Concrete kitchen flooring for restaurants has been around for many decades. It was once a popular option, but when other flooring materials became available in the 1990s, concrete lost some of its appeals. Concrete was deemed to be too heavy and cumbersome to install. Fast forward to 2022, and many things have changed in the world of concrete.

In the past, concrete flooring was installed in the garage basement, utility areas, and patios, but now it has become a viable option in kitchens and restaurants, where it can be etched, polished, or stained. In addition, the design options are numerous and diverse. 

If you want flooring that is solid and lasts a long time, nothing beats concrete floor restaurants. Owners of commercial businesses have started to realize that concrete has many other benefits compared to other flooring materials. Hence today, concrete is seeing a resurgence as a flooring material for restaurants, hotels, and eateries.

Why is Concrete a Good Flooring Option for Restaurant Kitchens?

No matter where the restaurant is located, chances are that it is very busy, especially the kitchen. Even when the front end of the restaurant is closed, the kitchen staff are busy preparing food for the day, cleaning, and ordering supplies. Besides the heavy foot and cart traffic 24/7, the kitchen also has its share of food, water, and oil spills. 

Furthermore, there is also heavy traffic from vendors who bring in supplies. At the end of the day, the kitchen goes through a thorough cleaning process, and all this means is that no matter what flooring you select, it must be able to withstand all types of physical and chemical abuse. Here are some reasons why you should consider concrete kitchen flooring for restaurants.

  1. Good aesthetics: There is no question about it; concrete is exceptionally beautiful, especially when polished; Plus, it is available in many styles and designs that can match any interior decor. You can even customize the concrete to match the brand identity. There are dozens of dyes and stains you can use to create flooring that you like. Finally, all concrete floorings have an option for polish/finish.
  2. Durable and tough: One of the top reasons why concrete floor restaurants is a good option for the kitchen is its toughness. Rest assured; you will never ever have to replace the flooring as long as you maintain it. Concrete kitchen flooring for restaurants is very durable and will easily last several decades with care. Even with all the food and oil spills, concrete is very resistant to stains and scratches. Concrete floor restaurants are not easy to damage and can withstand not only heavy foot traffic but also furniture legs, kitchen roller equipment, and all types of shoe wear. Finally, concrete will not easily be damaged when kitchen items drop on the flooring.
  3. Easy to clean: Concrete is one of the easiest floorings to clean. Regular vacuuming will remove all the dirt and debris. Any scuff marks can be removed with a detergent and warm water. There is no need for any exotic and expensive cleaning materials. The great thing about concrete is that cleaning usually restores the aesthetics of the flooring.
  4. Maintenance: To maintain your concrete floor restaurants, you may need to get it finished or polished every year or two, depending on the traffic intensity. However, beware that polishing concrete can make it extra slippery, so you may want to limit the polishing. 
  5. Moisture resistant: Concrete is porous, but today most concrete kitchen flooring for restaurant users has an extra surface coating that is moisture resistant. This is a major advantage when using concrete in a restaurant kitchen where it is hot and humid. By being moisture resistant, concrete will not grow mold or bacteria due to any food spills.
  6. Installation: Concrete is relatively easy to install, but it does require labor and time. Unlike other flooring materials, concrete needs to be laid out evenly, and it takes time to dry. Professional installation is recommended.
  7. Repair: If the concrete flooring gets damaged or cracked in one area, it isn’t difficult to repair it. You do not have to replace the entire flooring, but simply remove the damaged segment and replace the cracked area with new concrete. 
  8. More colors and textures: Unlike in the past when concrete was only available as dull slabs, today, one has the option of adding various colors and textures to the slab. Or you can opt for the more expensive geometric patterns where each slab is textured or stained in a different way to create a mesmerizing effect.
  9. Eco-friendly: Because concrete can be refinished many times, there is no need to install fresh concrete each time, which helps preserve the environment.

A Few Negatives

  1. Hard surface: Concrete is very hard and may not be very comfortable for people who are on their feet all day long.
  2. Cold: Concrete also feels cold, but in a kitchen where it is warm and humid, the cold flooring will serve as a blessing in disguise as it will keep the environment cool but comfortable.
  3. Slippery when wet: It can be slippery when wet or polished. Hence, it is important to get an anti-slip coating on concrete.
  4. Needs surface coating: Concrete itself is porous, and to keep the moisture out, it will need a surface coating or a good seal to make it moisture resistant.
  5. Cracking: Concrete flooring is susceptible to minor cracks and settling, but this problem can easily be fixed by a simple repair that consists of a patch, grind, and a refinish.
  6. Falls: While the strength of concrete is desirable, it can become a liability if a person was to fall on it. Concrete is very hard and can cause damage to the human body. Hence, in some areas, you may need to use thick rugs to pad the concrete and provide a cushioning effect against injury.

Concrete Installation

The installation is relatively easy, but first, one has to remove the existing flooring, be it carpet or vinyl. The concrete can be poured as a base. All types of coloring agents are available and can be mixed into the concrete before it is poured. Otherwise, the coloring or staining occurs after the concrete has been polished. The final step is to apply a concrete sealer to protect the surface. This treatment needs to be repeated at least every year or two.

What is the Cost of Concrete Flooring?

The cost to install concrete can vary because of the diverse finishing options. The cost can vary from $3 per square foot to $30 per square foot for high-end artistic designs. However, for most commercial kitchens, the basic designs will suffice, and the cost will range from $3 to $6 a square foot. 

CONCLUSION

Concrete kitchen flooring for restaurants is a good choice if you want something that will last a long time and suit your design style. Overall, the actual cost of concrete is low, especially if you consider the fact that it will last many decades, and you may never need another floor again. 

Speak to an East Coast Flooring & Interiors professional if you are considering concrete flooring in your restaurant’s kitchen. The company has been in the flooring business for many decades and can guide you to the best concrete floor restaurant choice for your business with the knowledge they have gained through the years.