality can also make rooms seem larger and brighter.
3. Uniqueness:
Every concrete floor is unique, with slight variations in color, texture, and finish. These variations can add character and depth to a space, making each lacquered concrete floor one-of-a-kind.
4. Versatility:
Lacquered concrete floors can be customized to suit individual preferences and the specific needs of a space. They can be stained or dyed to change the color, or textured to achieve a specific look. This versatility can contribute to their aesthetic appeal, as they can be tailored to complement a variety of design styles and personal tastes.
5. Simplicity:
The simplicity of a lacquered concrete floor can also be part of its beauty. With their clean, uncluttered appearance, these floors can provide a calm, grounding element in a space. They can serve as a neutral backdrop that allows other design elements in the room to shine.
6. Durability:
While not purely aesthetic, the durability of concrete can also contribute to its appeal. A well-maintained lacquered concrete floor can maintain its beauty for many years, even in high-traffic areas. This long-lasting quality can add to its aesthetic value, as it stays looking good for longer compared to other flooring options.
In conclusion, the beauty of a lacquered concrete floor can be attributed to a combination of its natural attributes, the glossy finish provided by the lacquer, and its versatility and durability. These factors together create a flooring option that is not only practical but also visually appealing.
Use of lacquered concrete floor in different design styles
Absolutely, let’s explore different interior design styles where a lacquered concrete floor can be used to great effect:
1. Industrial Style:
Industrial style is known for its raw, unrefined aesthetics, where the emphasis is on using materials in their bare, untreated form. This makes lacquered concrete flooring a perfect choice. The smooth, glossy finish of the lacquer adds a polished look, contrasting the rough, exposed elements typically found in industrial design, such as brick walls or metal fixtures.
2. Minimalist Style:
Minimalism thrives on simplicity and clean lines, where the mantra is ‘less is more’. A lacquered concrete floor complements this aesthetic due to its sleek, uncluttered appearance. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows minimalist furniture and art pieces to stand out. The reflective quality of the lacquer also adds a sense of spaciousness, enhancing the minimalist’s open, uncluttered space.
3. Modern Style:
Modern interior design emphasizes clean lines and a balance of form and function, making lacquered concrete floors a fitting choice. Their sleek, glossy finish aligns well with the modern aesthetic, while the concrete’s durability and ease of maintenance make it practical for modern living. Whether paired with bold, graphic elements or softer, neutral tones, lacquered concrete floors can work seamlessly in a modern setting.
4. Scandinavian Style:
Scandinavian design is known for its cozy, yet minimalist approach, combining functionality with aesthetics. The natural, cool grey tone of lacquered concrete floors fits well with this style’s color palette, typically composed of whites, greys, blacks, and browns. The lacquered finish can provide a pleasing contrast to the warm, textured textiles often found in Scandinavian interiors.
5. Contemporary Style:
Contemporary style is all about what’s happening now, characterized by a trend-forward approach that’s continually evolving. Lacquered concrete floors, with their chic, polished look, fit right in. This style often involves a mix of textures and materials, and the smooth, reflective surface of a lacquered concrete floor can provide an intriguing counterpoint to other textures in the room, such as plush rugs or upholstery.
6. Eco-friendly/Green Style:
An eco-friendly or green design focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and materials. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacement and waste. Moreover, by choosing a low-VOC lacquer, one can further minimize environmental impact, making lacquered concrete flooring a viable option for this style.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of lacquered concrete flooring. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with its practical benefits, makes it an attractive choice for many design styles. However, the best way to decide if it’s right for your home is to consider your personal style, living habits, and the specific needs of your space.
How to install a lacquered concrete floor
Let’s dive into the process of creating a lacquered concrete floor. There are several key steps involved in this process, and each one requires a particular set of skills and tools.
1. Surface Preparation:
Before you can start installing a concrete floor, the first step is to prepare the area. This means clearing any existing flooring or debris and ensuring the base floor is clean, dry, and level. Any existing irregularities might require the use of a self-leveling compound to create a smooth surface.
2. Pouring Concrete:
Once the floor is prepped and ready, it’s time to pour the concrete. It’s crucial to mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best result. Once mixed, it’s poured onto the prepared surface and then spread out evenly using a screed, a long, flat tool designed for this purpose.
3. Curing the Concrete:
After the concrete is spread evenly, it needs time to cure. This is a vital step as it allows the concrete to harden and gain its strength. Curing time can vary depending on the mix and environmental conditions, but it’s typically between 24 to 48 hours.
4. Sanding the Floor:
Once the concrete floor has fully cured, it’s time to sand it. This helps to smooth any rough patches and get rid of any imperfections. The best tool for this job is a concrete grinder, which can be rented from most home improvement stores. It’s recommended to wear safety gear like masks and gloves during this process because it can create a lot of dust.
5. Cleaning the Floor:
After sanding, the floor needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove all dust and debris before applying the primer and lacquer. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner and a damp mop.
6. Priming the Floor:
Next, a primer is applied to the floor. The primer helps the lacquer adhere to the concrete better, creating a stronger and more durable finish. It’s important to let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.
7. Applying the Lacquer:
The final step in the process is applying the lacquer. It’s generally recommended to apply at least two to three coats of lacquer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The lacquer not only adds a glossy finish to the floor but also acts as a sealant, protecting the concrete from wear and tear.
8. Drying and Curing the Lacquer:
After the final coat of lacquer has been applied, it needs time to dry and cure properly. This can take a few days depending on the specific product used and the environmental conditions. Once fully cured, the floor is ready to be walked on.
Each step of this process is crucial for achieving a beautiful and durable lacquered concrete floor. It requires patience and careful attention to detail, but the result is a unique and stylish floor that can be a great addition to any home or business.
Conclusion: Why choose a lacquered concrete floor
Lacquered concrete flooring, with its unique blend of industrial rawness and polished elegance, is a rising star in modern interior design. Its aesthetic appeal aligns with trending design philosophies, and its customization possibilities allow for distinct personal expression. From a practical perspective, it’s durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly. Though the initial cost may be higher, its longevity makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
In conclusion, lacquered concrete flooring offers a trendy, durable, and sustainable flooring solution that can enhance any space, making it a worthwhile consideration in contemporary interior design.