A polished concrete hearth is a beautiful and durable addition to any home. Not only does it add a modern touch to your space, but it is also a low-maintenance option that will last for years to come. If you're considering a polished concrete hearth for your home, here are ten things you should know.
What is a polished concrete hearth?
Let's start with the basics. A polished concrete hearth is a fireplace hearth made from concrete that can be polished to a high gloss. This process involves grinding and smoothing the surface with finer and finer grades of diamond pads, then buffing and sealing the surface to accentuate the shine and protect the hearth from stains and scratches. Polished concrete hearths can be made to fit almost any size of fireplace.
2. It is durable
One of the main advantages of a polished concrete hearth is its durability. This makes it an excellent choice for a fireplace hearth, where it will be exposed to heat and potential damage from logs and other materials. Even if it gets inadvertently knocked as you place another log on the fire during a winter;'s evening, it's extremely unlikely to betray the collision on its surface.
3. It is low-maintenance
Another benefit of a polished concrete hearth is that it is low-maintenance. Unlike other hearth materials, such as stone or brick, concrete is relatively easy to clean. Simply wiping it down with a damp cloth to get rid of any smoke and soot is usually enough to keep it looking its best (although remember to use a non-abrasive cloth to avoid scratching the surface).
4. It is customisable
Here's where a polished concrete hearth really comes into its own. A bespoke concrete hearth can be designed and installed to suit your personal style and preferences, and the dimensions of your fireplace. You can choose from a range of colours, finishes, and textures to create a unique and personalised look for your fireplace. Additionally, you can add decorative elements, such as patterns, borders or edge forms to further enhance the design. When you work with a bespoke concrete specialist, you collaborate on a one-of-a-kind piece that fits perfectly into your home.
5. It can be stained
If you want to add even more colour and depth to your polished concrete hearth, you can opt to have the surface stained. Staining can be used to create a natural stone or marble-like appearance, or to add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral space.
6. It is recyclable
Your polished concrete hearth will last a long time, decades even. However, if your interior design changes and you opt for something different around the fireplace, your concrete hearth does not have to go into landfill. It can be ground up and reused to make paths, retaining walls or as aggregate for new concrete.
7. It can be slippery
One thing to be aware of with a polished concrete hearth is that it can be slippery, especially when wet. This is something to consider if you have young children or pets who may be running around the fireplace area. However, there are options available to add a non-slip surface to the concrete, such as using a sealant or adding texture to the surface. Plus, of course, not all hearth designs require an extensive flooring portion. Working with a bespoke concrete designer will ensure you have a design that works for all the family.
8. It requires professional installation
Installing a polished concrete hearth is not a DIY project. It requires specialised equipment and expertise to ensure that the concrete is properly poured, levelled, and polished to create a smooth and even surface. Our team of concrete craftspeople have just that expertise.
9. It can be a bit more expensive
It's true, a polished concrete hearth can be more expensive than other hearth materials, such as tile or stone. However, the durability and longevity of concrete make it an investment that really pays off in the long run.
10. It can add value to your home
Finally, a polished concrete hearth can add value to your home. The modern and stylish look of a polished concrete hearth is appealing to a lot of people, and the durability and low-maintenance nature of concrete can be a selling point. Additionally, a customised and unique polished concrete hearth can make your home stand out in a competitive housing market.
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Beautiful, durable and customisable to your aesthetic and the needs of your space, a concrete hearth is a great addition to any home. Talk to us today to start planning your concrete hearth.