Most people associate modern entryways with clean lines and open spaces. Although tiles and hardwood are popular options for entryways, they can quickly wear out and make your entryway look tired or need costly repairs. Modern interior design has seen polished concrete rise in popularity due to its unique appearance, durability, and ease of maintaining.

What is polished concrete?

Polished concrete floors look just like any other concrete floor. After the concrete has been set, chemical densifiers are used to fill the concrete's pores. The concrete is then ground to a smooth surface using different levels of grit. The process is similar to the way you would sand the wood to achieve smoothness. Polished concrete is stronger and more resistant to staining than almost all other types of flooring.

Modern entryway with polished concrete

Modern interior design features clean lines, natural materials, and neutral colors. Some flooring options don't work well for modern entryways because of their minimalist focus, such as busy tiles or old carpet.

Wood is a popular option for modern interior design. However, it requires a lot of maintenance. Hardwood naturally deteriorates over time, particularly in high-traffic areas like the entryway. Hardwood floors will eventually need to be refinished or sanded after a few years.

For modern entranceways, polished concrete is the best choice. It is extremely durable and needs little maintenance, aside from occasional cleaning. A polished concrete floor can last up to 20 years if it is properly installed. Its simplicity compliments modern interior design's minimalism.

Customizing polished concrete

Polished concrete can be stained by homeowners to make it more personal. Staining concrete can be used to mimic the look of other flooring materials like granite and marble. Modern entryways can be made more spacious by using warm colors such as maple and dark walnut. A pearl gray stain, which helps concrete look like marble or slate, is another popular choice for modern and fluid design. This elegant choice is great for black furniture.

To create warmth in your home, you could pair wood-hued colors with polished concrete floors. You can achieve the same look as hardwood floors but without the need for costly upkeep by choosing lighter wood colors. Mocha stains add warmth and visual interest.

For polished concrete floors, homeowners who love dark floors will appreciate the elegance of a deep slate stain. You can mix some stains to make them almost black. Modern decorating uses slate-colored floors as a neutral to tie rooms together.

Professional installation is crucial for polished concrete

To polish concrete, a professional must be hired. Polishing concrete requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. A professional can assess your space and recommend the best way to upgrade or install your concrete floor.

The inspection of concrete floors that are already in place is the first step. Your installer will need to prepare the area for concrete pouring. Polishing concrete requires highly skilled heavy machinery.

Concrete staining can be difficult for DIY-ers and novices. Concrete professionals are skilled at mixing colors to achieve the perfect shade for each client. To properly stain concrete, you need to be a professional.