In 2021, the average cost to refinish a hardwood floor is between $6 and $8 per square foot. Polished concrete floors don't scratch from pet claws or require frequent maintenance, so there's no flooring repair cost when selling a house or turning over a rental property.
It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch. Life-Span. A properly installed, sealed and maintained polished concrete floor can be expected to last a hundred years or more in even the harshest commercial environments.
Harsh liquids such as solvents, soft drinks, vinegar or corrosive acid based liquids may eat away at the floor's protective finish. Left untreated, these liquids will continue to damage the floor even after the affected spots feel dry to the touch.
This is another reason why concrete is such a great choice for dogs of all sizes – it's indestructible. The cost and headache of cleaning and repairing carpets, hardwood flooring and even decking and lawn is unnecessary and the concrete is virtually scratch resistant when installed and sealed properly.
Please do not use abrasive, acidic or harsh cleaning agents on your polished concrete. Cleaning or scrubbing the floor surface with such agents may cause damage. Do not polish the floor with any wax cleaners or buffers and the use of steam-mops is not recommended.
It is possible to scratch polished concrete flooring, even in residential properties particularly if they are a coating system or grind and seal. Depending on the quality of sealer used and how well the floor is treated is how long the floor will last looking good without scratches and scuff marks.
We highly recommend that you arrange with your builder to Ramboard laid 24 hours after your concrete polish is completed. Ramboard is a breathable cardboard available from , and it costs approximately $3.20 per m2. This temporary floor product protects against scratches, chips, and general staining.
Dogs that are frequently walked on pavement or concrete may be able to go a bit longer between nail trims, because walking on a hard, rough surface can help file the nail. Dogs that are inactive or do not spend any time on hard surfaces may even need nail trims a bit more frequently, such as every three weeks.
Remember that if asphalt and cement can get hot enough to cook an egg during the summer or if it feels way too hot for you to leave your hands comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, it can result in nasty burns on your dog's paw pads. This is especially true if you have a new puppy with tender young paws.
Vinyl is our top choice, but laminate is also an excellent option. If you have a bit more money to spend, you can consider tile, which is more expensive than vinyl or laminate flooring but offers similar dog-friendly characteristics like water and scratch resistance.
Mechanically polished concrete can last up to 10-12 years without any major maintenance if it is appropriately installed and maintained during that time.
If you're looking for sustainable materials to use in your home, polished concrete is a great option because: Recycled materials can be used to manufacture concrete. It has a long life – meaning you're less likely to need to replace your floor for many years.
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
Although a polished concrete floor isn't a “No-maintenance” flooring option, they are certainly “low-maintenance.” That's why when it comes to teaching new clients how to maintain a polished concrete floor that's installed in their home or business, we typically offer the following advice.
Getting concrete floor coatings or a decorative concrete overlay is not a luxury – it's an investment that can pay off over time. Not only will the investment improve your enjoyment of the home and reduce your maintenance, but it will also improve the value of your home.
Choose the right materials
Instead, you should consider a stone like pea gravel, limestone or gravel chips, as well as screenings as the base of the dog run. These materials are not only soft on your dog's paws, but it also provides the right amount of drainage needed for the area.
Dogs scratch on the floor for a variety of reasons, including boredom or frustration, anxiety, attention-seeking behavior, wiping their feet, giving themselves a paw-dicure, separation-related problems, breed-specific behavior, or claiming something as theirs through scent.
The sweat that is released from special glands on the bottom of the paws is a unique scent that is enhanced when your dog scratches at the ground or floor. When this scent is released it serves as a means for your dog to claim their territory. The most simple reasoning behind this scratching behavior is entertainment.
Covering the claws on the paw(s) that a dog drags can help protect them. The vinyl that Soft Paws® claw caps are made out of become a barrier between the nail and the ground, so they become the structure that is worn down. This can help protect the claw itself from becoming damaged, worn down to the quick, and painful.
Dogs need their nails clipped on a regular basis, approximately every 3-4 weeks; however, it is common for owners to wait too long in between trimmings which can lead to a number of health issues for the animal. For cats, a routine claw trimming every 10-14 days will keep your pet healthy.
Many dogs do not like having their nails trimmed and some are outright petrified. Dogs can be taught to file their own nails using a nail board. Dogs learn to scratch on the board using a scratching or digging motion. Nail boards can be purchased, or hand made using a board, duct tape, and coarse or medium sandpaper.
Keeping your floors dust-free is as simple as a nightly sweep with a microfibre mop. If you don't have one of these, a cotton or soft bristled broom will also do the job. Then, once a week, go over the area with a damp mop. This will remove any residual dust and really get your floors shining again.
If you have a high amount of foot traffic or perhaps severe weather conditions(for outdoor concrete), you may experience a shorter lifetime. Sealing your polished concrete may also depend on the surfaces condition. Once they start showing patchy areas and are staining easily then you should have them resealed.
Additionally, polished concrete can provide a seamless look between inside and out, plus it's also easy to clean and low-maintenance too. A pH-neutral cleaner can be used to give your floors a deep clean or a quick mop twice a week, but concrete should definitely be sealed to give the best performance.