Simply put, a polished concrete floor does not release VOCs that can be harmful to you nor your pets.
When it comes to pets, especially dogs, concrete flooring is an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor areas. For outdoor use, honed concrete and exposed aggregate are both great choices. For indoor use, polished concrete is commonly used in homes with pets.
Over time it is almost impossible to mask. It's a smell you may not notice yourself because you live with it every day – but your visitors will notice. Dog urine can also stain the surface of carpet, laminate, timber and even grout. Polished concrete, however, is resistant to all the nasty odours and stains!
This is because acid-stained concrete, with its unique composition, hallmarked by a continuous, uninterrupted surface, and clear, durable, chemical-resistant, protective sealer, offers no place for pet “leavings” to hide, accumulate, or absorb into.
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.
Cons of Polished Concrete Floor
It can be hard underfoot and if something was accidently dropped, such as a plate or glass, it's not going to survive. Cracking: No matter how well your flooring is installed and sealed, over time there will appear cracks in polished concrete floors.
Hard. The strength and durability of this material can also be a drawback as the surface is very hard, so it won't cushion or “give” under feet, making it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
Concrete is made from a durable and scratch resistant solution. Once it is sealed, your floor will be impenetrable to scratches from your pet. Another great reason to have concrete floors is that they don't trap dander, mites, or fleas.
Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring option for families with pets. Luxury vinyl tile and vinyl sheet are highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to moisture, scratches and dents. They are also easy to maintain. Vinyl tile is easy to clean, easy to install and affordable.
Concrete is porous. When urine lands on a concrete area, it bonds tightly to the concrete as it dries, penetrating deep within its pores. This can make odor removal particularly difficult. That terrible stench lingers long after the liquid has been absorbed, and can last months unless treated properly.
Cleaning your polished concrete floors
You can sweep, vacuum, or wipe with a dry mop – any of these methods will be sufficient to keep the surface of your polished concrete clean.
Polished concrete provides an environment that is resistant to damage from chemical and oil spills, as well as, slip and water resistant. Water-resistance is a special and important quality when you have concrete floors because concrete is naturally a very porous substance.
So generally speaking, your polished concrete should not get stained easily. But please keep in mind that when spills occur, the more quickly you clean up the spills, the less likely the spills are to stain your floor.
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.
Polished Concrete Floor Lifespans
With professional concrete installation, a proactive polished concrete floor maintenance plan, and occasional deep cleaning, a polished concrete flooring system can last 20 years or more with minimal hassle.
Polished concrete floors are very durable and with proper maintenance will last you a lifetime. Tiles are also durable but they're a little more fragile in comparison to concrete. If you drop something heavy on a tiled floor, it's likely to crack and chip.
Vinyl Tile Offers Durable Flooring for Pets That Pee
Vinyl is a favorite flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms and also makes great flooring for dogs that pee, as it's very resistant to liquids and easy to clean. Vinyl is also soft underfoot, making it a comfortable surface for dogs to relax or walk on.
Many DIY kennels have concrete floors, but the material is hard on dog joints and can lead to skeletal problems. Far better flooring options include rubber, epoxy, plastic, vinyl, and engineered wood. Each of these has its pros and cons. For example, epoxy floors are shock, fire, and water-resistant.
Reasons to Trim Dog Nails
Many times, we hear: “I have hardwood floors and my dog's nails are driving me up the wall!” Dogs that run or walk on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt are able to wear down their nails. However, many dogs either spend most of their time indoors on carpet or run around in grass.
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.
One of the recurring maintenance items that can be tricky is keeping your dog's nails trimmed. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from frequent walks on concrete sidewalks, but if your dog primarily gets their exercise outside, their nails may need to be trimmed as much as once a week.
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.
Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction. In 2022, a typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 a square foot.
Polished concrete floors can save you money
Polished concrete is about half the cost of the carpet or epoxy floors, over a fifteen-year lifecycle, and if properly cared for (which is incredibly easy too, a light mopping with a mild cleaner or water once a week), can easily last twice as long.