Today – 8 Disadvantages of Back Garden Concrete Flooring
Plain concrete slabs have for many years served as the go-to flooring material for utility, basements, patios, and garages all over Britain. However, concrete today happens to be one of the most viable materials used in the back gardens of many modern homes. It can be found in stained, etched, or polished form depending on the effect the homeowner wants to achieve.
Disadvantages of Back Garden Concrete Flooring
But as is the case with any other flooring material in the market, concrete has its pros and cons. Salesmen and installers will normally focus on its advantages when trying to get you to make a purchase. But the sad reality is that these people will never tell you about its drawbacks. This article seeks to provide you with 8 disadvantages of Back Garden concrete flooring.
The Cons of Back Garden Concrete Flooring
Durability and design flexibility are the two primary benefits associated with concrete floors. But despite the two being its outstanding features, you cannot ignore its many drawbacks which include the following
-
Hardness of back garden concrete floors
Its durability and strength are some of its best features, but they can in some cases prove to be a serious liability. A block of concrete tends to have a very hard surface. This means that falling on it will seriously injure a person. Additionally, any item that may be dropped on its surface may easily end up cracking or becoming shattered.
It is the sole reason why concrete flooring is not recommended for an area that is frequently used by the homestead occupants. It should also not be used in an area where elderly people and toddlers are likely to spend most of their time. This will also include the kitchen area where dishes are likely to be held.
-
Discomfort
Concrete is traditionally hard which means that standing on it for extended durations of time is likely to be uncomfortable. The truth is that no matter how long you stand on it; concrete will not yield in any way. What will happen is that your legs and feet will ultimately end up paying the price.
-
Coldness of Back Garden Concrete Flooring
Coldness is yet another drawback associated with the use of concrete flooring in the back garden area. Concrete does not possess any insulating value. For this reason, you can expect the surface to be chilled during the cold winter mornings. The only way to avoid the chilly effect would be to install it together with a floor heating system.
-
It Is Susceptible to Moisture
Proper sealing of the bottom and top surfaces are required when dealing with a concrete floor. Failure to seal it will mean that moisture will be able to easily penetrate it, especially when the contractor installs it on bare soil. Concrete has cool temperatures that can also cause moisture to start condensing when the weather conditions are humid.
If a liquid is able to find its way through the concrete floor pores, then there is a likelihood that mildew will start to sprout on the flooring. If the home environment is too cold, you should be worried about the moisture expanding after becoming frozen. The expansion will cause it to begin cracking your flooring.
-
Slipperiness & the disadvantages of back garden concrete flooring
Buffing or polishing concrete makes it slippery. The surface will become even more slippery when it is wet. Concrete flooring that is highly susceptible to this includes the one in your back garden, entryway, bathroom, and in the kitchen.
-
Environmental Concerns
The use of a concrete slab that is already present as a floor surface does not require the use of new materials. However, installing new concrete flooring will require manufacturing to occur. The manufacturing process is known to use lots of energy while at the same time producing copious carbon dioxide amounts.
If you are an eco-conscious homeowner, the installation of a new concrete flooring may lead to a setback in environmental conservation efforts. The best thing to do would be to consider an eco-friendlier option that will not lead to environmental degradation.
-
Colour & the disadvantages of back garden concrete flooring
Another disadvantage to using concrete flooring on your back garden is colouring. The concrete slab does not come in any other colour except grey. This means that your decorating and colouring options are greatly affected as it makes it harder for you to customize the appearance of your home. You will end up spending more for you to change its colour.
-
Prone to Cracks
While concrete flooring is low maintenance, it does have the tenacity to develop cracks after a few years. Patchwork will need to be done for the cracks to be eliminated. But while patching is effective, it does leave behind a big ugly mark that is not easy to conceal regardless of how hard you may try.
Advantages of Composite Decks
Close to forty million decks in the United Kingdom have been projected to be more than two decades old. Some of them have even started to display aging signs. If you own one of these decks, it may be time for you to start looking into materials you would like to use in your next installation.
While wood and concrete flooring were once the revered materials when it came to outdoor spaces, composite decking is increasingly becoming the preferred material. It is designed to offer lasting beauty, easy maintenance, and incredible durability. It delivers all the beauty of concrete flooring and wood without the disadvantages mentioned earlier.
The modern homeowner wants to spend their free time in their back garden relaxing as opposed to maintaining their outdoor spaces. Composite decking boards are loved by many due to their ability to withstand day-to-day wear as well as the weather elements. The fact that the boards are made from recycled materials means that they are ideal for eco-conscious homeowners.
The following are the top advantages of using composite decking in your back garden
-
Durability
Decking boards are designed to provide maximum durability. The board is able to resist warping, fading, cracking, staining, scratching, and even the growth of mildew. The boards are additionally splinter-free and insect-proof which makes them the safer option for homes with pets and small kids.
-
Low Maintenance
With this type of decking, you will never again have to worry about painting, staining, or sanding. All you need to clean the back garden area is a bucket of water and a cleaning detergent. Regular cleaning will ensure that the deck gets to retain its beauty for years to come. And all this without having to spend hundreds of pounds on its maintenance.
-
Aesthetics
Back garden decking features high-definition wood-grained patterns and saturated colours that help to provide it with a more natural look. Some of the colour options available to homeowners include pristine greys, tropically-inspired boards, spicy reds, and earth tones. It all depends on the kind of look you want to have in your outdoor living area.
Value vs disadvantages of back garden concrete flooring
While its initial cost is bound to be high, chances are that the deck will pay for itself in the next ten years or so. All you need to do is compare its maintenance costs with that of wood or concrete flooring and note the difference in the costs.
8 Disadvantages of Back Garden Concrete Flooring is a feature post –
Additional resources
you might also like my post on how to save money on your garden re-design
