Polished Concrete Floors – New Hot Trend in Uptown, Midtown and Downtown
NYC has been the leader in interior design trends for many decades, which is why architects and designers around the world take notice of what’s popular in Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown New York. When it comes to floor treatments, polished concrete has become the number one choice in all of New York City. It’s beautiful and durable, so it’s no wonder it’s everywhere in the Big Apple. Yet many New Yorkers may be surprised that the sophisticated stone floors in Madison Avenue’s most elegant shops and some of Broadway’s legendary theater lobbies are actually polished concrete.
New technological improvements and decorative innovations have turned the old concrete floor into a high-end design option that many businesses prefer over stone, wood or tile. Because polished concrete can look like expensive materials like granite, marble, or slate, but it’s less expensive and more durable, it gives New York City businesses the financial edge they need in these tough times.
Every business in New York has to stand out if it’s going to get noticed. Real estate is expensive, so small spaces have to yield big results and since New York City is a walking city, floors get heavy and heavy-duty. A trendy Soho studio loft should maintain an edgy style, but it should also look good and be easy to maintain. The atrium and hallways of the world’s leading financial institutions must project an air of dignity and distinction during New York’s sweltering summers and snowy, muddy winters. When the doorman opens the ornate doors of a New York hotel or high-rise building, the floor that is revealed must be magnificent both early in the morning and late at night for the city that never sleeps.
Polished concrete is so versatile that it works in all types of buildings throughout New York City, and just like the great actors who perform on Broadway, it can take on many roles. If the floor is new or the existing concrete slab is in good condition, stain can be added and the surface polished with specialized machinery. These stains come in a wide range of colors, so they can be combined with almost any color scheme.
Self-leveling concrete and concrete overlays can be added to the existing surface to expand design options. Self-leveling concrete is used to correct damaged or uneven floors and ranges from ¼” to 1″ thick. Overlays are generally thinner. A textured coat can be placed over wet concrete to produce various effects that mimic natural stone. Top surface can be saw cut to create the illusion of tile, brick or patio stone. Terracotta, glass or colored chips can also be added to wet concrete to produce even more design options.
In NYC individuality is essential. Each polished concrete floor has its own unique and subtle patterns, making each floor unique. Of course, New York is also a historic city. Thousands of old and classical buildings are part of the urban landscape. When these structures are remodeled, designers try to respect the existing structure and materials. Since the polished concrete uses the existing cement base, the integrity of the interior design is easy to honor. It’s also an environmentally smart choice. By using existing material, it is not necessary to use wood, petroleum-based products or other resources. No toxic or expensive chemicals are needed to clean polished concrete either. Cleans up great with just soap and water.
Finally, no discussion of New York City interiors would be complete without mentioning top designers. Custom colors and designs are now available for polished concrete. Since each floor is individually designed, homeowners and designers can infuse each floor with their own aesthetic vision.
Visitors and residents of New York City no longer just look up at the skyscrapers, now they also look down and admire the polished concrete that adds to the rhythm and splendor of the Big Apple.
