Lummen: a second look inside
At Sven, the concrete floor has been in place since 2014. See how the gray sofa, cognac-colored armchair, and wooden furniture harmonize with the floor in the furnished home.
View this residential project →A calm base for your interior
Living concreteA polished concrete floor for your home
Living concrete is an on-site poured, polished concrete floor that itself forms the visible finish of your home. You choose a spacious floor appearance in the kitchen, living room, or entrance hall, with the color nuances of real concrete. Wood, brick, a sofa, and daylight together determine how the floor feels in your interior.
Glansbeton installs and polishes concrete floors for homes. Here you will find the choices that are important before execution: floor construction, underfloor heating, color, joints, and protection. You will also discover what influences the price and how our floors look in furnished homes, from a modern living space to a farmhouse.
Since 1997 polished concrete floorsSpecialized in quality finishes
Real homes. Real residential concrete.
A look inside homes with a concrete floor
From a modern living space to a renovated farmhouse: these homes show how a polished concrete floor blends with furniture, daylight, and daily use.
Leuven: kitchen and living area
In Leuven, the concrete floor runs through the kitchen and living room. The project photos show the floor together with the kitchen furnishings, so you can assess the relationship between color, furniture, and space.
View this residential project →
Kermt: warm terracotta color
This farmhouse in Kermt shows another side of residential concrete: a terracotta-colored floor combined with brick and wood. A concrete example for those who want to look beyond gray concrete.
View this residential project →What exactly is residential concrete?
By living concrete, we mean a cast-in-place, polished concrete floor for indoors. While the concrete sets, the surface is mechanically finished. The concrete itself then forms the visible floor.
This creates a calm whole without the repetitive pattern of small tiles. That does not mean the floor is completely jointless: the joint layout is part of the design.
Living concrete here describes the use of the concrete floor as a visible floor inside the house. Whether that floor also has a load-bearing function depends on the design. When comparing quotes, the full construction is therefore important: a thin concrete-look layer on an existing floor is a different system than the poured concrete floor we discuss here.
Living room
In the living room, a large part of the floor remains visible between the furniture. Therefore, when choosing a color, do not only look at an empty sample: place wood, a fabric sample from the sofa, and your wall color next to it. Sven’s seating area further down this page shows that interplay in a real home.
Kitchen
In an open kitchen, the same concrete floor can continue into the dining area. Before pouring, fix the position of the kitchen island, pipes, and connections. For protection, usage also matters: around the cooktop and sink, the floor more often comes into contact with grease, water, and spilled food.
New construction or renovation
In new construction, you include the concrete floor in the plans for insulation, heating, and finished floor height. In renovation, you start with the existing situation: which layers will be removed, which substrate remains, and how much build-up height is actually available? These data determine which execution is possible.
A conscious choice of material
The advantages and considerations of residential concrete
Living concrete appeals because of the calm floor image and the possibility to finish multiple rooms with the same material. To assess whether it suits your home, also consider the hardness of the floor, daily maintenance, and your expectations regarding color and wear marks.
A floor that connects spaces
An open kitchen and living room get a cohesive look with one flooring material. This can also work beautifully when the furnishing differs per room: a wooden dining table, a sleek kitchen island, and a soft seating area then stand on the same base. The location of the joints is included in the floor plan.
Suitable for years of use
With a polished concrete floor, the concrete itself is the visible finish. So you don't need to choose an additional tile covering to finish the floor. The project at Sven in Lummen, with a floor from 2014, shows how such a material choice is reflected in a furnished home. Use, protection, and maintenance remain decisive for how an individual floor ages.
Practical in daily life
Loose dirt can be swept or vacuumed without having to follow a fine pattern of tile joints. For mopping, choose a product that suits the applied protection. A doormat and suitable protection under movable furniture help to limit sand and friction. Further on, you will find the main maintenance agreements.
Color nuances are part of real concrete
A polished concrete floor is not a factory-printed floor with an identical pattern. The mixture, the application, and the light partly determine the appearance. Cloud-like nuances, differences in gloss, and signs of use can be visible. Anyone expecting a completely uniform color everywhere should discuss this in advance.
Joints and possible cracks
Concrete changes during curing and can also move later. The floor construction, reinforcement, joint layout, and execution are adapted accordingly. However, cracking cannot be completely ruled out. A crack is not automatically just an aesthetic detail: the nature and cause determine whether an assessment is necessary.
Protect against stains
Wine, coffee, oil, and acidic products require attention, even on treated concrete. Clean up spilled liquids quickly and do not use random descalers or acidic cleaners. Adapt the protection to the use and ask which products suit that treatment.
Living concrete in images
A concrete floor in various interiors
Preparing your budget
What does residential concrete cost per m²?
The price depends on the surface area, layout, and accessibility. A large open living space requires less edge work than the same area divided into small rooms. The floor construction, concrete pump, and protection also factor in.
| Price factor | What should you communicate? |
|---|---|
| Surface and layout | The number of m², the different rooms, and a plan with corners and connections. |
| Floor structure | Available build-up height, substrate, and plans for insulation and underfloor heating. |
| Appearance | Desired color, edge finishing, and expectations about the surface. |
| Construction site and execution | Construction site address, floor level, access for machines, and possible setup of mixer and pump. |
| Protection | The use of the spaces and the desired treatment after polishing. |
Compare the same tasks. Check whether concrete, reinforcement, pump costs, preparation, polishing, protection, and VAT are included in the price. A lower amount per m² says little when part of the execution is charged separately.
When submitting your request, also mention whether it concerns a ground-level house or an upper floor, and which preparatory works have already been planned. This way, the quote can match the actual assignment instead of an incomplete amount per square meter.
Have your floor project assessedRead more about what determines the price of a concrete floor.
New construction and renovation
Living concrete in new construction or renovation: floor construction and thickness
Start with the height of the finished floor. It must align with doors, thresholds, stairs, and the kitchen. Below that level, there must be enough space for the entire floor structure, including the intended insulation, pipes, and concrete layer.
View the function of each layer
The substrate, insulation, pipes, and concrete floor each have their function. We tailor the concrete floor to that construction. The substrate and any supporting structure must be able to bear the intended load.
A floor on ground level requires a different construction than a floor on an upper level. On an upper floor, weight and sound transmission must also be considered.
What thickness does your floor need?
The required concrete thickness depends on the substrate, load, reinforcement, and any underfloor heating. Where a calculation is necessary, the architect or structural engineer determines the thickness. We adjust the execution accordingly.
Renovation: measure up to the finished floor level
When renovating, indicate which floor is currently present, what will be removed, and how much height is available. Also consider the connection to stairs, exterior doors, and adjacent rooms. A new solid concrete floor is different from a thin finishing layer over an existing floor.
When renovating, check the available height in each room, including at doors and stairs. Send us a cross-section, measured heights, and photos of the connections.
Comfort starts with the design
Living concrete with underfloor heating
Living concrete can be installed together with underfloor heating. The concrete floor, pipes, and insulation must be designed as one floor construction. Coordinate this before the work with your designer, heating installer, and Glansbeton.
Fix the concrete thickness, location of the pipes, and joint layout on the plan. Also ask the heating installer when and how the heating may be started for the first time.
Record the pipe layout and keep the plan for the execution of joints and any later attachments. This way, no one has to guess where the pipes are located on the finished floor.
Concrete stores heat but does not warm up immediately with every thermostat change. Insulation and heating control partly determine comfort. Therefore, also discuss how you use the spaces.
Which color of living concrete matches your interior?
A light gray shade, a darker concrete floor, or a warm terracotta color each give a different accent to your interior. Look at the floor together with the kitchen fronts, the walls, and the wood you want to use. Which shade is achievable is adjusted to the concrete mixture and the chosen finish.
View a sample or test area in daylight and with your planned lighting. Place a cabinet front, wood sample, or wall color next to it. This makes your choice more concrete than a photo on a screen.
Want to see a warm color in a real home? Check out the terracotta concrete floor in the farm in Kermt and how it combines with brick and wood.
Combining concrete with wood, brick, and natural stone
A concrete floor suits both a sleek interior and a farmhouse or a home with exposed brick. Wood, soft fabrics, and a rug can bring warmth to the interior. With a terracotta tint or a calm gray shade, you emphasize different aspects each time.
Also see where concrete transitions into wood, natural stone, or another floor. These connections must be worked out in advance because materials can react differently.
Living concrete with wood and large windows
The photos show residential concrete with wooden furniture and large windows. Daylight and interior design influence how you perceive the color and gloss of the floor.
A continuous concrete floor in kitchen and living area
In this home, the gray concrete floor runs from the white kitchen to the dining table and fireplace. In the detail photo, you see the color nuances and joints. Discuss the joint layout in advance so that the lines match your interior.
How do you maintain a concrete floor in the house?
After completion, ask which treatment has been applied and what maintenance it requires. Keep the product information: it will be useful later when you want to tackle a stain or have the protection assessed. For daily maintenance, these are the most important habits:
- Regularly remove sand and other loose dirt.
- Clean up spilled liquids quickly.
- Use a cleaning agent suitable for the applied treatment.
- Discuss wear or increasing stain sensitivity before applying a new product yourself.
A treatment does not make concrete completely stain-free. Read more about protecting concrete and the difference between impregnation, coating, and curing.
From practice · Polished concrete
The character of real concrete
Daylight reveals the natural color nuances of the concrete. View the floor as a whole and coordinate the desired appearance with a sample or test panel.
Discuss the possibilities for your home →The finishing does not stop at polishing
Curing, concrete hardener, and protection: what is the difference?
Curing, a concrete hardener, and stain protection have different functions. Ask in your quote which treatments are provided and why.
Curing: care for the young concrete
Post-treatment or curing helps to limit too rapid drying of young concrete. The chosen method must fit the execution and any later treatments. A curing product is therefore not automatically the final stain protection of your living floor.
Concrete hardener: surface treatment
A concrete hardener treats the surface and can improve surface properties. It does not automatically replace curing or stain protection. The chosen product determines how and when it is applied.
In our extensive article about the function and application of concrete hardener we go deeper into this treatment.
Protection against daily use
An impregnation, sealer, or coating can be discussed depending on stain sensitivity and use. Which system fits also depends on the previous post-treatment and the desired appearance. Therefore, have documented what is planned, which maintenance products are suitable, and when an inspection or retreatment may be necessary.
Read more about curing and aftercare or about impregnation, sealing, and coatings.
From first plan to finished floor
- Tell what you want to achieve. Provide your plans, site address, surface area, and timing. Indicate whether it concerns new construction or renovation.
- Coordinate the execution. Discuss color, floor structure, joints, protection, and preparation. Record who performs which tasks.
- Schedule pouring and polishing. Accessibility and site conditions partly determine how the execution is organized.
- Make agreements about commissioning. Coordinate aftercare, protection, further construction work, and maintenance.
Also view our project with polished concrete floor in Ham or discover our services for concrete floors.
This is what residential concrete looks like during execution
Here you see the pouring and polishing. The color and gloss of fresh concrete are not yet the final result. Assess the finished floor at the agreed time after execution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Concrete
Is polished concrete the same as a poured floor?
Not necessarily. The word "poured floor" is used for different floor systems. On this page, it concerns a solid concrete floor whose surface is polished. Compare the material and the full construction in quotes.
Can a polished concrete floor crack?
Yes. A well-thought-out design, appropriate reinforcement, joints, and correct execution help accommodate the behavior of the concrete. A completely crack-free floor cannot be guaranteed.
Is polished concrete suitable for a bathroom?
That requires a separate assessment of water exposure, detailing, protection, and slip risk. A polished concrete floor or impregnation is not automatically a waterproof shower floor. Mention wet zones already in your request.
Is polished concrete suitable for children or pets?
That is possible when the execution and protection suit the use. Concrete is a hard floor and remains sensitive to certain stains and damage. Remove sand, use appropriate protection under furniture, and clean up spilled liquids quickly. Discuss your expectations about maintenance and signs of use in advance.
Also landscaping your outdoor space
Washed concrete for the terrace, driveway or garden path
Are you looking for a concrete finish for outdoors as well as residential concrete indoors? With exposed aggregate concrete, the stones on the surface become visible. The aggregates, color, and texture give a terrace or driveway a different character than the polished floor inside the house.
View both finishes together with your facing brick, exterior joinery, and garden design. Also pay attention to thresholds, floor heights, and drainage at the transition from inside to outside. Washed concrete is not automatically water-permeable: rainwater management is part of the design.
On our page about exposed aggregate concrete for terrace and driveway read how the installation proceeds, which choices determine the price, and what maintenance the outdoor floor requires. You will also find our project with cart tracks in Herk-de-Stad.
A look inside our customers' homes
More homes with a floor of Glansbeton
From a living area where life happens to a kitchen, loft or renovated farmhouse: discover how polished concrete looks in real homes. Click on a photo to view the full project.
At Sven in Lummen
A concrete floor from 2014, between the sofa, the wood, and everyday life.
Gepolierde traptreden in beton in Genk
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Betonvloer impregneren in Glabbeek
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Moderne binnenvloer in gepolierde beton in Leopoldsburg
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Moderne binnenvloer in gepolierde beton in Leopoldsburg
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Witte beton in de massa: van storten tot gepolierde woningvloer
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Terracottakleurige betonvloer in een hoeve in Kermt
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Betonvloer in een woning in Leuven: keuken en leefruimte
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Witte betonvloer in een woning: van afwerking tot nabehandeling
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Cementkleurige betonvloer in een rijwoning in Hasselt
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Woonbeton in een woning met stro-isolatie in Alt-Hoeselt
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Donkere betonvloer in een woning in Zeebrugge
View this project →Does polished concrete fit your plans?
Tell us about your home and the look you are seeking. Add your surface area, site address, plans, and desired timing. Glansbeton will review with you which execution fits technically and practically.
Choosing and caring for your polished concrete
The housing projects above show the result. This practical explanation helps you choose construction, finishing, and maintenance.
Concrete look or real concrete?
Compare the structure, appearance, and maintenance.
Concrete with underfloor heating
Coordinate floor construction and heating.
Protecting your concrete floor
What suits your floor: impregnating, sealing, or a coating?
How concrete hardener works
Explanation about the treatment of the concrete surface.
Coloring a concrete floor afterwards
What is possible and where are the limits?
Concrete in the garage
Points of attention for structure, finishing, and maintenance.
View the execution on our sites
Project photos show how a concrete floor is created. View these examples of our work.