The Appeal of Honed Concrete: Why It’s the Favourite of Modern Architects and Designers

In the ever-changing world of design trends for the home, some materials gain incredible popularity and seem to have changed the game forever, only to lose favour and disappear into obscurity a few short months later. The same cannot be said for the subject of this article, which examines the reasons why honed (polished) concrete continues to dominate and remain a favourite material of modern architects and designers. If you’re looking for honed concrete solutions, the team at Fluid Concrete is here to help, and we never tire of discussing the virtues of this remarkably versatile material.  

Strength and durability

Due to the innovative way it is created and poured, honed concrete is among the hardest, most robust materials available anywhere. The meticulous polishing process removes undulations or unsightly lumps unless aggregate is deliberately included to give a textured surface. The finished result is akin to walking on marble and is among the toughest surfaces the construction industry can produce. It is more resistant to damage, stains, and general wear and tear and requires almost no maintenance to look new for decades.

The perception of quality

Potential home buyers are often delighted and impressed to find the use of honed concrete in any property they are considering. It is no exaggeration to say it can be the deciding factor for people on the fence. The finished effect gives a luxurious, unique feel that people find very appealing, and the incredible versatility of the process means it can be created to complement any stylistic choices and colour schemes perfectly.

Temperature regulation

Concrete’s ability to store the day’s heat and release it as the temperature drops means it seldom feels cold and unpleasant underfoot as alternatives can. Honed concrete can also help lower the air temperature of any well-ventilated space, as it draws heat from the air and holds it. 

Limitless design opportunities

Thankfully, the days of being restricted to ugly grey concrete are a thing of the past, and modern, honed concrete doesn’t resemble its ancestor in any meaningful way. The way it is prepared, mixed, poured, and polished makes honed concrete an incredibly versatile, attractive material to use. The colours and textures of anything mixed into the liquid or scattered on top once an initial layer has been poured will shine through once the polishing is complete. Although coloured stones, glass, and aggregate are the most typical additions, there is nothing to stop adventurous designers from adding anything from seashells to guitar picks or plastic building bricks. Honed concrete is infinitely customisable, and with a bit of imagination and the right concrete expert, you can create masterpieces of modern design to suit your overall theme or personalise specific areas perfectly. 

Other advantages of honed concrete

Some other significant advantages of honed concrete include:

• Suitability for wet areas—Although smooth and flawless, honed concrete is naturally slip-resistant, making it perfect for use in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and pool areas.
• Family use—Being hard-wearing and stain-resistant makes honed concrete perfect for family life. Pets cannot scratch it, the kids are less likely to slip when wet, and because it is so easy to clean, it will not harbour dust mites or other allergens.
• Affordability—Although it gives off a luxurious impression, honed concrete is surprisingly affordable in the grand scheme of flooring options.

Final thoughts

From its incredible durability, low maintenance, and endless visual appeal, we hope this article has changed your perceptions of this much-misunderstood material and highlighted why honed concrete is a game-changing addition to any home. Although the results are spectacular and long-lasting, creating quality honed concrete is complex and challenging. It is not recommended for amateurs and is much better left to experienced experts like those at Fluid Concrete. 

Contact us

Please contact us today to discuss your design ideas and concepts with our experts. We will gladly offer any information, advice, and guidance required and provide an obligation-free quote for our services.